Washington 13 - 34 Michigan summary, stats, scores, highlights | College Football Playoff Championship
The Michigan Wolverines have won their 10th National Championship in program history. Jim Harbaugh, J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum bring title glory back to Ann Arbor for the first time since 1997.
Penix Jr. threw his second pick of the second half and that ended the Huskies chances at a comeback late in the 4th quarter. Penix Jr. threw the ball 51, completing 27 passes for 255 yards with a TD and two INTs.
Blake Corum stayed one more year to beat Ohio State and get a crack at bringing a title to Ann Arbor. He did both of those things this season, and ended the fourth quarter with two rushing TDs to close out the Huskies and bring a title to Michigan for the first time since 1997. Michigan ran for 303 yards total with Corum finishing the night with 134 yards on 21 carries and Edwards had 104 yards on 6 carries.
Washington had the wind in their sails after their late TD, but Penix Jr. was picked off by Will Johnson on the first play of the thrid quarter and that shifting the sands in favor of the Wolverines for the rest of the way. The third quarter was a low scoring 15 minutes in which both teams exchanged field goals but Michigan would bust the game open in the fourth quarter.
It could have been a lot worse for the Huskies, but they clawed their way back into the game with this 4th and Goal TD to Jalen McMillan right before the half. That gave UDub the momentum going into the half, but that would be short lived.
Washington couldn't get anything going in the first quarter and into the second quarter against this dominant Michigan defense. Even when they did have a chance at a big play, Penix Jr. was not on target on this throw to Odzune that would have gone for a TD. That was a reoccurring theme all night. Michigan didn't allow one of the nation's best QBs to find big plays down field throughout the four quarters.
Edwards' second run was almost identical to his first TD, only he popped it to the right and not to the left for a 46 yard TD and not a 41 yard touchdown. Michigan had 177 yards rushing in the first 15 minutes of the game, but then their offense started to flat line and the Huskies were able to get back into the game before the second half started.
The Wolverines got off to a roaring start in Houston courtesy of Donovan Edwards and the run game. Edwards had two rushes for 87 yards and two TDs on his first two touches of the National Championship.
IT'S ALL OVER!!!
THE MICHIGAN WOLVERINES BRING THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TO ANN ARBOR FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 26 YEARS!!!
Corum gets the handoff and picks up a yard.
2nd and 9 from the WAS 30.
The Huskies turn it over on downs and that is going to officially do it.
MICH take over from the WAS 31 and they can kneel out the clock.
This was the Corum run to stetch the lead to two TDs with seven minutes to go. That one had the Wolverines knocking on the door, and Sainristil's INT and return to inside the WAS 10 yard line blew the door off this game. It's only a matter of time for the Wolverines.
TOUCHDOWN MICHIGAN!!!
Corum ran it down to the 1 yard line on the first down run and hen punched it in for a 1 yard TD on second down to put the nail in the Huskies coffin.
MICH lead 34-13 with 3:37 to go.
INTERCEPTION!!!
Penix Jr. tried to force the throw on 4th down and it was picked off by Sainristil who took it all the way back to the WAS 8 for an 80 yard return.
MICH are knocking on the door of the National title.
Penix Jr. was in trouble, and had to throw it up while under a mountain of pressure and two flags fly one for holding on WAS and another for PI on MICH.
We will redo 4th and 13 from the MICH 30.
Penix Jr. taking a shot down the right side and his throw for McMillan on the sideine couldn't be dragged down with one hand by the WR.
4th and 13 from the 30.
Penix Jr. finds Nixon on a short pass over the middle for two yards.
3rd and 13 from the MICH 30.
After a false start on MICH backs them up five yards, Penix Jr.'s pass is over the head of Westover on the right side.
2nd and 15 from the MICH 32.
Penix Jr. going deep down the right sideline and Odzune finally gets a big play that stands. This one goes for 44 yards into MICH territory.
1st and 10 from the MICH 27.
WAS get the ball back from the 25 needing a quick TD.
Penix Jr. finds Polk with a short pass for 4 yards to start the drive.
2nd and 6 from the WAS 29.
TOUCHDOWN MICHIGAN!!!
Corum gets the run to the right side and he breaks a couple tackles and takes it into the endzone from 12 yards out.
MICH take a 27-13 lead with 7:09 and was that the KO blow that is going to get the Wolverines their first title since 1997.
Corum with another three yard gain on first down.
2nd and 7 from the WAS 12.
McCarthy on the roll out and he finds Wilson on the shallow route to the right side for a 12 yard catch and run.
