Michigan football wins 2023 National Championship, 34-13, over Washington: Game recap

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Michigan football wins 2023 National Championship, 34-13, over Washington: Game recap

Jared Ramsey, Detroit Free Press · Detroit Free Press

Tue, Jan 9, 2024 ·

17 min read

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After a 27-year wait, the Michigan Wolverines are once again the champions of the college football world after beating Washington 34-13 in the national championship . The Wolverines led wire-to-wire and scored four rushing touchdowns to build the lead and pull away late in the fourth quarter.

Check out the game recap below:

THE GAME: Why I think Michigan cements epic season with national title

Final: Michigan wins National Championship, 34-13

Washington couldn't do anything on its final drive needing a miracle, and turned the ball back over to Michigan after a failed fourth down. Michigan was able to run out the clock in victory formation for the school's first national title since 1997. Jim Harbaugh turned around for a picture with his team as they were running the final plays, then was savvy enough to duck out of the way of the Gatorade bath with a smile from ear to ear.

- Jared Ramsey

4:29, fourth quarter: Mike Sainristil INT leads to Corum TD, Michigan leads 34-13

Michigan is knocking on the doorstep of the national championship thanks to a big play from All-American defensive back Mike Sainristil, who intercepted Penix on fourth-and-13 and returned the ball all the way to the Washington 8-yard line. Penix was under pressure needing a conversion to keep the Huskies' hopes alive and tried to fit a pass into a tight window but the ball sailed high directly to Sainristil to set up the long return.

Michigan kept the ball on the ground on the two-play drive, and Corum powered in for his second touchdown of the game to most likely put the seal on the national championship for the Wolverines.

- Jared Ramsey

7:09, fourth quarter: Blake Corum scores 12-yard TD, Michigan leads 27-13

Michigan finally found a rhythm on offense in the second half after forcing a quick three-and-out and capped off the five-play, 71-yard drive with a 12-yard touchdown run from Blake Corum. Corum patiently followed his blockers around the right side of the line, made one defender miss with a juke, then burst into the end zone for Michigan's third rushing touchdown of the game.

The drive began with a 41-yard completion to tight end Colston Loveland on a play-action on the first play of the drive. McCarthy fired the ball in a tight window and Loveland elevated to make the catch and ran it down to the Washington 30-yard line. Michigan picked up one more first down on a completion to Roman Wilson in the flat, setting up the touchdown to build a two-possession lead heading into the final stretch.

- Jared Ramsey

11:52, fourth quarter: Teams trade punts back and forth, Michigan leads 20-13

Since Washington's field goal in the middle of the third quarter, there have been five straight punts — three from Michigan and two from Washington. Michigan has two three-and-outs and one punt from midfield after picking up two first downs on J.J. McCarthy runs. Washington picked up one first down on each of its two drives, but had to punt on the next set of downs. Washington just forced the second Wolverine three-and-out to regain possession at its 33-yard line.

- Jared Ramsey

8:58, third quarter: Washington answers with FG, Michigan leads 20-13

Washington responded with a seven-play, 47-yard drive that ended with a 45-yard Grady Gross field goal to trim the deficit back to seven points. Washington picked up 22 yards on back-to-back screen passes on the left sideline, and moved into field goal range after Makari Paige was flagged for unnecessary roughness on a late hit on the second screen. Washington had third-and-8 from the Michigan 32-yard line, but came up short of the first down after Josaiah Stewart sniffed out a tight end screen to make a tackle at the 28-yard line, leading to the field goal.

- Jared Ramsey

11:55, third quarter: James Turner hits FG, Michigan leads 20-10

Michigan got down to the Washington 13-yard line two plays after the interception but had to settle for a 38-yard James Turner field goal after two false start penalties put the Wolverines behind the sticks. Blake Corum ripped off a 13-yard first-down run on the second play of the drive, but followed up the run with a false start by the entire offensive line. On second-and-13, Michigan had another false start, making it 18 yards for a first down, ultimately leading to the field goal.

- Jared Ramsey

14:55, third quarter: Will Johnson intercepts Michael Penix Jr.

Michigan's defense came out of the locker room firing and came up with a massive turnover on the first play of the second half. Penix dropped back to pass and tried to fit a pass into a tight window on the sideline, but Johnson got in front of the ball, tipped the pass to himself and hauled in the catch before the ball hit the ground. Penix limped off the field because one of his offensive linemen, who was being pushed back by Mason Graham , stepped on his ankle while he was throwing. Michigan took over at the Washington 32-yard line.

- Jared Ramsey

Halftime: Michigan leads Washington 17-10

Michigan looked like it was going to run away with the game early after taking a two-possession lead in the first quarter on a pair of long Donovan Edwards touchdown runs, but Washington battled back with a touchdown in the final minute to make it a one-score game at the break. Michigan had three runs of over 40 yards in the first quarter, leading to all 17 of its points, but finished the half with two punts and a turnover on downs on the final three drives. Washington's offense struggled at times with Michigan's front seven causing most of the issues which were compounded with uncharacteristic mistakes in the passing game, but found a rhythm on its final drive to reach the end zone.

