Desmond Howard would put Washington in College Football Playoff over Georgia, Alabama

Desmond Howard wants a do-over for his College Football Playoff prediction, and it’s because of the Washington Huskies.

Back before the season started, Howard picked both the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs to make the College Football Playoff. However, the Huskies have changed his mind, and the ESPN analyst claimed on Saturday that he wishes he could adjust, believing Washington is better than anything the SEC has to offer.

“When I look at the Washington Huskies, they’re like the college football version of the Miami Dolphins. I mean, they can score at will. They have a lefty, they have a southpaw in Michael Penix Jr. at the quarterback position,” Howard said. “I spoke to the OC Ryan Grubb earlier this week, and he talked about what Penix brings to the offense. First, he’s a sharpshooter with the ball in his hands, but even before that, he’s a guy who’s really cerebral. Understands the offense. Gets them in the right plays. I’m really impressed by Washington.

“If I had a chance to pick my four Playoff teams again, I don’t think I would pick an SEC team. I think I would put Washington over either Alabama or Georgia, because Washington right now, they’re playing to a standard. They don’t care who their opponent is. They’re going out there, kicking ass and taking names.”

While Alabama’s fallen a bit already in 2023 due to their loss to the Texas Longhorns, Georgia is still the top team in the country, and Pat McAfee wanted to remind Howard of that fact afterwards.

“Georgia’s still Georgia. I think we all agree with that. Carson Beck found it last week,” McAfee said. “But I think you are on the right track with this Washington team. Last year, we saw Penix do his thing, and then it kind of fizzled out.

“Comes back with another year. Comfort with offensive coordinator Grubb. … His accuracy is something that you can’t teach, you can’t find. Grubb is taking advantage of it. … They are lethal, and Penix has been beautiful this season.”

Regardless, Washington has been supremely impressive throughout 2023, and Michael Penix Jr. may be looking to book a ticket to New York, New York for the Heisman ceremony. If he continues to play at this level, the Huskies have a real shot at getting back to the Playoff.

Time will tell, but there’s a ton of hype behind the Washington Huskies, especially from Desmond Howard, and rightfully so.

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