The Victors: Michigan Wolverines brutally defeat the Washington Huskies 34-13

What led to this incredible win?

On January 8th, the stage was set for the first national championship game without an SEC school since 2015, when Ohio State, starring Ezekiel Elliot, defeated Oregon. Similarly, this game highlighted a star rusher in Michigan’s Blake Corum, juxtaposed by the Huskies’ high flying offense led by Quarterback Micheal Penix Jr. Although both of these teams headed into the national championship undefeated, their journeys could not have been more different. Michigan was a dominating force in the BIG 10 East where they destroyed almost all of their opponents. They led every single game at halftime for the entire season due to their unrelenting, mistake-free, hard-nosed, classic BIG 10 football. Washington, on the other hand, faced skepticism throughout the season after barely surviving close game after close game against other PAC-12 rivals.

Entering the championship game in Houston, Michigan was a 5.5 point favorite after beating Nick Saban’s Alabama in a classic overtime game in the Rose Bowl. Washington, however, barely survived Texas but managed to sneak by through annihilating the Longhorns’ secondary. To begin the game, Michigan ran the ball down Washington’s throat setting the precedent for Michigan's complete domination at the line of scrimmage. The beginning of the game was topped off by a massive 40-yard touchdown from Michigan’s second running back, Donovan Edwards. When Washington got the ball back they marched down the field; however, as Washington entered the red zone, the Michigan defense stood their ground, only allowing a field goal. When Michigan got the ball back, viewers experienced deja vu as Donovan Edwards ran for yet another 40-yard touchdown, making the game feel almost out of reach for the Huskies. However, as the game moved into the second quarter, Washington’s run defense buckled down, allowing for only a field goal. As the quarter was about to end, Micheal Pennix threw a 3 yard touchdown to Jaylen McMillan. We finally had ourselves a game. The third quarter was primarily marked by punts and strong run defenses as both teams allowed very few big plays. However, when the fourth quarter began, Michigan unleashed a total assault on Washington’s defense as tight end Colston Loveland made a 40-yard run after a terrific catch. Then, to seal the game, Mike Saintrisil intercepted an underthrown ball from Micheal Pennix. 

For the first time in 25 years, America hailed to The Victors: The Michigan Wolverines. As a fan of the blue, this moment was indescribable. After years of being destroyed time after time against Ohio State, experiencing heartbreaking losses- such as the muffed punt game against Michigan State- the moment was surreal. In 2024, Michigan was a team of destiny, centered around returning big-name players like Blake Corum and Zak Zinter. This team was on a mission, and they achieved it. Even SEC die-hard Paul Finebaum said that Michigan would’ve beaten Georgia, proving that everyone in the college football world knew the Michigan Wolverines were the true victors. Despite the sign-stealing allegations, Harbaugh criticism, and hate for Team 144 as a whole, Michigan stuck to its mission: Win it all. And on January 8th, The Victors were once again Valiant. So to close, I have one thing to ask. Who’s got it better than Us? NOBODY.

Will Cohen