Michigan triumphs over Washington, securing the CFP national championship

January 09, 2024

Michigan triumphs over Washington, securing the CFP national championship

In the end, the "Michigan vs. Everybody" mindset that fueled the Wolverines throughout the season proved to be fitting. Michigan faced challenges from the NCAA, its own Big Ten conference, and even the No. 2 team in the nation on Monday night in college football's grandest stage. Despite obstacles, including the suspension of their head coach for six games, Michigan emerged victorious, defeating No. 2 Washington 34-13 at NRG Stadium. This victory marked Michigan's first national championship since 1997. The Wolverines took control from the start and never trailed against the Huskies (14-1). The triumph was a culmination of personal successes and failures, and it symbolized a perfect ending to a season filled with adversity, including Coach Harbaugh's absence for six games. The national title will forever be intertwined with the controversy surrounding allegations of a sign-stealing scheme within the program. Despite the polarizing nature of these events, those within the program found unity and strength in the face of challenges.

"It fueled us," expressed Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. He emphasized how the team drew motivation from the challenges and attempts to discredit their achievements throughout the season. Winning the game served as validation that they were indeed a formidable team. Despite facing adversity, including Coach Harbaugh's absence for the game against Penn State, the team showcased resilience and unity.

After the confetti settled, Harbaugh shared a heartfelt moment with his parents on the field. He embraced his 84-year-old father and then his mother, celebrating the accomplishment with a kiss and the words, "We did it!" Harbaugh, a former Michigan quarterback in his ninth season coaching the alma mater, expressed personal satisfaction, noting that he can now sit at the "big person's table" in the family.

In the first national championship game appearance for both teams, Michigan achieved a historic feat by becoming the sixth team in major college football history to finish a season 15-0 or better. They set the Big Ten's record for the most wins in a season. The Wolverines relied on a traditional approach, employing a relentless running game that amassed 303 yards and a formidable defense that disrupted Heisman runner-up Michael Penix Jr., resulting in two interceptions.

Despite Washington's response with a touchdown, Michigan maintained control and limited their opponents to a single score. Penix acknowledged the team's execution challenges, stating, "It's just about executing. I don't feel like they did anything -- I feel like we beat ourselves."

Michigan's perfect season was facilitated by key components, including quarterback J.J. McCarthy's steady performance, a robust offensive line, and a dynamic running back duo in Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. Corum, named the game's Offensive MVP, contributed significantly with 134 yards and two touchdowns on just two carries. The team's stingy defense proved pivotal, making it challenging for Washington to succeed in the passing game. Harbaugh lauded the defense's spectacular performance.

This Michigan team, arguably the most talented in decades, achieved success with a senior-laden roster characterized by discipline, minimizing penalties and turnovers. However, it wasn't without its challenges, including an NCAA investigation into alleged recruiting violations in 2020 and a separate inquiry into a widespread sign-stealing scheme. Head coach Jim Harbaugh faced suspensions at the start and end of the season, the latter imposed by the Big Ten for violating sportsmanship policies.

Motivation for Michigan extended beyond these challenges, harking back to the Fiesta Bowl loss to TCU and aiming to overcome adversity. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy emphasized the team's journey and the response after the last game the previous year, expressing confidence in the team's return to the top.

During Harbaugh's three-game suspension at the end of the regular season, offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore guided the team to crucial victories. The phrase "Michigan vs. Everybody" took on significance, reflecting a mentality of unity and determination. Despite the controversies, Michigan consistently outplayed its opponents, maintaining a dominant performance in the national championship game.

In the first quarter, Michigan showcased its prowess, averaging an impressive 19.3 yards per carry. The team's strong front line created challenges for Washington's defense, resulting in significant gains. With a halftime lead of 17-3, Michigan controlled the game, taking advantage of Washington's defensive lapses. The Huskies faced difficulties, including missed opportunities on crucial plays, such as an overthrown pass on a fourth-and-7 attempt. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. struggled with accuracy, completing just 26.7% of passes thrown at least five yards, and throwing two interceptions in the fourth quarter. The latter interception, returned 81 yards by Mike Sainristil, set up a decisive touchdown by Blake Corum, securing Michigan's victory with a final score of 34-13.

In the second half, Corum scored a crucial touchdown, marking the second instance where his performance contributed to the team's lead. With 7:09 remaining in the game, Corum's 12-yard run secured a touchdown, extending the Wolverines' lead to 27-13. This served as a Hollywood-worthy conclusion for Corum, who led the FBS with 27 total touchdowns and is unlikely to return for the next season. Remarkably, he has achieved a rushing touchdown in 15 consecutive games, establishing the longest streak by a Michigan player in the past two decades.

Expressing the sentiment of a complete team effort, Corum stated, "Coaches always say, playmakers make plays, and don't wait on anyone else to make a play." McCarthy, completing 10 of 18 passes, didn't need to play the hero in the air given the team's significant success on the ground. As McCarthy exited the locker room after the game for the postgame press conference, he couldn't help but express relief, saying, "Oh man, we did it," triumphing against all odds.

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Michigan triumphs over Washington, securing the CFP national championship

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