Michigan Wolverines // UM Athletics
HOUSTON, TEX. – The Big Ten conference stood supreme by the end of Monday night’s College Football Playoff national championship, as No. 1 Michigan wrapped their undefeated season at 15-0, taking down future conference rival Washington 34-13 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Tex.
The ground-and-pound method to head coach Jim Harbaugh’s madness worked to perfection, especially early. Running back Donovan Williams busted two long touchdown runs pushing the Wolverines out to an early 14-3 advantage. Starter Blake Corum ended with 134 yards on the ground, pairing his rushing with two fourth quarter scores.
Michigan’s JJ McCarthy had a quiet but efficient day, leading Michigan down the field by not making mistakes and keeping the Wolverines in control by limiting turnovers. Michigan overcame their playoff demons from the past three seasons Monday night, having claimed the national title after a 2022 first round blowout loss against Georgia and the 2023 semifinal debacle to TCU.
It is the first national title since the Wolverine’s shared the 1997 championship with Nebraska. Both Michigan and Washington will rematch on Oct. 5, 2024 in Seattle as the Huskies join the Big Ten Conference.