Posted by It wasn’t the close game that the 4.5-point spread that favored Michigan would have suggested as the Wolverines instead recorded a complete, 34-13 victory in the 2023 College Football Playoff national championship.
Blake Corum ran for 134 yards and two touchdowns, Donovan Edwards had 104 rushing yards and two touchdowns and Michigan finished the season 15-0 by finally putting Washington away in the fourth quarter.
Washington QB Michael Penix struggled with accuracy much of the night and was 27-for-51 for 255 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.
With Michigan leading 20-13 in the fourth quarter, the Wolverines drove 71 yards in five plays to break open the game, and an 81-yard interception return by Mike Sainstril set up Michigan’s final score with under five minutes to play.
BENDER: Michigan beats everybody: No one could stop Jim Harbaugh’s national title team
The Sporting News tracked live scoring updates and highlights for Michigan vs. Washington on Monday night. Follow below for what you may have missed from the title game.
(All times Eastern)
Donovan Edwards was born in West Bloomfield, MI to a family of teachers.
He lost his mom to cancer when he was two and says he chose Michigan because it felt like family.
“I want her to be proud of me.”
Edwards scored twice tonight — and helped the Wolverines win a… pic.twitter.com/hUgHSTaK0L
11:39 p.m.: Harbaugh has not directly answered any questions regarding his future at Michigan after a controversial 2023 season that involved the sign-stealing investigation, though it is expected the school will continue making a strong push to keep him in Ann Arbor after a victory like this one.
11:08 p.m.: Jim Harbaugh has an uncanny way off avoiding the Gatorade bath. To this point, he’s still dry out there on the field.
10:59 p.m.: No targeting is called. Barring anything out of the ordinary, the Wolverines should be set to win their first national championship since 1997.
MICHIGAN 34, WASHINGTON 13
10:58 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: Blake Corum takes it in for the 7-yard touchdown as Michigan piles on what has become a substantial lead.
10:56 p.m.: Penix is intercepted on 4th & 13. He had Rome Odunze wide open but didn’t look for him on a horribly forced decision.
Michael Penix Jr. throws an interception and likely seals Michigan’s victory pic.twitter.com/ppYYFKgysv
10:54 p.m.: Washington gets a fourth-down do-over with offsetting penalties as QB Michael Penix Jr. takes a huge hit on an underthrown pass.
10:52 p.m.: If the Huskies are going to stay competitive, they need a lot of plays like the one to WR Rome Odunze on 2nd & 6, which went for 44 yards as Washington now sits in Michigan territory on the most important drive of the game so far.
MICHIGAN 27, WASHINGTON 13
10:44 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: That was exactly what Michigan needed. RB Blake Corum makes it to the end zone on a 12-yard run to the right. Play-action, in addition to going up-tempo, causes issues for the Washington defense and pays dividends for the Michigan offense. With just over 7 minutes left to play, Washington is going to have to hustle and get some key stops to have a shot.
10:42 p.m.: QB J.J. McCarthy throws a dart to Colston Loveland, who gets some yards after the catch as Michigan makes its way to the Washington 30 yard-line. While there was some sputtering for a short period, Michigan seems to have gotten its offensive rhythm back. That could make all the difference in the final minutes of this one.
10:31 p.m.: It’s worth noting that McCarthy has shown some big flashes with his legs and has thrown some nice passes while executing the system well. It may not be the most eye-catching performance, but like some quarterbacks who have been pinned as “game managers,” a term that really shouldn’t carry the negative connotation that it does for some, he is simply doing what the coaches are asking him to do. Penix, though, has looked off, and it brings up the question of how truly consistent he can be against stout competition. Michigan’s defense is unlike anything Washington has seen all season, and it’s shown boldly at times tonight.
10:29 p.m.: J.J. McCarthy puts a pass directly on the money to Cornelius Johnson, but he’s unable to reel it in. McCarthy has had what some may have a quiet night to this point, but a lot of that has to do with some drops in the passing agile and the sheer dominance of the ground game.
