Live Updates: Michigan Secures National Title in Houston with Dominant Fourth Quarter

NRG Stadium in Houston takes the national stage again, hosting the College Football Playoff National Championship. Washington faces Michigan in their first CFP title game, seeking their first title since 1991, while the Wolverines aim for their first since 1997. Both undefeated at 14-0, it's only the third meeting of such teams. Washington boasts a 21-game winning streak, while Michigan, after two CFP semifinal losses, seeks redemption as the first Big Ten team since 2015 to reach the final. NRG Stadium, having hosted the NCAA Men’s Final Four in April, sets the stage for another college sports championship.

Michigan Secures National Title with Dominant Fourth Quarter

Dominating the College Football Playoff title game, top-ranked Michigan, under Jim Harbaugh's leadership, showcased Blake Corum's 134 rushing yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns. Despite suspensions and a sign-stealing controversy, the Wolverines (15-0) secured their first national championship since 1997. Corum's decisive 1-yard touchdown run with 3:37 remaining secured a 34-13 victory over No. 2 Washington, capping a triumphant three-year journey.

Field Goals Shape Tense Finale

The 2024 title game saw both teams denying end zone access in the third quarter, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion. Washington's early 3Q turnover was met with resilient defense, limiting Michigan to a field goal. The Huskies answered with a 45-yard field goal shortly after, bringing the score to 20-13 in favor of Michigan with 15 minutes remaining.

Huskies Remain Competitive

Despite Michigan's chances to secure a decisive lead in the second quarter, they faltered. Washington persevered through a tumultuous 15 minutes, securing their first touchdown on a fourth-and-goal pass from the three-yard line late in the quarter. Michael Penix, Jr.'s successful throw narrowed the lead to a single possession with only 46 seconds remaining in the half. Rather than a substantial advantage for Big Blue, Michigan held a modest 17-10 lead at the halftime break.

Ideal Beginning for Michigan

The Wolverines dominated the opening quarter at NRG. Donovan Edwards initiated the scoring with a 41-yard rush, and on the subsequent drive, he added another touchdown with a 46-yard run.

Although Washington had an impressive initial drive, it stalled in the red zone, forcing them to settle for a field goal.

With a 14-3 lead after the first quarter, Michigan continued to threaten in Washington's territory.

Weather Conditions

Outside NRG, the atmosphere was subdued, with intermittent rain throughout the day canceling pregame festivities in the lots. A tornado watch covered most of the region throughout the afternoon and evening. By kickoff, the National Weather Service reported at least a quarter-inch of rain at Bush Intercontinental.

Roof Leak Concerns

Field-level reports, limited to most media pregame, indicated water seepage through the NRG Stadium roof, dripping onto the field near the Michigan end zone on the south end.

The Teams

Washington's Michael Penix Jr., Heisman Trophy runner-up, made history with consecutive 4,500-yard seasons, echoing Patrick Mahomes. In the Texas semifinal, he threw for 430 yards and two touchdowns. Michigan's formidable defense, conceding only 250 yards and 10.2 points per game, excels. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, with a 26-1 starting record, leads the way. Michigan earned its final berth with a 27-20 overtime triumph against Alabama.