There were two concerns for the Washington Huskies during the 2024 national title game one was their defense and the other was how the offensive line would hold up against the Michigan Wolverines stout defense.
Michigan’s offensive line dominated in run blocking with Donovan Edwards scoring on touchdown runs of 41 and 46 yards. Blake Corrum added another run of 59 yards to setup a field goal. Washington seemingly was going to answer with a touchdown drive of their own yet that drive stalled after running 14 plays and gaining 67 yards. This led to a Grady Gross 25-yard field goal.
Following the field goal, the Huskies offense had a three and out, turnover on downs, and another punt. Yet their defense seemingly answered from struggling early forcing a three and out and a turnover on downs.
Momentum was now on Washington’s side. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr led a 11 play 61 yard drive for a touchdown late in the second quarter. Including a three yard touchdown pass to Jalen McMillan on fourth down.
At halftime the Wolverines led 17-10.
Unfortunately for Penix Jr on the opening drive of the third quarter, Penix Jr threw an interception. Yet the Wolverines managed a field goal on a drive that went 12 yards on six plays. The Huskies answered with a field goal of their own yet once again a drive stalled with the offense in striking distance of the end zone.
The defenses became the story as neither team was able to get much offense going as the next six offensive possessions resulted in punts. Wolverines Quarterback JJ McCarthy had his best throw of the game finding Colston Loveland for 41 yrds. Corrum capped the drive off with a 12-yard touchdown run.
Penix Jr and the Huskies offense seemed poised to answer that scoring drive yet the Wolverines defense came up with their second interception of the game which was returned 81 yards. Two plays later Corrum was in the end zone again leading to the final score of 34-13.