The College Football Playoff National Championship saw a thrilling face-off between the Michigan Wolverines and the Washington Huskies. Both teams entered the championship undefeated, with a 14-0 record, marking their first appearance in the championship game in the College Football Playoff era. This was a significant event as it was the last championship in a four-team playoff before the field expands to 12 for the 2024 season.

The game began with Washington winning the coin toss and deferring to the second half, giving Michigan the first possession. Michigan’s offensive coordinator, Sherrone Moore, effectively utilized the team’s run game, picking up 66 yards on their opening drive. Michigan’s quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, started strong with 2-2 on completions.

Michigan dominated the game, particularly with their ground game. They piled up a history-making 303 yards rushing, overpowering the Huskies on both lines of scrimmage. The Wolverines led the game from the start, with Donovan Edwards breaking a 41-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. The Wolverines’ offensive line, which had shown up at the Orange Bowl two years ago wearing T-shirts that read “Run The Damn Ball,” lived up to that mantra.

The Wolverines ultimately triumphed over the Huskies with a 34-13 victory, capturing their first national title in the College Football Playoff era and their first since 1997. This victory was particularly significant for Michigan, which became the first college football program to reach 1,000 all-time wins earlier in the season. The win also marked a successful end to a season that had seen controversy, including a suspension for head coach Jim Harbaugh due to NCAA recruiting violations.

Despite the loss, the game was also significant for Washington. It would have been the Pac-12’s first and only national championship win in the CFP era. However, with Washington set to switch conferences following the collapse of the Pac-12, the Big Ten will claim this season’s reigning champ.

In conclusion, the Michigan Wolverines showcased their strength and strategy in a game that will be remembered for their dominant performance and significant victory. The Wolverines’ win marks a high point in their history and sets a high bar for the expanded playoffs in the 2024 season.