1st and 10 from the WAS 15.
Corum finds space for three yards on the first down run to the right side.
2nd and 7 from the WAS 27.
MICH start their drive from the 29 and McCarthy finds Loveland over the middle in stride and he takes it 41 yards into WAS territory.
1st and 10 from the WAS 30.
Short pass to Johnson out of the backfield and he goes for 8 yards over the middle but the Huskies fail to convert on third down again. They are 2/11 on third down tonight.
4th and 10 from the WAS 32.
Short pass over the middle for McMillan and he is taken down after picking up just two.
3rd and 18 from the WAS 25.
Penix Jr. finally finds his man Odzune deep down the right side for a 32 yards gain but that play is coming back after a hold on WAS.
2nd and 20 form the WAS 23.
WAS get the ball back from their 33, and Penix Jr. goes for Polk at the marker but that pass was broken up with a nice bit of coverage down field.
2nd and 10 from the WAS 33.
McCarthy rolls to the right side and wanted to run but he was tracked down and tripped up for a short gain of one.
4th and 5 from the MICH 21.
Corum gets the handoff to the left side and he picks up 4 yards to make third down manageable.
3rd and 6 from the MICH 20.
MICH start their drive from the 16 and McCarthy looks for Johnson on the roll out. Johnson had it in his hands but he dropped it.
2nd and 10 from the MICH 16.
Penix Jr. had Nixon out of the backfield and he had the first down if he made the catch but he dropped it and the Huskies will punt.
4th and 4 from the WAS 29.
Quick toss to McMillan on the right side and he is dragged down after a short gain of three.
3rd and 4 from the WAS 29.
Johnson gets the handoff on the left side and picks up 3 yards to start the final quarter.
2nd and 7 from the WAS 26.
Short pass to Westover and he makes the catch, turns up field and picks up 12 yards on the first down catch and run. That's going to take us to the end of the third quarter here from Houston.
1st and 10 from the WAS 23 after the break.
WAS get the ball back from the 11 and Penix Jr's pass to Polk on the right side was too high 15 yards down the field.
2nd and 10 from the WAS 11.
Pass to the flat for Wilson who had a blocker in front of him but is is forced out of bounds after a gain of 5 yards.
4th and 5 and the punt unit comes on from the MICH 48.
Pass to the right side for Morgan and he is taken down for a loss of 3 yards.
3rd and 10 from the MICH 43.
Edwards gets the first down handoff to the left side and he is taken down after a gain of 3 yards.
2nd and 7 from the MICH 46.
McCarthy on the QB keeper to the left side and he picks up another first down with a gain of 12 yards.
1st and 10 fro the MICH 43.
McCarthy tucks it and runs on 3rd and 8 and he takes it 22 yards up the middle for a gain of 22 yards.
1st and 10 from the MICH 31.
Corum gets a couple yards on the run up the middle.
3rd and 8 from the MICH 9.
MICH take over from their 7 and Corum is stopped for no gain on first down.
2nd and 10 from the MICH 7.
After a false start on WAS, Penix Jr.'s pass to Odzune falls incomplete on the deep shot down the right side.
4th and 15 and the Huskies will punt from the WAS 37.
Penix Jr. takes a rare shot down the field for Polk but that pass was overthrown on the left sideline.
3rd and 10 from the WAS 42.
Screen pass set up for McMillan but he goes down before the ball got there and that falls incomplete.
2nd and 10 from the WAS 42.
Penix Jr. finds Polk for the screen pass to the right side and he goes for an 11 yard pick up and a first down.
1st and 10 from the WAS 42.
WAS get the ball back from the 26 and Penix Jr. finds Westover on the left side for a short gain of 5 yards.
2nd and 5 from the WAS 31.
WAS break into the backfield and Corum is wrapped up behind the line of scrimmage for a loss of two.
4th and 5 from the MICH 30 and the Wolverines go three and out.
Edwards up the middle out of the shotgun and he is stopped after a gain of 3 yards.
3rd and 3 from the MICH 32.
MICH take over from the 25 after the WAS field goal.
Edwards gets the handoff to the right side out of the shotgun and he picks up 4 yards on the first down run.
2nd and 6 from the MICH 29.
FIELD GOAL!!!
Gross drills the 45 yard field goal right down the middle and we are back to a seven point game here from Houston.
MICH lead 20-13 with under 9:00 to go in the third quarter.
Penix Jr. over the middle and he finds Westover for a short gain of 4 yards after he gets wrapped up short of the marker.
