And then there were two unbeaten teams remaining as the Washington Huskies face the Michigan Wolverines for the National Championship tonight at 4:30 in Houston. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.

Here is a look at the players who will determine who brings home the national championship trophy;

Michael Penix Jr.: While last week we got a shoot-out, as Texas and Washington moved the ball up and down the field, this week will be very different. Michigan simply does not have the fire power to go yard for yard with the Huskies when Penix is on. If Michael Penix can stay comfortable and continue to deliver throws to every corner of the field Michigan will be struggling early, and things could go south quickly if they can’t bottle up Penix. If Michael Penix plays at the top of his game the Huskies will win by two scores.

Troy Fautanu: He’s a first round pick for a reason, but this Michigan defensive line is a unit. They racked up six sacks against a loaded Alabama offensive line. The Wolverines will be looking to get after Penix without needing to blitz. If Fautanu and the rest of the line can hold up, the Wolverines will be forced to send pressure, if not, Penix will dice them up. But if they send pressure, there are too many talented players to not move the ball. The only way Michigan really holds the Huskies is if they can win 1 on 1s. But Fautanu doesn’t let that happen.

Rome Odunze: He’s been the talk of the country since his performance against Texas, and you can guarantee Michigan is taking notes. The Wolverines will likely have their top corner in Will Johnson following Odunze around the field. While I don’t think Johnson alone will stop Odunze the Wolverines will be using extra defenders to slow him down. Odunze’s impact will be felt in the big plays, opening the field when left 1 on 1, and making big chunk gains. Odunze’s performance will have a big effect on the outcome, whether he has a big day, or if the Wolverines take him out and leave someone else.

Ja’Lynn Polk: Polk has fully stepped into the role of WR2. He had arguably a bigger game than Odunze against Texas finishing just three yards behind Uno with a touchdown. Polk, and all the rest of the pass catchers, get set up to thrive when Rome Odunze is the center of attention. Ja’Lynn Polk is an NFL level talent that sees the number two corner following him. His talent and skill set, and the rest of the Husky weapons, make this air attack simply impossible to slow down. Expect to see Polk, and the rest of the crew making big plays when their number is called.

Bralent Trice: To go toe-to-toe with this Michigan front Bralen Trice will need another big game. The Michigan O-Line has been great, but not top of the pack, 19 sacks this year shows that they are definitely better than Texas, but Trice will still be getting pressure. Unfortunately this is a game that pressure won’t mean much. When the Wolverines do drop back to pass it will be quick releases. If Trice gets sacks Michigan will be behind the chains and have to throw the ball. Trice’s job will be to make plays to keep Corum from getting the ball.

Edefuan Ulofoshio: When Blake Corum does get the ball the Huskies have to tackle. Ulofoshio led the team in tackles against Texas, and needs to keep that up against Michigan. The Wolverines will be looking to keep the football, and wrack up time of possession to keep Penix off the field. If the Huskies can get stops, and make running the ball a struggle then Michigan will have to rethink their game plan in the championship, that’s on Ulofoshio and the linebackers.

Jabbar Muhammad: Michigan is going to try and win this game by holding on to the ball. They will run the ball as much as they can and beat down the Huskies defense. When the ball is in the air UW needs to make plays, every extra drive is going to count in a game where Michigan will be holding on to the ball. Jabbar Muhammad has been the leader of this secondary and they will be looking towards him to make a big play, and get a takeaway to give the Huskies a chance to take control.

Blake Corum: The key to this Wolverine offense is the running back. Blake Corum has been dominant since he put on a Wolverine uniform and now he gets one last chance to bring them a title. The ball will be in his hands all night as Michigan will look to punish the Husky front. Corum will be probably the second most said name of the game (behind Penix) as his performance will have a huge impact to who wins. The Huskies should be selling out to stop him, but they have struggled against the run, and Michigan knows that.

Linebackers: The Wolverine pass rush dominated Alabama in the Rose Bowl, and are looking to take on the challenge of the Joe Moore award winning offensive line. The battle between Michigan’s pass rush trying to pressure Penix, and the Huskies O-Line trying to stop them will be one of the most important of the game. Whoever wins this battle will likley be in control when the Huskies have the ball. If Michigan gets pressure, the Huskies will be scrambling, but if not, Penix will be imposing his will.

Will Johnson: He’s the man that will be tasked with taking on Rome Odunze. The Wolverine’s top corner is going to need the game of his like to stop the nations most dominant receiver. If he can’t even slow Odunze in one-on-one the Huskies will be going at him all night, and when help finally arrives then the rest of the field will get ripped apart by Penix and the offense. But if Johnson does stop Odunze someone will have to step up in a huge way if the Huskies want to keep up pace.