The College Football National Championship 2024 has ended with the Michigan Wolverines coming out on top over the Washington Huskies, 34-13.
It was like a season written in the stars for coach Jim Harbaugh and his men.
"You watch this confetti come down, and there's like thousands of confetti, it tells a story," Harbaugh said after the final whistle.
"There's a story in every one of those pieces of confetti. Just so proud of our team."
The year 2023 was filled with challenges for Michigan, most notably the sign-stealing scandal that kept Harbaugh for multiple games. He was also suspended for recruitment violations, with the suspension coming from Michigan University itself.
The Michigan Wolverines went 15-0 for the 2023 season as they captured their first title since 1997.
The incredible run, however, is barely a story of destiny. It is a story of hard work.
Despite the challenges and suspensions, Michigan remained indestructible and continued winning games.
The story of the Michigan Wolverines' 2023 season can be summarized in the words commitment, consistency, and hunger.
The battles they went through before last night prepared them for the biggest one - the title game.
They deserved the win, and they did it because of these three reasons - the same reasons they were successful all season long.
1. Fiery start, stronger finish
The Wolves were locked in out of the gate.
Both teams wanted the title. There's no questioning that, but the effort on the field spelled how much the Wolverines wanted it more.
They were methodical from the start, scoring in the first possession. They scored two touchdowns in the opening half. By the time the first-half whistle was blown, the Huskies found themselves in a 10-17 deficit that they had trouble climbing out of.
By the second half, the Huskies were able to go toe-to-toe with the Wolves, but their offense failed to get going. Both teams scored three points in the third quarter, and Washington was doomed from there.
2. Battle upfront
The battle up front was also where the game was decided.
Running back duo Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards devastated Washington's defense, and JJ McCarthy almost played a perfect game for Harbaugh. Corum and Edwards each ran for over 100 yards for a combined four touchdowns.
3. Stinging defense
Michael Penix Jr. was sensational in the Final Four. He was arguably the best player in the CFP National Championships.
In the loss, he only had around a 50 percent completion rate, with only 27-of-51 pass attempts getting converted for yards. His passes totaled 255 yards and one touchdown. He also allowed two interceptions.
Michigan's defense frustrated their opponents' deep passing game. They kept the Huskies playing from behind, making it hard for them to advance the ball at any point of the game.
After the match, Penix Jr. recognized how his offensive game struggled.
"Obviously, we didn't come out how we wanted to. But I know each and every player on this team gave it their all, but it wasn't enough today. For me, I'm going to take accountability for the offensive side of the ball."
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