10:18 p.m.: Michigan’s ground game has had an outstanding game to this point. The Wolverines total 273 yards of rushing offense with two running backs — Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards — over the century-mark in ground yards.
10:15 p.m.: QB J.J. McCarthy can be a threat with his legs and he just showed why. Instead trying to force a throw, he used his legs to record his longest run of the season and get the first down for Michigan. He fellows that up with another first down. That first run was for for 22 yards, followed by a 12-yard run.
10:09 p.m.: The Huskies will punt after QB Michael Penix Jr.’s pass to the right intended for WR Rome Odunze falls incomplete. The 56-yard Washington punt is downed at the UM 7 and the Wolverines will look to extend their leads in a game that has started to feel stagnant in some regards.
10:01 p.m.: Michigan has still fair outgained Washington so far in terms of total offensive yards to this point, but the gap is (starting) to close. Midway through the third quarter, the Wolverines total 319 yards of total offense to Washington’s 192 yards in the same category.
MICHIGAN 20, WASHINGTON 13
9:57 p.m. FIELD GOAL: Washington responds with a 45-yard field goal from Grady Gross, once again making this a one-score game. Michigan still has the momentum, but it is not getting out of control in the way it looked like it would in the first few drives on the game.
MICHIGAN 20, WASHINGTON 10
9:49 p.m. FIELD GOAL: Michigan takes advantage of the turnover to open the up the third quarter action, driving to the UW 20. No touchdown, but the team puts three points on the board with a 38-yard field goal from James Turner.
9:44 p.m.: That’s a fine showcase of the Michigan defense. QB Michael Penix Jr. opens the second half with an interception that goes straight into the hands of Wolverines defender Will Johnson to the UW 32.
Michael Penix Jr. throws an interception to Will Johnson 5 seconds into the 2nd half. 😯
(🎥: @ESPN)pic.twitter.com/4RO8hOuhAM
9:18 p.m.: Michigan heads into the locker room with a touchdown lead. In an interview with Holly Rowe ahead of the half, Harbaugh says his team must gain the momentum back.
Halftime lead pic.twitter.com/I6lZD2eRnw
MICHIGAN 17, WASHINGTON 10
9:12 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: An 11-play, 61-yard drive ends in a 3-yard touchdown by Jalen McMillan. Michigan’s lead is cut to a mere touchdown and this is a true football game again, with Washington getting the ball to start the second half.
TD WASHINGTON
MICHAEL PENIX ➡️ JALEN MCMILLAN
MOMENTUM SHIFTER #PurpleReign
pic.twitter.com/4J8i9Yh5Ry
9:11 p.m.: QB Michael Penix Jr. keeps on a designed quarterback run for 2 yards. That’s something Washington does not do often.
9:09 p.m.: Michigan calls a timeout as Washington closes at the Michigan 5-yard line toward the end of the second quarter after a run from RB Dillon Johnson.
9:02 p.m.: Michigan goes for it on 4th & 3 just beyond midfield and QB J.J. McCarthy’s pass is incomplete. Washington is set up with some much-needed good field position.
8:55 p.m.: Michigan is adding wrinkles offensively with different formation and the implementation of backup quarterback Alex Orji, who has been ace on quarterback run plays. It’s working as the Wolverines make headway to the Washington 43.
8:48 p.m.: Washington forces its first punt of the night, a 53-yarder from Michigan. It is a step in the right direction after the Wolverines’ first three drives culminated in a pair of touchdowns and a field goal.
8:42 p.m.: Washington seems to be taking its time on the field offensively, and it’s clear winning the time of possession battle with be critical with how unexpectedly lethal the Michigan offense has been. QB Michael Penix Jr. overshoots a wide open WR Rome Odunze on 4th & 7 and Michigan will capitalize on the missed opportunity with highly favorable field position.
