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HOUSTON — Today, the Maize and Blue will face Washington in the National Championship Game; it marks the first time that the Wolverines have ever appeared in the title game, and could end the program’s nearly 30-year title drought. Here are a few key Michigan football injuries — such as defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny and offensive guard Zak Zinter — that could impact this evening’s game.

Michigan football injuries that could impact that National Championship Game

Today is the day that all Michigan football fans have been waiting for — the Wolverines will face off with Washington in the National Championship. Before the game, here are a few injuries to keep a close eye on as they may have an impact on the outcome of the game.

Zak Zinter

Michigan football will still be without team captain and All-American Zak Zinter, an offensive guard, who went down with a leg injury against Ohio State. In the Rose Bowl, Michigan’s offensive line appeared to do just fine, though it’ll be interesting to see if that remains the same against Washington in the National Championship this evening.

Rayshaun Benny

Earlier this week, we confirmed that sophomore defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny — who has seen key depth reps in all 14 of the Wolverines’ games thus far — will be missing the title game with a leg injury that he sustained against Alabama last Monday. While the team’s starters, like Kris Jenkins and Kenneth Grant, will be playing, Benny’s role as a depth piece will cast others onto the field this evening.

DJ Waller

DJ Waller, a five-time Team Defensive Freshman of the Week for Michigan football, was also listed on last week’s injury report. Seeing as Washington has some of the best wide receivers in the entire country, Waller’s status will be interesting to keep an eye on in the National Championship Game. Like Rayshaun Benny, Waller is a depth player, meaning Michigan’s depth will be tested if he is out today.

This article first appeared on Blue By Ninety and was syndicated with permission.

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