HOUSTON (AP) — Michigan’s football coach, Jim Harbaugh, proudly lifted the championship trophy as gold and white confetti rained down on his team, celebrating their victory in the College Football Playoff. It was a triumphant moment for Harbaugh, who had faced high expectations when he took over as head coach nine years ago at his beloved alma mater. Despite facing suspensions and a sign-stealing case that cast a shadow over the program, Harbaugh and the top-ranked Wolverines secured the national title with a dominant performance, defeating No. 2 Washington 34-13.
The journey to the championship was not without its challenges. Michigan faced off-field issues, but Harbaugh and his players stood strong and maintained their innocence. Harbaugh expressed his pride in the team’s resilience in the face of adversity. The Wolverines’ season unfolded exactly as they had hoped, culminating in a well-deserved national championship.
Michigan’s victory was sealed by running back Blake Corum, who rushed for 134 yards and scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns. Corum’s performance, coupled with the Wolverines’ stout defense, proved too much for Washington to handle. The Huskies’ prolific passing game, led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr., was stifled by Michigan’s defense, which intercepted Penix twice and held him to just one touchdown.
Harbaugh, once a quarterback for Michigan himself, was hailed as the driving force behind the team’s success. The victory was a testament to his ability to build a team that embodied the spirit of the university. The Wolverines’ ground-and-pound offense ran over Washington, racking up an impressive 303 rushing yards. Harbaugh commended his players, who he referred to as “Michigan men,” for their exceptional performance throughout the season.
The game had its moments of tension, with Washington showing resilience in the face of a potential blowout. However, Michigan held on to their lead and sealed the victory with a late touchdown by Corum. The win was especially meaningful for Corum, who missed the College Football Playoff the previous year due to a knee injury. He was named the offensive player of the final national title game before the playoff expands to 12 teams next season.
Michigan’s path to the championship was not without controversy. The program faced an NCAA investigation into potential rule violations related to in-person scouting and video equipment usage. Although the investigation is ongoing, the Big Ten conference took swift action by suspending Harbaugh for the final three games of the regular season. Despite the adversity, Michigan emerged as a dominant force, proving that they could not be stopped.
As the confetti fell and the celebrations ensued, Harbaugh basked in the glory of finally winning a national championship. Surrounded by his 84-year-old father, Jack, and his team, Harbaugh expressed his joy at no longer being the only coach in the family without a national title. The victory marked a historic milestone for Michigan, becoming the first college football program to achieve 1,000 victories.
The question now lingers whether this championship will be Harbaugh’s last as the head coach of Michigan. With rumors of a potential return to the NFL, Harbaugh’s future remains uncertain. However, for now, he plans to savor the moment and enjoy the team’s remarkable accomplishment. Michigan’s victory will forever be etched in the history books as they solidify their place as national champions.
Note: This article is written in AP News Style and does not quote any news organization.