HOUSTON – The University of Michigan Wolverines clinched the national championship title with a dominant performance against the Washington Huskies in the College Football Playoff National Championship game held at NRG Stadium. Led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines secured a resounding 34-13 victory.
Michigan, the No. 1 team in the nation, showcased a formidable rushing attack that proved too much for the No. 2 ranked Washington Huskies to handle. The Wolverines rushed for an impressive 303 yards and notched four touchdowns, overpowering their opponents. This victory marked Michigan’s first national title since 1997 and their 10th overall in NCAA football history.
Michigan’s success this season has been exceptional, as they became the first college football program to achieve 1,000 all-time wins. Their milestone win, coupled with their national championship victory, cements their status as one of the winningest programs in college football history.
Despite the NCAA officially recognizing Michigan with 10 football championships, the university claims a total of 12. Notably, the NCAA does not acknowledge the titles Michigan won in 1932 and 1947.
The game’s early stages showcased Michigan’s offensive prowess, with running back Donovan Edwards leading the charge. Edwards sealed two impressive touchdown runs, covering 41 and 46 yards, respectively. These runs became the second- and third-longest touchdown runs in College Football Playoff championship game history.
Washington attempted to mount a comeback in the second quarter when their quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., connected with Jalen McMillan for a 3-yard touchdown pass. However, their efforts fell short, as Michigan’s defense held firm, restricting Washington to just 13 points.
Michigan extended their lead with a 12-yard touchdown run from Blake Corum in the fourth quarter. The final blow came when Michigan’s Mike Sainristil intercepted a pass from Penix Jr. and returned it for 81 yards, setting up Corum for his second touchdown of the game.
Corum ended the game with an impressive 134 rushing yards, accompanied by two touchdowns. Edwards also had a notable performance, accumulating 104 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Michigan’s national championship victory is a significant achievement for the team, especially considering the off-field controversy they faced throughout the season. Head coach Jim Harbaugh received a three-game suspension due to NCAA recruiting violations, while the team faced allegations of sign-stealing, resulting in the departure of key staff members.
Despite these challenges, Harbaugh and his team rallied, demonstrating their resilience and determination. Harbaugh asserted their innocence regarding the off-field issues and emphasized the unity within the locker room.
Looking ahead, Michigan’s success has sparked discussions about Harbaugh’s future and the potential for guiding an NFL team to the Super Bowl. However, Harbaugh expressed the need to savor the present moment rather than constantly focusing on the future.
The defeat marks Washington’s final game as a member of the Pac-12 Conference, as they will join the Big Ten next season. Additionally, the game marked the end of an impressive collegiate career for Michael Penix Jr., with the quarterback earning recognition as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Michigan’s victory in the College Football Playoff National Championship showcases their dominance and highlights their status as one of the most successful programs in college football history.