Michigan Triumphs Over Washington in National Championship
Michigan emerged victorious in a decisive win against Washington to claim the national title in college football.
Morgan Riley
- 2024-01-09
- Updated 10:58 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - On a Monday night primed for championship stakes, the Michigan Wolverines, under coach Jim Harbaugh's nine years of leadership, defeated the Washington Huskies with a score of 34-13 in the College Football Playoff. Michigan, coming into the game as the number one ranked team, secured their flawless season with a 15-0 record, facing a second-ranked Washington squad. The victory marked the completion of a three-year journey to the pinnacle of college football success, despite experiencing internal challenges including suspensions and a controversial sign-stealing case during the season.
Cornerstone Performances
Two pivotal figures in Michigan's offensive dominance were running back Blake Corum and quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Corum churned out 134 yards on the ground and scored twice in the fourth quarter, while McCarthy threw for 140 yards and added 31 on the ground. Donovan Edwards also contributed significantly with two long touchdown receptions in the first quarter. Meanwhile, Michigan's defense was formidable, holding Washington's Michael Penix Jr., the Heisman Trophy runner-up, to 255 passing yards and intercepting him twice, effectively ending Washington's 21-game winning streak since Kalen DeBoer's tenure as head coach began.
A Season of Adversity and Triumph
The road to Michigan's national title was not without its obstacles. The program began the season under NCAA investigation for allegations of rule violations related to scouting practices. Coach Jim Harbaugh received a suspension handed down by the Big Ten for three regular-season games, leaving offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore to lead in his stead. Despite these setbacks, Michigan maintained a strong momentum throughout the season, leading to an unforgettable January where it secured its first national title since 1997 and became the first college football program to attain 1,000 victories in November. Jim Harbaugh's own lineage in football is storied, with his father being a former college coach, his brother having secured a Super Bowl win, and speculation of his own potential prospects in the NFL.
Michigan's Legacy and the Future of College Football
Michigan's victory etches a third national title into the program's storied history. The College Football Playoff will look significantly different next season, expanding from four to twelve teams, potentially shaping a new era of competition. Jim Harbaugh's Wolverines have not only navigated a season fraught with challenges but also laid a foundation that will resonate in college football's record books for years to come.