4th and 4 from the MICH 28.
Rogers gets the handoff out of the shotgun and picks up 2 yards up the middle.
3rd and 8 from the MICH 32.
Play fake from Penix Jr. and that pass is batted at the line and falls incomplete.
2nd and 10 from the MICH 34.
Screen pass set up for the big man Culp and he takees it for 14 yards after following his blockers into MICH territory. A late flag flies for unnecessary roughness on MICH.
1st and 10 from the MICH 34.
Quick throw to the flat and Odunze turns up the left sideline for a first down on the left side after a gain of 8.
1st and 10 from the WAS 37.
WAS get the ball back from the 25 looking to bounce back after an early mistake.
Johnson gets 4 yards on the first down run up the middle.
2nd and 6 from the WAS 29.
Washington had to have some sort of game plan coming out of the break with the wind in their sails. This was not part of the game plan. Will Johnson picks off Penix Jr. on the first play of the third quarter and that turned into a field goal to put the Wolverines up 10.
FIELD GOAL!!!
Michigan extend their lead to 10 with a Turner field goal from 38 out after the INT to start the third quarter.
MICH lead 20-10 three minutes into the second half.
McCarthy finds his TE Loveland over the middle for a short gain of 4 yards but that will bring out the FG unit.
4th and 15 from the WAS 21.
MICH jump before the snap again, and after they are backed up another five yards, McCarthy's pass pass is batted down at the line.
3rd and 18 from the WAS 24.
After a false start on MICH, Corum gets two yards on the 1st and long run.
2nd and 13 from the WAS 19.
Corum gets another handoff and he goes for 13 yards up the middle.
1st and 10 from the WAS 16.
Corum picks up three yards on the first down run to the right side.
2nd and 7 from the WAS 29.
INTERCEPTION!!!
Penix Jr. was under pressure on the first down thrown and went to Odzune but that pass was affected by the rush and picked off by Johnson!
MICH take over from the WAS 32 after the first play of the half.
WE ARE BACK IN HOUSTON FOR THE SECOND HALF OF ACTION!!!
WAS get the ball to start the half starting the third quarter from the 25.
For as bad as it seemed at times for the Huskies, they go into halftime down by just a TD and get the ball back to start the second half after Penix Jr hit McMillan on 4th and Goal. They will be thinking they are right in this game despite being controlled by the Wolverines for most of the first half.
Washington couldn't get anything going in the first quarter and change against this dominant Michigan defense, and even when they did have a chance at a big play, Penix Jr. was not on target on this throw to Odzune that would have gone for a TD.
Edwards' second run was almost identical to his first TD, only he popped it to the right and not to the left for a 46 yard TD and not a 41 yard touchdown. Michigan had 177 yards rushing in the first 15 minutes of the game, but then their offense started to flat line and the Huskies were able to get back into the game.
The Wolverines got off to a roaring start in Houston courtesy of Donovan Edwards and the run game. Edwards had two rushes for 87 yards and two TDs on his first two touches of the National Championship.
WAS will get the ball from the 3 after the punt, and will just kneel the ball down as we head to halftime here from Houston!!!
After the Wolverines spike the ball to stop the clock McCarthy's pass to Johnson on the sideline was too far out of bounds on the left sideline.
4th and 3 from the WAS 49 with 12 seconds left.
McCarthy finds Johnson on the left sideline and he picks up 7 yards but the clock continues to run as the tackle was made inbounds.
2nd and 3 from the WAS 49.
MICH get the ball back from their 25 and McCarthy finds Loveland over the middle for a gain of 19.
1st and 10 form the MICH 44.
TOUCHDOWN HUSKIES!!!
Penix Jr. looked right, then found his second read in the back of the end zone as McMillan broke open for the 3 yard TD!
WAS cut into the lead, they trail 17-10 with 42 seconds to go and they get the ball back after the break.
Penix Jr. out of the shot gun on the designed run to the right and he is cut down after a gain of 2 yards.
4th and Goal from the 3 and the Huskies offense stays on the field.
Johnson with another carry and this time he is stopped for no gain on the run to the right side.
3rd and Goal from the 5. Timeout MICH with 1:29 to go.
Johnson gets the handoff on first down and he picks up 3 yards on the run up the middle.
2nd and Goal from the 5.
Penix Jr. floats one to the left side off his back foot to McMillan who was held up and a flag flies for pass interference.
1st and 10 from the MICH 8.
Penix Jr. taking a shot to Odunze on the right side but he slipped during the route and that pass falls incomplete.
