We’ve arrived at the finish line of the 2023-24 college football season. It’s 14-0 Michigan against 14-0 Washington for all the marbles in the final edition of the four-team College Football Playoff before it expands to 12 teams next season. This is the fourth time in the playoff era where undefeated teams will meet for the national championship.
These teams bring contrasting styles, as Michigan looks to lean on its running game, led by Blake Corum, and its defense. Washington feeds off explosive plays in the passing game, led by dynamic quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and a crop of NFL-caliber receivers. The Huskies also like to balance things out with running back Dillon Johnson, who was hobbled in the Rose Bowl but will play in the title game.
Who will be crowned champion in the end? We’ll track the journey to the title below.
Live28 updates
Halftime: Michigan 17, Washington 10
Halftime: Michigan 17, Washington 10
Touchdown Washington!
The Huskies are into the end zone as Michael Penix Jr. finds Jalen McMillan on fourth down in the back of the end zone and fires it in for the touchdown. Game on!
The Huskies are inside the red zone after several Penix completions and a key Michigan penalty on third down. They could cut it to one possession here and would have the ball back first after the break.
Michigan fails to convert on fourth down
The Wolverines go for it on fourth down and McCarthy’s pass to Roman Wilson is deflected to the ground. What a stop by Washington!
Washington isn’t able to do anything with its possession either and punts it back to Michigan, which will take over at its own 33. Just under 8 minutes left in the half.
Michigan goes three-and-out for the first time this game. Washington will have it back at its own 20 after a touchback.
Huskies JUST miss on long pass play
Washington goes for it on fourth down and Michael Penix has Rome Odunze wide open but they just can’t connect. What a missed opportunity for the Huskies to get right back in this thing.
The Wolverines now take over at their own 47 with just over 10 minutes left in the second quarter.
Michael Penix and the Huskies offense is on the move now with a couple easy completions to Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk. They’re out past midfield.
Michigan 17, Washington 3
The Wolverines are only able to tack on three after Blake Corum’s deep run. The Huskies needed that stop badly.
Blake Corum breaks loose!
Now it’s Michigan’s No. 1 running back getting in on the action as Corum breaks to the outside and sprints all the way down to the Washington 20-yard line on a 59-yard run. Things are looking bleak for Washington as the first quarter comes to an end.
It’s a quick three-and-out for Washington on the other side. Michigan will have another chance to add to its early lead.
Touchdown Michigan!
Michigan 14, Washington 3
It’s Donovan Edwards AGAIN as the back bolts straight through the Washington defense for a 46-yard touchdown. Michigan is in control of things early.
Michigan with a HUGE completion on the first play of the ensuing possession. Washington bit on the play action and J.J. McCarthy finds Roman Wilson for a 37-yard gain!
Washington’s Grady Gross just slipped that kick inside the right upright, but the Huskies are on the board.
Michigan 7, Washington 3
The Huskies worked their way down the field and inside the Michigan 10-yard line, but the drive fizzles out there and they settle for a field goal.
The Huskies have the ball and are already past midfield after multiple Michael Penix Jr. completions. Tybo Rogers caught the last one and broke a tackle to move the chains.
Touchdown Michigan!
Donovan Edwards bounces a run outside and finds open space, sprinting 41 yards for a score to kick things off in Houston. What an impressive start for the Wolverines!
Kalel Mullings breaks off a 14-yard run for Michigan. The Wolverines are close to field goal range now.
Michigan playing bully ball early in this one. It has consecutive first downs with its running game and is nearing midfield.
