The Michigan Wolverines and Washington Huskies will square off in this year’s national college football championship after both teams secured victories in their respective semifinal games on Monday.
Michigan emerged triumphant in a nail-biting Rose Bowl matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide, securing a 27-20 victory in overtime. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy showcased an impressive performance with three touchdown passes to running back Blake Corum, and wide receivers Tyler Morris and Roman Wilson. Corum added a crucial rushing touchdown in overtime, while kicker James Turner successfully converted three of four extra-point kicks following the Wolverines’ touchdowns.
Michigan, maintaining an undefeated record in the regular season, has reached the semifinals for the third consecutive year, and a win in the championship would mark their first title since 1997.
On the other side, the Washington Huskies, also undefeated, triumphed over the Texas Longhorns with a 37-31 victory in the Sugar Bowl. Running back Dillon Johnson contributed two rushing touchdowns, and quarterback Michael Penix Jr., a Heisman Trophy runner-up, threw two touchdown passes to wide receivers Jalen McMillan and Ja’Lynn Polk. Kicker Grady Gross added extra points after each touchdown and successfully kicked three field goals.
The national championship is scheduled to take place in Houston on Monday, January 8, at 7:30 p.m. ET, with ESPN broadcasting the highly anticipated matchup.