3rd and 10 from the MICH 23.
Pass to Polk on the left side and the short throw was too far out in front of him.
2nd and 10 from the MICH 23.
Penix finds Westover again for 11 yards and the Huskies are inside the 25.
1st and 10 from the MICH 23.
Screen pass set up for Odunze and he follows some blockers up the middle for 9 yards.
1st and 10 from the MICH 34.
WAS going hurry up and Johnson gets 2 yards on first down.
2nd and 8 from the MICH 43.
Penix Jr. finds the TE Westover for 10 yards on the left side and that moves the chains into MICH territory.
1st and 10 from the MICH 45.
Johnson gets 6 yards on the first down run up the middle.
2nd and 4 from the WAS 45.
TURNOVER ON DOWNS!
McCarthy with a short throw to the right side and his pass to Wilson on the shallow out route is broken up and the Wolverines turn it over on downs.
WAS ball from the 39.
Edwards gets the handoff up the middle on 3rd and 7 and he picks up 4 yards to bring up 4th and 3 from the WAS 39.
MICH thought about going for it but the punt unit will come on before the Wolverines take a timeout with 4:46 to go.
Corum gets the carry to the right side and he is brought down after a gain of one.
3rd and 7 from the WAS 43.
Orji up the middle on the designed run out of the shotgun and he is dropped after a gain of 2.
2nd and 8 from the WAS 44.
Orji in the shotgun and he gets the snap on the read option taking it to the left side and picking up 13 yards for a first down inside WAS Terriotry.
1st and 10 from the WAS 46.
MICH get the ball back from their 33 and Corum picks up 8 yards on the first down run up the middle.
2nd and 2 from the MICH 41.
Penix Jr. checks down to Johnson and he takes it up field for 15 yards but will be well short of the marker.
4h and 7 from the WAS 23.
Penix Jr. let it go on the run from his own endzone and the pass to McMillan was a little short and the WR couldn't make the catch while going to the ground.
3rd and 22 from the MICH 8.
WAS take over from their 20 yards line and Penix Jr. is slung down for a loss of 12 yards by Grant on first down.
2nd and 22 from the WAS 8.
McCarthy's pass to Johnson on the comeback route is too high along the right sideline and the Wolverines wiil punt for the first time.
4th and 10 and MICH will punt.
McCarthy's pass to the throw to Johnson was in he hands of the WR after he rolled right and but that was knocked out of his grasp on the left sideline.
3rd and 10 form the MICH 47.
Corum gets the handoff and he is taken down at the line of scrimmage.
2nd and 10 form the MICH 47.
Penix Jr. had Odunze wide open on the right side but he overthrew his receiver and that would have been a TD if they connect on that pass.
1st and 10 MICH from their 47.
Another false start backed the Huskies up another five yards and after the penalty Penix Jr. found McMillan for 12 yards but that is going to be well short of the first down.
4th and 7 from the MICH 47 and the offense stays on the field.
After a false start on the center, Penix Jr. rolls right and he let one go on the left side for Polk but that pass was into double coverage and a bit over thrown.
3rd and 14 from the WAS 46.
Johnson gets the handoff up the middle and he is stood up after a gain of a yard.
2nd and 9 from the MICH 49.
Penix Jr. with the play action fake and he fires a dart to the 50 for Polk for another first down.
1st and 10 from the 50.
WAS get the ball back from the 25 and Penix Jr. finds Odunze on the right side for a 10 yard pick up and a first down.
1st and 10 from the WAS 35.
FIELD GOAL!!!
Turner gives the Wolverines a two TD lead from 31 yards out.
MICH lead 17-3 with 13:28 to go in the first half.
McCarthy looking to the right side for Johnson on the out route and that pass is batted away. WAS come up with a big stop and MICH bring out the FG unit on with 4th and 4 from the 14.
Mullings gets the handoff and he is dropped after three yards.
3rd and 4 from the WAS 14.
Corum picks up 3 yards on the first play of the second quarter.
2nd and 7 from the WAS 17.
Edwards did it again, just on the other side of the field this time. Michigan is running all over the Huskies D 15 minutes in.
MICH get the ball from the 21 and this time it's Corum who breaks free and dashes down the left side for a 59 yard gain!
1st and 10 from the WAS 20 and that will bring us to the end of the first quarter. What a first quarter it was for Michigan who is running all over the Huskies defense through 15 minutes.
Short pass out the out route to McMillan and he gets wrapped up in the open field short of the first down marker.