MICHIGAN 17, WASHINGTON 3
8:35 p.m. FIELD GOAL: Michigan settles for a 31-yard field goal from James Turner.
8:30 p.m.: There’s no question the Washington defense has been far from up to par so far with some critical mistakes made. That includes leaving huge lanes open for the Michigan running game like this one.
Good God pic.twitter.com/8iLdL2nvSZ
8:24 p.m.: The Washington offense comes up empty on the ensuing drive and it’s clear the momentum is all in the Wolverines’ favor to this point. If Michigan scores a touchdown on this drive, things could get out of hand early.
MICHIGAN 14, WASHINGTON 3
8:20 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: RB Donovan Edwards puts another touchdown on the board, this one for 46 yards. This marks a huge re-emergence for him as he currently totals 2 carries for 87 yards with 2 touchdowns. Michigan is playing strong complementary football right now.
Explosive! 💥 pic.twitter.com/jqgoeRceS0
Early house call from Donovan Edwards!
📺 ESPN#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/efPMbscxBv
MICHIGAN 7, WASHINGTON 3
8:13 p.m. FIELD GOAL: QB Michael Penix Jr. misses on a pass intended for WR Rome Odunze in the end zone on third down. The Huskies are forced to settle for a 25-yard field goal from former walk-on kicker Grady Gross.
8:07 p.m.: RB Dillon Johnson has re-entered the game, a good sign for Washington. The Huskies now sit at the Michigan 10 as they look to respond with a score of their own on their opening offensive drive.
8 p.m.: RB Dillon Johnson heads to the injury tent and is sidelined. He’s been fighting through pain and the Huskies will hope he will be able to get back to the field tonight in what will clearly be a closely fought game.
MICHIGAN 7, WASHINGTON 0
7:52 p.m. TOUCHDOWN: Washington brings the pressure and gets its first sack of the drive. But it is quickly followed by a 41-yard touchdown by Donovan Edwards. It is Edwards’ first touchdown since the 24-15 win over Penn State back on Nov. 11. All of the talk has been of Washington’s powerhouse offense, but it is Michigan that has now set the bar high on that side of the ball in this contest.
7:50 p.m.: Michigan gets yet another first down as the offense hums efficiently in the first drive of the game. Play-action seems to be working well for the Wolverines so far. That first win was on a 10-yard completion to Cornelius Johnson as the Wolverines advance to the UM 49.
Pregame: Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer says RB Dillon Johnson is in good condition and “ready to go” to play tonight.
Pregame: Washington wins the coin toss and elects to defer. J.J. McCarthy and the Wolverines offense will hit the field first.
Pregame: Lee Corso picks Michigan over Washington.
Pregame: Former Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers, who recently transferred to Washington, is at the game. Rogers is expected to be the future for the Huskies after Michael Penix Jr. departs for the draft. He rejoins his former running back, Dillon Johnson, who also saw time playing in Starkville, Mississippi under the late Mike Leach.
Look who it is 🤩@jake_browning @MylesGAS @SidneyJonesIV #PurpleReign pic.twitter.com/MY5uyBabi9
Pregame: Bengals quarterback Jake Browning, who formerly took the field for Washington and impressed in relief of an injured Joe Burrow, is in town for his former team’s big game. Browning finished out the season with a 70.4% completion rate, 1,936 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions over 9 games.
Look who it is 🤩@jake_browning @MylesGAS @SidneyJonesIV #PurpleReign pic.twitter.com/MY5uyBabi9
Pregame: The roof at NRG Stadium is leaking ahead of the game — something that may be a first.
Ths roof at NRG is leaking? a security person tells @lainehiggins17 that is indeed a first in her 4 years here. Weather in Houston has been terrible today. Texans GM Nick Caserio walked by and was similarly puzzled. pic.twitter.com/paJTvR06aR
Pregame: Currently listed at No. 5 on Mel Kiper’s big board for the 2024 NFL Draft, Washington WR Rome Odunze will be a player to watch early in the first round.
