For the first time since 1997, The Michigan Wolverines are the kings of college football. With an impressive 34-13 victory over the Washington Huskies, Michigan captured its first BCS trophy staking their claim as the best college football team of the 2023 season.
Michigan made it clear from the opening drive, that they would establish the run and challenge Washington to be physical at the line of scrimmage. The plan worked to perfection, as the Wolverines rushed for 300 yards and four touchdowns against the Huskies’ defense that showed little or no resistance. Junior running back Donovan Edwards set the tone with a 41-yard touchdown in the first quarter, and fellow running back senior Blake Corum added to the onslaught with two 4th-quarter rushing touchdowns.
The Wolverine’s dominant run game put tremendous pressure on the Huskies offense to be efficient. Yet, they were never able to get into rhythm. Injuries to junior running back Dillon Johnson made it challenging to create a balanced offensive attack, and the Huskies only managed 46 rushing yards on the ground in the game.
Heisman Trophy runner-up Michael Penix Jr. picked an unfortunate time to have his worst game of the season. Penix looked out of sorts from the onset against the Michigan defense, going 5 for 16 with two interceptions when pressured. Pennix couldn’t find his rhythm and missed wide-open receivers at costly times in the game. The prolific Husky receiving trio of Ja’Lynn Polk (Sophomore), Jalen McMillan (Junior), and Rome Odunze (Junior) scored one touchdown between them the entire game.
Although Michigan won by three touchdowns, the game was closer than the score would indicate. With nine minutes left on the clock, it was still a seven-point game, but costly false start penalties, holding calls, and errant passes ultimately led to the lopsided outcome.
The Wolverines’ dominance reinforced the national narrative that teams from the Midwest and down South are more physical and better than teams from the West Coast, who seem to rely on a more finesse brand of football. With the Huskies getting outrushed by 250 yards and only managing one offensive touchdown, there’s little room for argument to defuse that narrative.
The Michigan Wolverines left no doubt as to who the best team in college football was this season by overcoming their obstacles and imposing their will on an overmatched Washington Huskies football team— Hail to the victors.