The biggest factor of the first half was Michigan's running game, which gained 209 yards on the ground in the first half, sparked by 184 rushing yards in the first quarter. Edwards picked up 87 yards on his two touchdown runs, and Blake Corum had the longest run of the night with a 59-yard gain on the final play of the first quarter, setting up the field goal. J.J. McCarthy wasn't asked to do much, completing five of 11 passes for 81 yards. Michael Penix Jr. was 13-of-21 for 128 yards and a touchdown for Washington. The Huskies' running game didn't do much, only gaining 32 yards on 16 carries for an average of two yards per carry.

- Jared Ramsey

0:42, second quarter: Michigan's lead cut to 17-10 on Jalen McMillan TD

Michigan's gamble proved to be costly as Washington turned the turnover on downs into its first touchdown of the game to cut the lead to one possession just before halftime. On fourth-and-goal from the 3, Michael Penix Jr. stood patiently in the pocket and fired to a wide-open McMillan, who found separation in the back of the end zone. The drive was 11 plays spanning 61 yards, with most yards being gained through the air. Michigan nearly got off the field on third-and-10 from the 23, but a pass interference penalty against Mike Sainristil near the goal line extended the drive. Penix completed four of his six pass attempts on the drive.

- Jared Ramsey

4:43, second quarter: Michigan fails on fourth down

Michigan kept the offense on the field on fourth-and-2 from the Washington 38-yard line, but J.J. McCarthy's pass intended for Roman Wilson on an out route was batted down for a turnover on downs. Michigan originally had the punt unit on the field, but called a timeout to trot the offense back on the field and stay aggressive. Michigan picked up one first down on the drive on a 13-yard run from backup quarterback Alex Orji. Both teams traded punts following Washington's turnover on downs earlier in the quarter.

- Jared Ramsey

10:27, second quarter: Washington fails on fourth down

Washington decided to be aggressive needing a response to Michigan's early two-touchdown lead and kept the offense on the field for fourth-and-7 from the Michigan 47-yard line. Michael Penix had Rome Odunze wide open on the sideline but overthrew his top target who could not come down with the pass despite laying out. Odunze had a clear path to the end zone, but the pass was too off the mark to move the chains or score, setting Michigan up with good field position at midfield.

- Jared Ramsey

13:28, second quarter: Michigan extends lead to 17-3 with FG

Michigan had another explosive run, this time a 59-yarder from Blake Corum on the first play of the drive, but had to settle for a 31-yard field goal from James Turner. Corum broke through the middle of the line, then bounced outside left and was eventually dragged down at the Washington 20-yard line after the longest play of the game so far. Michigan had back-to-back 3-yard runs on the next play, then had an incomplete pass on fourth down to settle for the field goal. Michigan had 184 rushing yards in the first quarter and 229 total yards.

- Jared Ramsey

2:23, first quarter: Donovan Edwards scores 46-yard TD, Michigan leads 14-3

Donovan Edwards saved his best game of the season for the biggest game of his life. On Michigan's second drive of the game, Edwards did it again, this time breaking a 46-yard run to the house to give Michigan an early two-possession lead. Edwards got the handoff and initially worked towards the left, but then cut back and exploded through the right side of the offensive line to wide-open space along the right sideline, and used his blazing speed for his second 40-yard touchdown of the first quarter.

- Jared Ramsey

3:56, first quarter: Washington responds with FG, Michigan leads 7-3

Washington's offense found success on its first drive of the game, but came up short inside the Michigan 10-yard line and had to settle for a 25-yard field goal from Grady Gross. The drive was 14 plays and took over six minutes off the clock, but Michigan's defense stood tall by stuffing two runs on first and second-and-goal, and forced an incompletion with blanket coverage in the end zone on third down. Washington ran the ball six times and threw it seven, with most of the damage coming from Michael Penix Jr. and the wide receivers through the air. Washington picked up three first downs on passes and one on a run from Dillon Johnson , who briefly left the game with an ankle injury but returned plays later.

- Jared Ramsey

10:14, first quarter: Donovan Edwards breaks 41-yard TD run, Michigan leads 7-0

Michigan got the ball first and it didn't take long for the Wolverines to jump into the lead on an eight-play, 84-yard drive. On second-and-14 from the Washington 41-yard line, Edwards received a handoff up the middle, ran a few yards, then bounced outside to the left sideline and raced past the last line of the Washington defense for the early lead. Michigan picked up three first downs on the drive before breaking the home run, two on J.J. McCarthy passes and one on a Kalel Mullings run. The Wolverines did not have to convert a single third down on the opening drive.

- Jared Ramsey

Michigan goes through final warmups

Less than an hour before kickoff, Michigan returned from the locker room to the field wearing its all-blue uniforms to go through the final warmups. As usual, the team broke into position groups to go through pregame drills. Starting lineups were also announced while Michigan was warming up, drawing loud cheers from early arrivals in the crowd.

- Jared Ramsey

Michigan injury report: DL Rayshaun Benny ruled out

Michigan ruled out defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny after he was injured in the first quarter of the Rose Bowl. Benny arrived at NRG stadium on crutches with his right leg wrapped up. Running back Cole Cabana and offensive lineman Zak Zinter are also ruled out, and defensive back Quinten Johnson is listed as questionable.

