Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan thumps Washington to win its 1st nationwide title since 1997

Blake Corum ran for 134 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns as Jim Harbaugh and No. 1 Michigan — undeterred by suspensions and a sign-stealing case that shadowed this system — accomplished a three-year climb to a nationwide championship by beating No. 2 Washington 34-13 Monday night time in Houston within the School Soccer Playoff title recreation.

The Wolverines (15-0) sealed their first nationwide title since 1997 when Corum, who scored the successful landing in extra time to beat Alabama within the Rose Bowl semifinal, blasted in from the 1-yard line with 3:37 left to place Michigan up by 21 and set off one other rousing rendition of “The Victors.”

After 9 seasons teaching his alma mater and in his third consecutive playoff look, Harbaugh delivered the title so many anticipated when he took over a struggling powerhouse in 2015 — regardless of lacking six regular-season video games this season whereas serving separate suspensions.

And he did it with a crew his previous coach, Bo Schembechler, would have adored. The Wolverines ran for 303 yards towards Washington (14-1), and their defence held Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies’ prolific passing recreation to only one landing whereas intercepting the Heisman Trophy runner-up twice.

Penix’s outstanding six-year school profession ended with perhaps his worst efficiency of the season. Often unfazed by strain, Penix was not practically as exact towards a Michigan defence that took away his signature deep throws.

Penix completed 27 for 51 for 255 yards and a landing.

Michigan gave Washington a style of life within the Large Ten, the place the Pac-12 champions are heading subsequent season, and the Huskies had been up for the grind for some time.

Washington stabilized and did not permit the Wolverines one other level within the first half. After the Huskies stopped Michigan on a fourth-and-2 from the UW 38 with 4:46 left within the second quarter, Penix went to work.

He discovered Jalen McMillan on a fourth-and-goal with 42 seconds left for a 3-yard landing. After being on the verge of getting buried by the Wolverines, the Huskies followers sang alongside to “Who Let the Canine Out,” fortunately down 17-10 at half.

Will Johnson’s interception of Penix on the primary play of the second half gave Michigan one other alternative to open up a two-touchdown lead, however the Huskies pressured one other subject purpose by James Turner to make it 20-10.

Corum takes over

Michigan nursed a landing lead till midway by way of the fourth quarter, when it put collectively 71-yard drive, capped by Corum’s tackle-breaking 12-yard landing that lastly gave the Wolverines some room with a 27-13 lead and seven:09 left.

Corum, the engine of ground-and-pound offence and coronary heart and soul of crew loaded with fourth-, fifth- and even sixth-year gamers, missed the CFP final yr with a knee harm. He was named offensive participant of the nationwide title recreation.

“Michigan, that is for you,” Corum informed the Wolverines followers.