Michigan beats Washington for 1st national title since 1997

Michigan Wolverines won against Washington Huskies 34-13 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX, to win its 1^st national championship since 1997.

Michigan got the lead from the opening kickoff and never trailed vs. Washington.

MICHIGAN WINS THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 🏆

It’s the Wolverines’ first title win since 1997.#NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/9R8twduicP

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 9, 2024

The Wolverines CFP title will always be entangled with the biggest story in the NCAAF this campaign: allegations of cheating led by ex-staff member Connor Stalions, who resigned on November 4^th.

The first time in the CFP title game era with two rushers on the same team to eclipse 100 rushing yards!#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/JW7REvh9vA

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) January 9, 2024

More on this topic:

Huskies hire Utah’s Danny Sprinkle as head coach

In what was the 1^st national championship match appearance for both schools, the Wolverines became the 6^th school in major college football history to finish 15-0 or better in a campaign. They set the Big 10’s record for the most victories in a campaign.

The new national champions had all of the pieces in place for the perfect campaign – beginning with a veteran QB in J.J. McCarthy, who wasn’t flashy but showed better nerves vs. Heisman runner-up Michael Penix Jr., who threw 2 picks.

2023 Michigan joins the best ⬇️

Every 15-0 team in the 4 team era

2019 LSU
2023 Michigan
2022 Georgia
2018 Clemson pic.twitter.com/sO5XS4PZLz

— College Football Report (@CFBRep) January 9, 2024

Washington will join the Big 10 in the offseason and will play against Michigan again in an October conference match.