- Jared Ramsey

Michigan arrives at NRG Stadium

Michigan showed up to NRG stadium two hours before kickoff for its normal pregame routine. Jim Harbaugh rolled in wearing a navy sweatsuit, and the rest of the players followed shortly after. On the field, players started to go through their pregame rituals and Harbaugh gave a quick interview with ESPN's Holly Rowe, reiterating the team is locked in on finishing the job.

- Jared Ramsey

Fans ready for kickoff

Christy Sullivan of Pittsburgh and Dave Rodgers of Augusta, Maine play a game of corn hole during pregame festivities before the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

Michigan and Washington fans are out and about, enjoying the pregame festivities hours ahead of the football game. There's corn hole, a mechanical bull in the shape of a football and much more. Browse through our photo gallery , shot by Free Press photographer Junfu Han, from Houston outside NRG Stadium.

Back in Ann Arbor, students and fans lined up outside of local bars hours before kickoff to be able to squeeze in to watch the National Championship with others.

—Marlowe Alter

Tornado watch in effect, NRG Stadium leaking

Houston is part of a swath of Texas and Louisiana under a tornado watch until 10 p.m. ET as parts of the Gulf of Mexico are hit by extreme weather. Houston's Office of Emergency Management has advised fans to get to the stadium and be indoors early to avoid the worst of the incoming inclement weather. The game kicks off just after 7:30 ET.

The biggest game of the year should be unaffected because NRG Stadium has a roof, but the infrastructure is starting to show some leaks pregame. Reporters on the field pregame posted videos of rainwater trickling through the roof onto the field, spelling potential trouble for the turf playing surface.

—Kevin Skiver

What time is the Michigan-Washington game?

Matchup: No. 1 Michigan (14-0) vs. No. 2 Washington (14-0), CFP title game.

Time: 7:30 p.m.; NRG Stadium, Houston.

TV/radio: ESPN (and its family of networks); WXYT-FM (97.1), WTKA-AM (1050).

At stake: Michigan is looking for its first national title since winning the AP vote following the 1997 season (with Nebraska earning the coaches vote). Washington is looking for its first national title since winning the coaches vote following the 1991 season (with Miami winning the AP vote).

—Ryan Ford

RAINER SABIN: After a long climb, will Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh reach the top?

Michigan vs. Washington pregame listening

Must listen:Make "Hail Yes!" your go-to Michigan Wolverines podcast, available anywhere you listen to shows including Apple and Spotify . Subscribe now!

On this episode, Michigan football beat writer Tony Garcia and Big Ten football insider Rainer Sabin take a look back at the Wolverines' epic Rose Bowl win, and give their final takes on the CFP title game vs. Washington and familiar quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Listen in the player embedded below or wherever you get your podcasts.

—Marlowe Alter

How to watch ESPN 'MegaCast' for CFP national championship

ESPN is bringing back its "MegaCast" for the College Football Playoff national championship, offering fans multiple ways to watch the big game when it kicks off.

Here is how ESPN will air Michigan vs. Washington:

ESPN:Main telecast
ESPN2:Field Pass (with The Pat McAfee Show)
ESPNU:Command Center
ESPNEWS:Skycast
ESPN Deportes:Spanish Language
ESPN Radio:National Radio Broadcast
ESPN 4K:4K SkyCam
ESPN app:All-22
ESPN app:Michigan Hometown Radio
ESPN app:Washington Hometown Radio
ESPN app:Pregame & Halftime Bands

—Brian Manzullo

Michigan vs. Washington predictions for national championship

The 2024 College Football Playoff championship game between Michigan football and Washington is set to be a heavyweight battle between the two remaining undefeated Power Five teams in the country. Many experts seem to agree the Wolverines are the more likely team to win, though acknowledge Heisman Trophy candidate Michael Penix Jr. is good enough to keep things interesting. Here's a national roundup of college football expert predictions, and here are our staff predictions for tonight.

—Jared Ramsey

Michigan vs. Washington betting odds

Michigan is now a 5½-point favorite, as of Monday afternoon, to win its first national championship in 26 years, according to BetMGM . Michigan has a 74.3% chance to win the title, according to ESPN Analytics .

The point total over/under is down a point to 55½.

Michigan is -210 on the moneyline compared to Washington +175. (This means you'd have to risk $210 on Michigan to win to earn a profit of $100; you'd win $175 taking Washington on a $100 bet.)

—Marlowe Alter

Michigan-Washington series history

The Wolverines own an 8-5 record in their 13 games against the Huskies.Michigan dominated the early part of the series, winning each of the first four contests, all of which came by at least two touchdowns, including a 50-0 triumph in the first-ever meeting between the programs on Sept. 26, 1953 in Ann Arbor. Since the late 1970s, though, it has been decidedly more even. Starting with a 27-20 Washington victory in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 2, 1978, Michigan is 4-5 against the Huskies, including a 2-2 mark in the Rose Bowl. Here's more on the series history .

—Craig Meyer

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan-Washington in CFP national championship: Game recap

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