Three Takeaways from Michigan's National Championship Win

Hello, Donovan Edwards. Last year's version of Edwards showed up early with two 40+ yard touchdown runs to give Michigan the early lead. Not to be outshined, Blake Corum added a 59-yard run of his own. Kalel Mullings and Alex Orji even got into the action in the first half.

The Wolverines rushed for 209 yards in the first half, the most yards Washington had given up all year. Michigan went away from the run as the Huskies began to creep up in the second quarter. And despite the dominant start, they took only 7 point lead to halftime.

Washington was able to slow the run game throughout the second half, but Blake Corum did Blake Corum things late. Two touchdowns in the 4th quarter, including the game clincher after an 81-yard Mike Sainristil interception return. Michigan ran for an unbelievable 303 yards. Michigan won a National Championship the way they got there. Running the damn ball.

Michael Penix was sacked only 11 times this season, but Michigan's defensive front spent the first half forcing pressure. Kenneth Grant dominated his assignment, getting a 12 yard sack in the first half, but Michigan was able to hold Penix to a 62% completion and only 128 yards in the first half.

Pressure forced some bad throws from Penix, including missing a wide-open Rome Odunze on a 4th down play that looked like a touchdown. Penix wasn't as sharp early but did enough to keep Washington in the game at the half.

Then, on the first play of the second half, Michigan forced an interception thanks to pressure from Mason Graham and an incredible play from Will Johnson.

It was a defensive struggle in the second half, but one Michigan was willing to fight. Jesse Minter called another masterful game holding the Washinton offense to 301 yards with Michael Penix throwing for 255 yards 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions.. Creating pressure against the Joe Moore Award offensive line, forcing an interception that essentially put it away.

The star again, two sophomores, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. To think, these guys will be back next year.

Michigan has been on the journey to win a National Championship for three years. A cultural reset in 2021. Michigan looked to speak their goals into existence. Beating their rivals, winning the Big Ten, getting the playoff, and the ultimate goal, winning a National Championship.

Much like the Rose Bowl, it wasn't Michigan's cleanest game. Penalties we haven't seen all year. Explosive plays on offense, but not as efficient through the third quarter. Michigan's defense did everything it could to slow down the Washington offense, and they made enough mistakes of their own to stay behind Michigan.

In the 4th quarter, Michigan finally busted loose, and Colston Loveland took a 41-yard reception into Washington territory. Who else but Blake Corum found the end zone to give Michigan the two-score lead late. Then, the Mike Sainristil interception to put the Wolverines up three scores.

Michigan was laughed at when they said they would do it, and they proved everyone wrong. Michigan vs everybody. Michigan is better than everybody. Michigan are National Champions.

---

Discuss this article with our community on our premium message boards

Not a subscriber to Maize & Blue Review? Sign up today to gain access to all the latest Michigan intel M&BR has to offer

Follow our staff on Twitter: @JoshHenschke, @Berry_Seth14, @TrevorMcCue, @DennisFithian, @BrockHeilig, @JimScarcelli, @lucasreimink

Subscribe to our podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify

Check out Maize & Blue Review's video content on YouTube

Follow Maize & Blue Review on social media: Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram