The Michigan Wolverines are College Football Playoff National Champions! Utilizing a stout rushing attack, the Wolverines ran roughshod over the Washington Huskies to finish their first-ever 15-0 season and be crowned 2023-24 National Champions.
During a season of turmoil on and off the field, the Wolverines proved resolve, resiliency, and rushing prowess remained their calling card for success.
Michigan Wolverines Are National Champions
It wasn’t without some drama, but the Wolverines controlled the game against the Huskies from the opening whistle. As such, the Wolverines were crowned National Champions following a dominant display in the 2023-24 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Michigan wore down the Washington defense and took it to them early on.
Their 209 first-half rushing yards were the most rush yards the Washington defense had allowed in a single half all season long. The two-headed monster at running back was too much to handle as Donovan Edwards and Blake Corum each found the end zone.
Up first was Edwards. The dynamic secondary punch behind Corum went for two first-quarter scores and a whopping 93 rushing yards on just three carries in the first half.
Edwards’ speed and sudden shiftiness were on full display as he left multiple Washington defenders in his wake en route to the end zone.
In the second half, however, it was time for Corum to take over.
With the offense needing to get back on track following some lackluster third-down play, it was Corum who found the end zone midway through the fourth quarter that all but iced the game for the Wolverines. It happened to be Corum’s 26th straight game with a touchdown in ridiculous fashion.
J.J. McCarthy provided enough of a spark for the Wolverines’ offense — notably his scramble in the third quarter and his dart to TE Colton Loveland on Corum’s touchdown drive — but it was the rushing attack that paced the Michigan victory.
The Wolverines’ offensive line dictated the pace of play and they were only matched by the prowess of their defensive mates on the other side of the ball.
Michigan’s defensive line was continually in the face of Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. just as they were seen stuffing any rushing angle the Huskies attempted to attack. Mason Graham proved to be too much to handle, and the linebackers showed their speed.
Cornerback Mike Sainristill perhaps made himself the most money of the playmakers in the game, however. The wide receiver turned cornerback flashed some elite talent on defense and locked down the talented Washington trio at receiver in his coverage.
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With their defensive prowess equaling their offensive output, the final result was seemingly never in question.
In the end, it was a comfortable 34-13 victory for the Wolverines, winning their first national title since 1997.
Blake Corum Named CFN Offensive MVP
A fitting end to what was very likely Corum’s final game as a Michigan Wolverine, Corum got to paydirt twice in the game when the final whistle blew. He scored the game-breaking fourth-quarter touchdown that pushed the lead to two possessions before pushing the lead to a whopping and very comfortable three-touchdown margin as the game waned down.
In the end, Corum rushed for 133 yards on 20 carries with two scores.
College Football Network is proud to award Blake Corum as the Offensive MVP of the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Mike Sainristil Named CFN Defensive MVP
Even before the game-clinching interception, Michigan CB Mike Sainristil had the vote from the CFN staff for Defensive MVP. Icing the game and his individual honor, Sainrstil’s interception off Penix Jr. in the waning stages of the fourth quarter sealed the deal in more ways than one.
Sainristil almost scored on the 81-yard interception return, but his play all over the field was more than enough to warrant the honors.
College Football Network is proud to award Mike Sainrstil as the Defensive MVP of the College Football Playoff National Championship.
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