4th and 3 from the WAS 32 and the Huskies will punt after a three and out.
Pitch to the left side for Johnson and he is swarmed for no gain.
3rd and 5 from the WAS 30.
WAS get the ball back from the 25 looking to get into the end zone and stop the early bleeding.
Penix Jr. tucks it and runs for 5 yards on a scramble up the middle.
2nd and 5 from the WAS 30.
TOUCHDOWN MICHIGAN!!!
Edwards with another long run for a TD on the exact same looking play except this time to the right side. He ran into the pile, the defense converged and he popped it right hit a hole and he takes it 46 yards for a TD!!
MICH lead 14-3 with 2:23 to go in the first quarter!
McCarthy back to the air but this time his short pass hits off the hands of Morgan and almost got picked off on the right sideline.
2nd and 10 from the WAS 46.
McCarthy looking deep for Wilson and he laid a dime on the right hash marks for a gain of 37 yards!
1st and 10 from the WAS 46.
MICH get the ball back at the 17 after another short return from Morgan.
Corum takes the first down run for three yards up the middle.
2nd and 7 from the MICH 17.
FIELD GOAL!!!
Gross comes on and just sneaks the 25 yarder inside the right up right.
MICH lead 7-3 with under 4:00 to go in the first quarter.
Penix Jr.'s pass to the endzone was too high for Oduze and the Huskies will bring the FG unit on after driving all the way down inside the 10.
4th and Goal from the MICH 8.
End around to Polk from left to right and he picks up a couple yards before getting pushed out of bounds.
3rd and Goal from the MICH 7.
Johsnon is stopped on the carry to the right side for a short gain of one.
2nd and Goal from the MICH 9.
Johnson gets the handoff up the middle and he moves the chains for a 7 yard pick up. He was hurt on the first play of this drive, but he is back nursing a foot injury.
1st and Goal from the MICH 10.
End around for McMillan and he takes it 9 yards before getting pushed out of bounds.
3rd and 1 from the MICH 17.
Penix Jr. was pushed out of the pocket and that short pass was behind Nixon.
2nd and 10 from the MICH 26.
Quick pass to the flat for Odunze and he follows his blocker for a gain of 16 down the left sideline.
1st and 10 from the MICH 26.
Penix Jr. going to the air again, and this time his short pass to the flat falls incomplete out of the hands of Rogers.
2nd and 10 from the MICH 42.
Pass to the flat for Rodgers and he was bundled up short of the marker, but he slips the tackle and takes it 11 yards for a first down.
1st and 10 from the MICH 42.
Nixon with the carry up the middle and he is dragged down after a short gain of two.
3rd and 5 from the WAS 47.
Roll out to the right from Penix Jr. and he goes short to Nixon who makes the catch and gets pushed out of bounds after three yards.
2nd and 7 from the WAS 45.
Quick throw from Penix Jr. to the right side and he finds McMIllan open on the sideline for an 11 yard catch and run.
1st and 10 from the WAS 42.
WAS start their first drive from the 25 and Johnson gets the handoff to the left side and picks up 6 yards on first down.
2nd and 4 from the WAS 31.
TOUCHDOWN MICHIGAN!!!
Edwards ran into the pile but bounced off of it and popped it to the left and sprinted for a 41 yard TD run as the Wolverines land the first blow less than five minutes into this game!
MICH lead 7-0 before the 10:00 mark in the first quarter.
Play fake from McCarthy who stepped up in the pocket and was swarmed by the Washington D line and Ale got him for a loss of 4.
2nd and 14 from the WAS 41.
Mullings with another carry out of the shotgun and he finds a hole and hits it for a pick up of 14 and Michigan is rolling down the field.
1st and 10 from the WAS 37.
Play action from McCarthy and he finds Johnson again, this time right at the marker on the right side for a gain of 10 and a first down.
1st and 10 from the MICH 49.
Mullings gets the handoff out of the shotgun and he moves the chains on a 4 yard run up the middle.
1st and 10 from the MICH 39.
Corum with the carry to the left side and he gets 7 yards on first down as the Michigan ground game starts to impose themselves early on.
2nd and 3 from the MICH 35.
McCarthy going to the air for the first time and he finds Johnson over the middle for an 8 yard pick up and a first down.
1st and 10 from the MICH 28.
Corum gets the handoff to start the game and he picks up 4 yards up the middle on first down.
2nd and 6 from the MICH 20.
THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IS UNDERWAY FROM HOUSTON!!!
Michigan get the ball to start the game and they will begin their drive from the 16.
