Penix laments mistakes during CFP title loss: 'We beat ourselves'

Despite the lopsided 34-13 score during the CFP title game Monday, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. believes the result was more due to the Huskies' mistakes rather than Michigan's dominance.

"They're a good team. We just didn't execute in the moments when we needed to," Penix said postgame, according to Kyle Bonagura of ESPN. "It's just about executing. I don't feel like they did anything - I feel like we beat ourselves."

He added: "And there were times we definitely had opportunities to make big-time plays, to make the game a lot different."

Washington had opportunities in the second half to even the game, including four drives where the team only trailed by one score. However, the Huskies accumulated just 136 yards and three points in the final 30 minutes.

Penix finished the contest with 27 completions on 51 attempts for 255 passing yards and one touchdown. He also threw two interceptions: one on the first play of the second half, and the other with five minutes remaining and Washington down 14.

"I know what the score looks like, but I feel like that fine line was right there again tonight, and we weren't that far off," Huskies coach Kalen DeBoer said postgame. "There's not a doubt in my mind that we have a good enough football team to go out there and win a national championship. (We) just got to make a play here and there, get us over the hump, and (it) could have been a different outcome."

The Huskies had their 21-game win streak end Monday night. The school will leave the Pac-12 and enter the Big Ten next season.

Penix finishes the 2023 campaign with 4,903 passing yards, 39 total touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The 23-year-old is set to enter the 2024 NFL Draft.