Wolverines Against the World

01/09/2024

By: Jeff Yoder

#1 Michigan Never Trails in CFP Title Game Against #2 Washington (34-13) to Win 1st College Football Championship in 26 Years

Bet. That was the Michigan rally cry after the chaos of the fall season befell the Wolverines. And no matter how you choose finish your own rendition of the “Hail to” fight song, be it “victors,” “victims,” or “villains,” Jim Harbaugh’s crew did the unthinkable. Through every distraction imaginable in a season marred with scandal, Michigan ran the table (15-0) to complete a perfect season and win the College Football Playoff Monday night in Houston. A 34-13 blowout against Washington, and just one offensive TD allowed against the nation’s top offense, was a stunning result. Here’s how the Wolverines found their exclamation point to a season of glory.

1st Half: The first quarter and the final scoreline would fool a non-viewer into thinking the CFP title game was a cakewalk. It wasn’t. Michigan reeled off an instant 14-3 lead after backup RB Donovan Edwards sprung back-to-back touchdown runs from beyond 40 yards. Edwards had just two carries for 87 yards and two house calls in the first two drives. The title game looked like it might quickly get out of hand, but the Huskies answered before the half to make it 17-10.

2nd Half: On the first play of the second half, Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. was picked off on a tipped ball. The Huskies hung around, though, and they even had a drive forming, down 20-13 early in the 4th quarter, that faltered in the red zone. A few key penalties bit the Huskies in key moments, and a 4th-down interception by Michigan’s Mike Sainristil went 81 yards the other way to tack on more points and secure Michigan’s first college football title in 26 years.

Wolverines Against the World

It was Oct. 19 when the story broke regarding the NCAA investigation into Michigan’s sign-stealing accusations and assistant coach Connor Stalions. That story came just weeks after head coach Jim Harbaugh was reinstated from a three-game suspension for recruiting violations. And thus, the college football world, and the entire sports world, had an opinion on Michigan. Were they cheaters? Or did they simply get caught doing what other teams do in the shadows? No matter where you stand, the Wolverines used that “us against the world” mentality as fuel. After the Big Ten pegged Harbaugh with another three-game sideline suspension, Michigan players and alumni everywhere posted: “Bet.” From that day on, it was Michigan vs. Everybody. The result? Their first title since 1997.

CFP Championship Game Notes (Team Stats)

Wolves Run Wild: Both Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards went over 100 yards rushing and 2 TDs apiece. Michigan’s 303 rushing yards were the most ever in a college football championship game.
2nd Half Turnovers: Washington’s 2 INTs in the 2nd Half led to 10 points off turnovers for Michigan. Both turnovers occurred in a one or two-score game with plenty of time left.
Secondary Lockdown: Michael Penix Jr. was just 2-11 for 59 yards on passes 15 yards or more downfield. The Washington offense was ranked 1st in the country, but they couldn’t hit on Monday.
Huskies’ Key Penalties: Both teams committed five penalties, but Washington had two key flags in the 4th quarter that robbed them of big plays, including a hold on a 32-yard completion and an offsetting hold on a would-be 4th-down conversion.

CFP Championship Game Stats

Passing

QB J. McCarthy (MICH): 10/18, 140 yards

QB M. Penix Jr. (WASH): 27/51, 255 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT

Rushing

RB B. Corum (MICH): 21 carries, 134 yards, 2 TDs

RB D. Edwards (MICH): 6 carries, 104 yards, 2 TDs

RB D. Johnson (WASH): 11 carries, 33 yards

Receiving

WR R. Odunze (WASH): 5 receptions, 87 yards

WR R. Wilson (MICH): 3 receptions, 54 yards

Watch: #1 Michigan Beats #2 Washington (34-13) to Win 1st CFB Championship in 26 Years

Coaches Who Won Titles at Alma Mater

Bear Bryant, Alabama (1960-70s)

Steve Spurrier, Florida (1996)

Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee (1998)

Kirby Smart, Georgia (2022-23)

Jim Harbaugh, Michigan (2024)

What Does Harbaugh Do Next?

One reporter in the postgame presser asked the question on everyone’s mind — would you like to add “winning the Super Bowl” to your list of accomplishments? Harbaugh paused for a few seconds before answering: “I just want to enjoy this… Can a guy have that? Does it always have to be, ‘what’s next?’”

Congrats to Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines. Hail to the Victors!

ESPN: What the World Was Like the Last Time Michigan Was National Champion

B/R: Winners & Losers From the 2024 College Football National Championship

CBS Sports: Will Jim Harbaugh Return to NFL? Michigan Coach Faces Decision After CFP Win

Photo: Maddie Meyer / Getty Images