Observations on the win over Washington, 34-13
Michigan converted four red zones for 20 points; Washington converted two red zones for 10 points. The Wolverines gained two Husky turnovers, and converted them into 10 points. The Wolverines did not turn the ball over, the mark of the Championship Football Team; they led the nation in least turnovers in 2023.
Offense gained 16 first downs, but were only one of eleven in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 3 "three and outs;" the Wolverines gained 443 total yeards with 303 on the ground. J.J. McCarthy hit 10 of 18 for 140 yards, and ran 4 times for 31 yards. Blake Corum ran 21 times for 134 yards, and 2 TDs. Donovan Edwards exploded for 104 yards on 6 carries for 2 TDs. Alex Orji had 2 carries for 15 yards. Kalel Mullings had 3 carries for 21 yards. Cornelius Johnson had 3 receptions for 25 yards. Roman Wilson had 3 receptions for 54 yards. Colston Loveland had 3 catches for 64 yards. Dominique Hampton had 10 tackles for the Huskies.
Defense held Washington to 301 total yards with only 46 on the ground; the Huskies were 4 of 19 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 17 first downs, and four "three and outs." Michael Penix hit 27 of 51 passes for 255 yards and a TD, but also 2 interceptions; he was noticeably hurt by the 4th quarter after experiencing several hits while being constantly pressured by the tenacious Wolverine defense. Penix was 9 of 26 in the second half for 107 yards with 2 interceptions. Dillon Johnson ran 11 times for 33 yards, and had 2 receptions for 24 yards; he did the best he could given his injuries. Jalen McMillan caught 6 passes for 33 yards and a TD, and had a 9 yard run. Rome Odunze caught 5 passes for 87 yards. Jack Westover had 5 catches for 42 yards. Ja'Lynn Polk had 4 receptions for 37 yards. The Huskies hald a 1:30 minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 14 more offensive plays. Mike Sainristil led the Wolverine defense with 8 tackles including an 81 yard interception. Junion Colson and Keon Sabb had 6 tackles each; Sabb had two pass break ups. The Wolverines defense forced 5 punts, 2 turnovers, and held the prolific Husky offense with a 21 game winning streak to three scores with two red zones; they had only one play over 20 yards: a pass to Rome Odunze for 44 yards in the 4th quarter just prior to the Sainristil interception.
Tommy Doman punted 5 times with two downed inside the 20; he had 6 kickoffs with 5 touchbacks. James Turner hit both field goal attempts, and hit the crossbar on an extra point that was good. Washington evened up our match up on special teams with also hitting two field goals by Grady Gross, and 5 punts by Jack McCallister with 2 downed inside the 20. Our special teams were adequate, and didn't make the many blunders as they did in the Rose Bowl.
Michigan led from their first drive of the game until the end of the game; the closest the Huskies got was 4 points in the first quarter when it was 7-3, 7 points just prior to halftime 17-10, and 20-13 in the 3rd quarter. We deserved to win the National Championship, and we did. It was a great effort by all our players all season long, and a great job by all our coaches and support staff. Michigan Football is back ON TOP of NCAA Football! Hail to the Victors! Go Blue!