Pac-12's last game
This is the final game that Washington will play as a part of the Pac-12. The historic conference is folding after years of producing champions and stars over the last handful of decades. The Huskies will represent the Pac-12 tonight but then they are shipping off to the Big 10 as the landscape of college football continues to shift and borders of conference start to become less and less clear. These two teams will be conference rivals soon enough, but it’s never too soon to start writing the first chapter of a rivalry even before the find themselves in the same conference.
Huskies history
Washington have won two National Titles in their program’s history. They aren’t as much of a powerhouse in football as they have become in basketball lately, but they know what it’s like to lift the national championship trophy. They won their first title in 1960 but had to wait another 31 years to lift it again, when they shared the title with the University of Miami (Back when there was no playoff system in the NCAA). Huskies fans have now had to wait more between their second and third title than the 30 period between their first and second championships but Michael Penix Jr. can put an end to their suffering tonight in Houston.
Michigan history
It’s been a while since MIchigan has won a National Title, but even still we still think of them as a college football powerhouse although almost all of their titles came before 1950. They went back-to-back-to-back from 1901-1904 and would win another four titles from 1918 to 1948, but it took them almost 50 years to raise their next championship trophy in 1997. Wolverines fans are hungry for another title, and desperate not to go through another half century long drought. Tonight, they can end the dry spell with a win for the programs 10th title.
Michigan star watch
The Wolverines use a gritty, smash mouth kind of football fit for the Big 10. They keep teams off the board and when they have the ball they use a three headed beast that consists of QB J.J. McCarthy, RB Blake Corum and WR Roman Wilson. McCarthy has passed for 2,851 yards this year and thrown 22 TDs while throwing just 4 INTs. Corum ran for 1,111 yards and was instrumental in the Wolverines game tying drive against Alabama last week, while Roman Wilson has 735 yards to lead Michigan in receiving yards. Will the defense be able to keep Washington in check? Or will it be these three that have to win the game against the Huskies high-powered offense.
MIchigan star watch
What a season it has been for Michael Penix Jr. who finished second in Heisman voting after a spectacular season as Washinton’s quarterback. The Senior who trasfered from Indiana two years ago had the best season of his long career, passing for 4,648 yards and 35 TDs while throwing just 9 picks and tonight he can cap off what has been a dream season with a win in the National Championship.
For Penix Jr.'s draft prospects, click here.
How Michigan got here
The Wolverines came into the season as the No. 2 ranked team in the country after returning a big base of their team that got them to the semifinal last year. Jim Harbaugh started the season off the sideline after getting suspended by the university for failing to cooperate with the NCAA during a recruiting investigation dating back to Covid. Michigan rolled through the first eight games of the season scoring at least 30 points and holding their opponents to 10 points or under in each of those games. Harbaugh was suspended again, this time for his team stealing signs late in the season and that’s when things started to get tricky. In their final three games of the season they beat Penn State by 9, Maryland by 7 and Ohio State by 6 to reach the Big 10 championship in which they crushed Iowa 26-0. They had to make a late drive against Alabama to tie the game up with TD in the final minute to push the game to OT where they would edge out Alabama 27-20 in the Rose Bowl to reach the College Football Playoff Final for the first time since 1997.
How Washington got here
Washington 10th ranked team in the preseason AP polls, and they continued to climb up the rankings throughout the year. They eased through the first month of the season thanks to their high powered offense, but Arizona, Oregon and Arizona State gave them a run for their money in three straight weeks. They would play ranked conference rivals in three of their final regular season games, and they narrowly won all five of those games by 10 points or less to set up a rematch with Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship. The Huskies took down Oregon 34-31 to reach the National Semifinal where they met Texas for a spot in tonight’s game. Michael Penix Jr. led the his side past Texas 37-31 passing for over 400 yards and putting UDub in the title game for the first time since 1991.
We are live from Houston
Hello everyone and welcome to NRG Stadium where the Michigan Wolverines are finally in the title game after getting knocked out in the semifinal in each of the last two years. Now they feel it’s their time to lift the title after being one of the top teams in the league, and tonight they can complete their undefeated season and seal their 10th championship in program history. The Washington Huskies had an undefeated season of their own, and rolled through the semifinal to get to their first title game since 1991.
Washington vs. Michigan
It all comes down to this. The College Football National Championship takes the stage from Houston and the Michigan Wolverines and the Washiginton Huskies are set for a title game showdown from NRG Stadium and AS English will be with you all night long providing live coverage, stats, highlights and analysis as we crown a champion.