#1 ranked Michigan Wolverines beat #2 ranked Washington Huskies in the BCS National Championship. Michigan handled Washington 34-13 January 9th at SoFi Stadium, marking their first National Championship since 1997. This was also Washington's first appearance in the National Championship since 1991.
The game was close going into halftime, as Washington held Michigan to a 7 point lead. It wasn’t until late in the third quarter, when Michigan took over the game. Michigan’s defense dominated, limiting Heisman runner up quarterback Micheal Penix Jr. to a poor second half. The Michigan offense was able to drive down the field and score multiple times against the Washington defense.
Michigan attacked the run game with running back Blake Corum with 21 carries, 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns and running back Donovan Edwards with 6 carries, 104 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
“I was amazed by the performance of Michigan's run game, specifically Blake Corum having many breakout plays throughout the game. Rushing and receiving, Corum was unbelievable,” NHS junior Jeremy Barber said
Washington not only struggled to stop the run defensively, but they also had a tough time running the ball themselves. Running back Dillon Johnson rushed for 33 rushing yards on 11 carries.
Corum, with an impressive performance over the Washington defense, made it easy for Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, as he did not have to throw the ball, Michigan threw the ball completing only 11 passes for 140 yards and no interceptions.
“Corum made it look really easy for JJ not having to throw the ball much this game, the way Corum ran the ball should be a crime, same with Daveon Edwards running the ball like a machine,” NHS junior John Sclafani said
Washington's struggle throughout the game had Heismen runner up Penix Jr. from having a good game as he had his own struggles throughout the game going 27/51 attempts, 255 passing yards, 1 td, and 2 ints. But early in the third quarter, Penix went through an ankle and rib injury also causing him to have some struggle towards the end of the game. Michigan's defense stayed disciplined, forcing Penix to throw the ball away multiple times with an aggressive D-line with the corners making Penix think again when looking their way.
"We just didn't execute in the moments when we needed to. It's just about executing. I don't feel like they did anything -- I feel like we beat ourselves." Penix said
Coach Jim Harbaugh celebrated the game with his parents, going over to his 84-year old father and giving him a hug, turning around to his mother and doing the same thing. Several days after the game, Harbaugh announced that he will be ending his tenure with Michigan, and coaching the Los Angeles Chargers.
"I said this the other day, but I've only got so many sands left in the hourglass, and I want another shot. I want another shot to be simply known as world champions. The Lombardi Trophy. That's my mission," Harbaugh said.
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