Pregame: Washington RB Dillon Johnson was seen getting loose on the sideline ahead of the game, but what capacity he is in remains to be seen until kickoff.
Washington RB Dillon Johnson getting loose. How healthy he is remains a big question mark. pic.twitter.com/yPSX20txOL
Pregame: As noted in the broadcast, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy practices meditation and regulating his breathing before big games, something he did below the goalpost ahead of Monday night’s game.
J.J. McCarthy locking in 🧘♂️#NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/Alzw3DRyrg
Pregame: Washington arrives to NRG Stadium
Dawgs in the house#PurpleReign #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/x2TpVC1mu2
Pregame: Michigan arrives at NRG Stadium
The Wolverines are in the house!#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/DjjksKEHFE
Pregame: In an observation from Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, a Washington fan screams at Michigan fans that their team isn’t prepared to play in this type of weather. Ironically, the game is being played indoors. Obviously, both teams are also from places far away from Houston, Texas.
As the crowd braves a rain and wind storm to get into NRG Stadium for the national championship game, a Washington fan screams at Michigan fans that their team “isn’t prepared to play in this kinda northwest weather.”
The game will be played indoors.
Pregame: Michigan is greeted by a swarm of well-traveled fans who came all the way to Houston as the Wolverines prepare to head to the stadium.
Loving all the support as we head to the stadium! 〽️#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/eqQ9LhBLIc
Pregame: The Kraken, Seattle’s professional hockey team, have also sent their well wishes to the Huskies ahead of Monday’s contest.
🗣️ GOOOOO!!! 🗣️ HUSKIES!!!!
Bring home the Natty, @UW_Football! #PurpleReign pic.twitter.com/mwTigETNSd
Pregame: Washington dropped its hype video Sunday evening ahead of the national title game. Here’s a look at that.
Same story, same mission.
Tomorrow. #CFBPlayoff #PurpleReign pic.twitter.com/itSzU2IZuA
Pregame: The Huskies have received a little hometown love from another major sports team in their area, the Seattle Mariners, as they prepare to to play at college football’s highest stage.
#LoyalToTheSoil ☔️ https://t.co/KEnjpnQZXB
Pregame: Michigan running back Blake Corum scored plenty of laughs when he arrived the NRG Stadium rodeo ready.
BLAKE CORUM IS READY FOR THE RODEO 🔥🤠#NationalChampionship I #CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/i51yefLL2m
Pregame: Washington mascot “Dubs” has officially arrived. One interesting note about the beloved dog is that he is indeed an Alaskan Malamute, not a Siberian Husky, despite being the mascot for a team known as the “Huskies.”
I’m here and ready! 🐾 pic.twitter.com/y8CDm86ifY
Pregame: ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath says Washington offensive standout Rome Odunze will give the pregame speech for the Huskies.
Pregame: There are several storylines to watch as the Wolverines prepare to face the Huskies. Among them are the fact that both quarterbacks taking the field in former Heisman Trophy candidate Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy could both be taken in the early rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft with real potential to become consistent Sunday starters. This could also be Jim Harbaugh’s last game as the Michigan head coach for now if he chooses to head to the NFL in the offseason, something many have been speculating about. For the immediate future, whether or not star running back Dillon Johnson takes the field will be something to keep an eye on and could have a big effect on things for the Washington offense.
Pregame: Michigan drops hype video
Nowhere else in the world we’d rather be than right here, right now, with this team.#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/FApPBbpVGs
Monday night’s title game contest between the Wolverines and the Huskies is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET at the NRG Stadium in Houston.
Monday’s national title game between Michigan and Washington will be broadcast on ESPN.
ESPN rolled out its Megacast for the College Football Playoff, once again providing alternate broadcasts across its family of networks with just about the same setup as last season’s semifinals.
Fans can stream all the action via ESPN+ or Fubo, which offers a free trial.
Crissy Froyd is a content producer at The Sporting News.