Calling all college football fans, Monday, January 8, was the last game for the finals. Michigan took on Washington at NRG Stadium in Houston and won with the ending score being 34 – 13. These two teams played against each other after advancing from the final four, Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl games. 1.Michigan advanced after defeating 4.Alabama 27-20 in overtime on Monday, January 1st. While 2. Washington Huskies Washington won 37-31 over 3. Texas Longhorns, though the Longhorns were favored for that game. 

Going into the game, Washington won the coin toss and defers the ball. Both Michigan and Washington were 14-0 making them undefeated all season. The game kicked off at 7:30 pm ET, being available to watch on ESPN, Michigan was up at the first quarter 14-3. Michigan opened up with six positive plays in which four were runs. J.J McCarthy, Michigan quarterback,  led his team through the first quarter setting Michigan up for the early game advantage. McCarthy was able to complete passes to move the ball down the field. Donovan Edwards, number 7, scored a 41-yard touchdown.

A senior here at Wayne Hills, Sydney Heltzer stated, “I believe Michigan, since they have been playing really well the last few games” when asked who they predicted was going to be up by the first quarter. 

As the second quarter started, Michigan opened up with a 3 point field goal. The game started getting more intense as the time counted down to halftime. Penix was having a hard time finding his teammates as he overthrew another pass on the Huskies’ lone red-zone. This was the second time that had happened during the game, and Washington could have added 14 to the score. As the second quarter went on the momentum shifted towards Washington but, going into halftime Michigan took the momentum up with the score of 17-10. 

Michigan kicked off in the third quarter putting Washington on offense to begin, Washington started off the third quarter by throwing an interception to Michigan which was picked off by number two, Will Johnson at Washington’s, 34. During this play Washington quarterback, ​​Michael Penix Jr, injured his right foot which would be crucial for the rest of the game. Right after, Michigan was about to kick for another 3 point field goal putting Michigan up 20-10. After a devastating start to the third quarter, Washington was able to move the ball into Michigan’s territory to set up a 45-yard field goal having the score sit at 20-13. As the third quarter went on, we started seeing the true talent from J.J McCarthy and what a true athlete he is. Richie Graniere, a senior at Wayne Hills stated, “Yes I am a fan of college football, growing up I have always watched Michigan games because of my family so I hope that Michigan can secure the win”

The start of the fourth quarter, Michigan 27, and Washington 13. Can Washington manage to erase a 14 point deficit in half a quarter? If they want to win, it’s the only way. Washington ended up getting a 44 yard gain to get into Michigan territory but that was it. Facing a fourth- and-16, Penix threw and got picked off by Mike Sainristril, who returned it to Washington’s 5-yard line. Two plays later, Corum crashed into the endzone for his second score. Washington had their chance to tie it in the beginning of the fourth quarter, but couldn’t quite get there. The Michigan Wolverines have now won the 2023 National College Football Championship for the first time in a long time. Corum sealed it with a pair of touchdown runs over the final 7:09. 

Finally after 26 years, Michigan has gotten back on top in college football. The Wolverines dominated the first to the fourth quarter. They ended up taking the win by 34-13 making them number one in the National Championship. The college football season has come to a close. It was an exciting thing to see a new team win the playoffs and everyone is wondering what is instore for the next season!