The University of Michigan won the 2023-2024 NCAAF national championships last night with a stellar performance. The Wolverines would go on to win in a dominating display over the Washington Huskies. In a season full of adversity, the Wolverines were able to overcome and become the national champions.
Going into the game, the Wolverines were favored to win by 5.5 points. The majority of analysts and sports reporters agreed on this score and assumed this would be a very good game for Michigan. Michigan started with the ball and had a very dominant first drive. Then at the 41-yard line Donovan Edwards would take one to the house to open the scoring 7-0 Michigan. The next score of the game was a solid Washington drive late into the first quarter which got them into the red zone before they stalled out at the seven yard line where Grady Gross knocked in a 25-yard field goal to get Washington on the board 7-3. Right away, Michigan got the ball back and at the end of the first quarter, Donovan Edwards lost again and scored a 46 yard rushing touchdown. This put Michigan up 14-3 at the end of the first quarter.
The 2nd quarter began with a few punts before Michigan scored again with a 31-yard field goal from James Turner. This gave the Wolverines a 17-3 lead for the rest of the 2nd quarter. It was a defensive battle for the rest of the 2nd quarter before Micheal Penix led a clutch late 2nd quarter touchdown drive ending in a 3 yard passing touchdown to Jalen McMillan. The halftime score was 17-10.
At the start of the 3rd quarter, the Huskies felt like they were one drive away from being right there. In the 3rd quarter the defensive battle continued, as both defenses held strong and ground with each team just scoring a field goal. This created a 20-13 lead for the Wolverines heading into the 4th and final quarter.
In the 4th quarter, Michigan led a strong early drive, scoring with seven minutes left. They took a 27-13 lead late into the 4th. In the last five minutes, they would drive down to the 25-yard line, and face a 4th & 13, their last chance to hang in the game. Micheal Penix faced pressure and forced up a throw leading to an interception and sealed the game for the Wolverines. Michigan scored again right before time expired winning 34-13.
“I’m just so proud of the guys and can’t wait to enjoy this moment,” said Jim Harbaugh, University of Michigan’s head coach, to the Associated Press. “I’m not thinking about the future right now, just embracing this moment.”
This is Michigan’s 12th national title in school history and first in 13 years.
“We had a huge watch party at my house last night, and all I could feel at the end of the game was pure joy,” said senior Milo Bustany, a lifelong Michigan fan. “We have had a few rough years as Michigan fans, but last night was just pure joy”
This win is huge for the Michigan program and proves that they are one of the best teams of all time in the new CFP playoff style. As for the Huskies, their season came up just short of their end goal. After a spectacular season, they ended with a big disappointment. Both teams played the best in their schools’ recent history, and we are excited to see these athletes’ futures in American football.
