Michigan football dominates Washington with a 34-13 victory, securing the national championship for the year 2023.

January 09, 2024

Michigan football dominates Washington with a 34-13 victory, securing the national championship for the year 2023.

In Houston, the Wolverines faced no issues, triumphing over Washington with a resounding 34-13 victory in Monday night's College Football Playoff title game at NRG Stadium. This win, in Jim Harbaugh's ninth season in Ann Arbor, marks Michigan football's first national championship since their unbeaten run in 1997. The Wolverines went 15-0, joining a select few FBS champions in NCAA history with a perfect record. Despite a season marked by off-field challenges, Harbaugh emphasized their innocence and expressed satisfaction with the desired outcome. The game saw Michigan's ground game shine, amassing 303 yards and four touchdowns, securing their championship status. Donovan Edwards, notably known for his 2022 performance against Ohio State, delivered a title-sealing performance. The Wolverines' defense also played a pivotal role, limiting Washington's potent attack. The victory unfolded exactly as Harbaugh envisioned, highlighting the team's resilience and talent.

Harbaugh expressed, "The outcome couldn't have been more favorable. It unfolded precisely as we intended, winning every game. Despite off-field challenges, we maintained our innocence and stood resilient. I want to emphasize that point." In a crucial moment, the Wolverines, whose ground game didn't quite reach previous season levels, excelled. Running 38 times for 303 yards and four touchdowns, they showcased their prowess, with three runs exceeding 40 yards in the first quarter.

Donovan Edwards, previously recognized for his impressive two-touchdown display against Ohio State in 2022, has etched a new chapter in his legacy with a title-clinching performance in Houston. The West Bloomfield alumnus made a significant impact by scoring a touchdown on his first touch of the night, covering 41 yards, and setting the record as the second-longest touchdown run in CFP title game history. This achievement was short-lived, as he surpassed his own record with a remarkable 46-yard burst to the right side, extending U-M's lead by two scores with 2:23 remaining in the first quarter.

Corum concluded the game with 21 rushing attempts, amassing 134 yards and securing two touchdowns, while Edwards carried the ball six times, gaining 104 yards and contributing two scores. Remarkably, they became the first pair of teammates to each achieve over 100 rushing yards in a CFP title game.

On the defensive front, the Wolverines exhibited their prowess by limiting one of the nation's most potent offenses to just 20 rushes for 46 yards, averaging 2.3 yards per attempt. Additionally, they successfully thwarted 12 of 14 third-down conversion attempts and orchestrated a game-changing turnover on the initial play of the second half.

Heisman Trophy runner-up Penix struggled, completing only 27 of 51 passes for 255 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions.

Defense takes charge

Washington entered the game boasting the top passing attack, averaging 350 yards per game, and a top-10 scoring offense with 37.6 points per game. However, the Huskies encountered a formidable defense in U-M, which held the No. 1 ranking in scoring and the No. 2 position against the pass.

The Huskies required 14 plays to advance 67 yards on their opening drive, a possession that would have halted at midfield if Keon Sabb hadn't missed a third-and-5 tackle. Ultimately, the drive concluded with a 25-yard field goal after an unsuccessful third-and-goal attempt in the end zone.

Even in the face of challenges for Jesse Minter's defensive unit early in the game, they managed to turn things around positively. During the second quarter, the Huskies confronted a fourth-and-7 situation at the Michigan 47, revealing a miscommunication in U-M's secondary. This led to a wide-open Odunze streaking downfield. However, Penix's throw was slightly delayed, preventing the connection on what could have been a walk-in touchdown for the Biletnikoff Award runner-up.

In the subsequent possession, Kenneth Grant executed a sack with a forceful rush up the middle, swiftly compelling another three-and-out.

Postgame, Grant commended Minter, stating, "He is the best defensive coordinator in the nation. We proved we're the best defense in the nation. Not only the players, but the coaches also played a significant role in it."

Michigan appeared poised to prevent Washington from scoring a touchdown in the first half, but the Huskies managed to assemble an 11-play, 61-yard drive, culminating in a score with only 42 seconds remaining.

A pass interference penalty on Mike Sainristil positioned UW inside the Michigan 10. On fourth-and-goal, Penix connected with Jalen McMillan, reducing the deficit to 17-10.

To start the second half, Will Johnson secured an interception, stifling Washington's momentum. Following a field goal in the second half, the Huskies faced three consecutive possessions resulting in punts. With just 7 minutes remaining, they made one last effort.

Penix targeted Odunze with a 44-yard pass down the right side, entering U-M territory. However, a false start on the subsequent play disadvantaged Washington. U-M called a timeout before fourth-and-13 with 4:53 left, and off-setting penalties necessitated another play.

During this crucial play, Sainristil intercepted a pass, covering 81 yards, marking his sixth interception of the year and securing the victory.

Harbaugh emphasized the team's collective effort, stating, "When a play needs to be made, Mike Sainristil has made it. When a play needs to be made, Blake Corum makes it. When a play needs to be made, Will Johnson makes it. When a play needs to be made, J.J. McCarthy makes it. We've just got great players who unanimously support each other."

The offensive performance was sufficient as McCarthy, while not as sharp as in the CFP semifinal against Alabama, executed crucial plays. In the opening eight-play, 84-yard touchdown drive, he successfully completed both of his passes. Additionally, in the first quarter, McCarthy connected with Roman Wilson on a 37-yard post route from the left slot, setting up Edwards' second score.

Despite a challenging period in the middle of the game where he only completed two of 10 passes, McCarthy rebounded by completing three consecutive passes in the second half. Furthermore, when faced with challenging field positions, he managed scrambles of 22 yards and 12 yards. Although these scrambles didn't result in points, they proved effective in changing the field position and consuming valuable clock time.

Subsequently, in the fourth quarter, McCarthy located Loveland for the longest passing play of the game.

McCarthy achieved a 10-of-18 completion rate on his passes, accumulating a total of 140 yards.

Standing on a stage amid falling maize-and-blue confetti, Corum concluded, "I'll leave you all with this: business is concluded."

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