ESPN analyst Booger McFarland was skeptical of Washington’s offensive ability to play “Big Boy Football” ahead of its matchup against Texas in the College Football Semifinals. He referred to the Huskies’ style of play as “basketball on grass” and predicted that the Longhorns would be the far better team in the matchup.

After Washington delivered a 37-31 victory last Monday with 532 total yards and over 36 minutes of possession, it was evident how the team felt about the statements made on ESPN.

“I just want to let ESPN know… Watch the film,” Huskies offensive lineman Troy Fautanu said. “Like just watch. All you’ve got to do is turn on the film and you’ll see so you guys don’t make the uneducated statements. Basketball on grass? Five hundred and thirty-two yards… I’ll see you in Houston.”

The Huskies’ offense is accomplishing something nobody outside of the Pacific Northwest believed they could do. Washington has scored 37.6 points per game this year, averaging 350 yards per game through the air and 123.6 yards per game on the ground. If this offense is known for playing “basketball on grass,” they do it better than any team in the nation.

Nobody has done what the Huskies’ offense has an opportunity to do with a National Championship victory.

Washington’s defense is ranked 54th in the country in scoring defense and 97th in total defense. Dating back to the FBS, the worst statistical defense to win a National Title was Auburn in 2010 when they had the 53rd scoring defense and 60th total defense.

There are also large comparisons between this team and 2019 LSU. LSU has had the worst statistical defense of any Championship team to win in the CFP era, ranking 32nd in scoring defense and 31st in total defense.

The Washington offense has been so elite, that with a win in Monday’s National Championship, they will have the lowest-ranked statistical defense of any National Champion in the history of College Football. And although the statistics overlook an underrated Husky defense that has come through in every clutch situation this season, it speaks volumes to what this offense is capable of on the field.

Michael Penix Jr has led the nation in passing yards for back-to-back seasons, a feat comparable to that of Patrick Mahomes in his collegiate days. Penix has completed 66.7 percent of his passes for 4,648 yards and 35 touchdowns on the year. He was only sacked 10 times, a testament to the Jim Moore award-winning offensive line that has allowed the Huskies to execute at the highest level.

Don’t sleep on the run game either. What was initially the biggest question mark for this roster turned into one of its strong suits, with Dillon Johnson leading the way with 1,162 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards per carry.

None of it is possible without the most elite receiving group in college football. Washington was the only FBS team with multiple 1,000-yard receivers on their roster due to the contributions of Rome Odunze (87 receptions, 1,553 yards, 13 touchdowns) and Ja’Lynn Polk (65 receptions, 1,122 yards, 9 touchdowns.)

Despite both receivers holding over a thousand yards on the season, their most complete receiver Jalen McMillan has also had a tremendous season when healthy, hauling in 39 receptions for 526 yards and four touchdowns. Washington’s three-headed monster in the receiving room may be among the best of any group in history.

There is so much talent on the offensive side of the ball, that the receiving group goes well beyond the core of the three NFL-caliber pass-catchers. Germie Bernard has also contributed in McMillan’s absence and beyond, hauling in 34 catches for 419 yards and two scores. He also has 13 carries for 43 yards and two touchdowns while running the football.

The passing attack goes beyond just the receivers for the Huskies. Tight end Jack Westover has delivered multiple clutch acrobatic catches in big situations that have allowed the Huskies to close out games. Westover has 41 receptions for 391 yards and four scores on the season.

A massive piece that has allowed Washington to thrive during this undefeated season is special teams. Grady Gross has been an excellent kicker for the Huskies, hitting all 62 of his extra-point attempts while finishing 16-20 on the season in field goals.

Beyond just the stats, the 2023 Washington Huskies have one of the most explosive offenses in college football history. Their ability to close out one-possession games shows the toughness and perseverance of this squad. With a National Championship victory on Monday, the Huskies have the opportunity to cement themselves in the history books as one of the greatest offenses in the history of the sport.

And it’s only the beginning of what will be a legendary career with Washington for head coach Kalen DeBoer.