Player of the match: Blake Corum (RB, Michigan)
While Michigan leads by only a touchdown, the Wolverines' number 1 running back pulls off a run that he has the secret to. Resisting two tackles, Blake Corum allows Michigan to definitely widen the gap. Adding one more touchdown at the end of the match, he is the man of this final four with 4 touchdowns.
During a college basketball game, he promised Michigan fans a title, announcing his return. He did not break his promise. The running back completes his university work with 20 races, 133 yards and therefore 2 touchdowns. His absence last year weighed heavily on Michigan. This year, he is there, and was the difference factor. Blake Corum will (probably) leave the NCAA on a dream season. His statistical record: 15 games, 257 carries, 1,244 yards and 27 touchdowns, impressive. The NFL is waiting for him where a team could bet on him in the 2nd round.
TD MICHIGAN! 〽️
RB Blake Corum pierces the Huskies' defensive curtain and scores a 12-yard TD! Maybe the title for the Wolverines.
Michigan 27, Washington 13
📺 @ESPN | #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/sg2iAYIQl5
— TBP College Football (@thebluepennant) January 9, 2024
The match: Michigan 34 – Washington 13
The start of the match is largely to Michigan's advantage. The Wolverines are banking on what they have made their strength throughout the season: the ground game. Donovan Edwards' double helping, the Wolverines already reached 200 yards on offense, including 174 in the first quarter alone. Washington does not advance in attack, and even misses a touchdown to reduce the gap. The Huskies will still reduce the gap thanks to Jalen McMillan. They can thank the Michigan attack, failing on 4th attempt, then the defense, penalized several times before the touchdown.
Despite Michigan's first interception of the game, the Wolverines did not capitalize, and settled for 3 points. Washington responds. The stakes take precedence over the game, with Michael Penix Jr. missing passes that he is not used to missing. Opposite, Michigan's ground game is stuck, and the aerial attack does not exist. Result: a totally defensive 3rd quarter, leaving the match undecided.
A match that will definitely turn to Michigan's advantage. Diminished, Michael Penix Jr. cannot find his favorite receivers. Plus, when he finds them, his offensive line finds a way to concede a penalty. As against Alabama, Michigan showed itself to be clutch in the final moments. Between Blake Corum's two touchdowns, the defense also did the job with an interception, definitively sealing Michigan and Jim Harbaugh's first national title in this new format. Washington was so close, in the end the gap was large for a logical and deserved victory for the Wolverines.
They shined
Before the Blake Corum show, Donovan Edwards once again proved that he is the man for big matches. The other running back scores 2 touchdowns of over 40 yards, and even exceeds 100 yards. A first for him this season. Michigan's defense accomplished what no team has accomplished this season against Washington: limiting the Huskies to fewer than 15 points. His captain, nickel cornerback Mike Sainristil, had a great match, with 8 tackles and the interception which sealed the fate of the match. Linebacker Junior Colson also shines with 10 tackles.
On the Washington side, we can remember the good performance of the defense, forcing the Michigan attack to punt 5 times, before logically cracking. We can also highlight the good performance of receiver Rome Odunze (5 REC, 87 yards) despite some difficulties on separation and in adjustments. On the offensive line, Troy Fautanu was the best player. All the same, he was pressured, but did not concede any sacks.
The disappointment: Michael Penix Jr. (QB, Washington)
It was day and night between the semi-final and the final for Michael Penix Jr. The Washington quarterback did not have his usual performance, disrupted by a good Michigan defense. Sometimes imprecise despite rather good pocket management, he was not decisive, even throwing 2 interceptions. However, he sometimes succeeds in some magnificent passes, like on Jalen McMillan's touchdown. Unfortunately, his offensive line didn't help, conceding crucial penalties. Neither did his receivers, releasing balls at important moments in the game.
This in no way takes away from his magnificent season. Heisman Trophy finalist, Michael Penix Jr. played (probably) his last NCAA game. The NFL is waiting for him with perhaps a team that could select him in the first round. The Huskies quarterback has come a long way after years of struggle. We didn't expect it at this level, and yet, it was impressive. He can leave the university with the symbol of duty accomplished within U-Dub.
The 2024 season
This final is the last in a 4-team format. Next season, 12 teams will qualify for the playoffs. A first in this format in the history of university football.
This is also Washington's final game as a member of the PAC-12 conference. Next year, the Huskies will join the Big Ten conference, the same conference as… Michigan. A championship which will include 18 teams during the 2024 season. Washington is one of the 17 teams which will change conference in NCAA Division 1 after this 2023 season.
Teams will still play 12 games per season. Then, after the regular season games, the playoff committee (CFP) will determine the 12 teams that will play in the bowls counting for the national title.
See you next season!
