Michigan tops Washington to win CFP national championship

HOUSTON – Ultimately, the “Michigan against everyone” mantra that inspired the Wolverines all season was entirely appropriate.

The Wolverines have indeed faced everyone this season – from the NCAA to its own Big Ten Conference to the No. 2 team in the country Monday night on college football's biggest stage. On and off the field, Michigan refused to let an opponent, an NCAA investigation or any of the six games in which head coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended prevent it from winning a national title.

And on Monday night, when it mattered most, No. 1 Michigan did it again, beating No. 2 Washington 34-13 in front of an announced crowd of 72,808 at NRG Stadium to win the school's first national championship since 1997, when she shared the title. honor with Nebraska. The Wolverines asserted themselves from the kickoff and never trailed the Huskies (14-1).

Michigan's national title will always be tied to what was the biggest story in college football this season: allegations of a massive sign-stealing scheme allegedly led by former staffer Connor Stalions, who resigned on November 4. However, nationally, those within it have only been galvanized by the controversy and accusations.

In what was the first national championship game for both teams, Michigan became the sixth team in major college football history to finish 15–0 or better in a season and set the Big Ten record for the greatest number of victories in a season.

Michigan had all the pieces in place for a perfect season – starting with a veteran quarterback in JJ McCarthy, who wasn't flashy, but won the numbers battle. cases against Heisman finalist Michael Penix Jr., who threw two interceptions.

Michigan's offensive line won the battle up front and paved the way for a dynamic duo of running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. They each ran for over 100 yards and accounted for four touchdowns. Michigan's stingy defense troubled Penix Jr. all night, making it much harder for the Huskies to succeed in the deep passing game — or any actual passing game.

This was arguably the most talented Michigan team in decades, a team that built its success not only on a senior-laden squad but also on discipline, rarely accumulating penalties and turnovers. It was not without its flaws, however.

There was an NCAA investigation into alleged recruiting violations during the 2020 season. A separate NCAA investigation into a widespread sign-stealing scheme. Coach Harbaugh's three-game suspension to open the season, and another three-game suspension to end the season – the latter imposed by the Big Ten for violating the league's sportsmanship policy.

As Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti watched from a suite with Big Ten staff, Big Ten Network staff and guests, Michigan did what it has done all season despite controversy: It outperformed his opponent.

Michigan averaged 19.3 yards per carry in the first quarter. The Wolverines won the battle outright and caused confusion in Washington's defense. Michigan had four plays of at least 35 yards, and the Huskies' defense allowed 209 rushing yards in the first half – the most the program has allowed in a half since 2011.

Washington went into the locker room at halftime with a score of 17-3, its largest deficit of the season. Penix Jr. had a lot more trouble passing down the field than he did against the Texas defense in the CFP semifinals. There were also some unusual drops and errant throws.

With 10:27 left in the first half, Rome Odunze, one of the nation's top receivers, was wide open and in field goal range when Penix Jr. overthrew him on a daring fourth-and-7, a play whose the Huskies desperately needed. to shift the momentum.

At one point in the fourth quarter, he had completed just 26.7 percent of his passes thrown for at least five yards (4 of 15) and had thrown one interception. With 4:29 left, he threw another interception and Mike Sainristil ran it back 81 yards to the Washington 8-yard line. The play allowed Corum's touchdown to seal the victory and put the Wolverines ahead 34-13.

It was the second time in the second half that a Corum touchdown provided some separation. With 7:09 left, Corum ran 12 yards for a touchdown that put the Wolverines ahead 27-13. It was a Hollywood ending for Corum, who leads the FBS with 27 total touchdowns and is unlikely to return next season. He has now had a rushing touchdown in 15 consecutive games, the longest streak by a Michigan player in the last 20 seasons. McCarthy only completed 10 of 18 passes because he didn't need to be a hero in the air with as much success on the ground.

The fading Pac-12 is now 1-4 in BCS/CFP national championship games, but this is the last time Washington will compete as a member of that conference.

The Huskies will join the Big Ten in August and will face Michigan again in conference play in October.