The College Football season has finally come to an end with the University of Michigan being crowned champions, in a game against the University of Washington. Michigan dominated, capping off their undefeated season in a national championship victory in Houston at NRG Stadium. This year the College Football playoff included four teams: Alabama, Michigan, Texas, and Washington, Michigan beating Alabama and Washington beating Texas, to move on to the national championship game.
Every season, the College Football Playoff contains four teams, and they are selected by a committee who votes based on the teams performance and strength of schedule. This year there was some division among fans about which teams should make the playoff. Two teams who missed out on the playoff were Florida State and Georgia. Florida State had an undefeated record this season, winning thirteen games but this was not enough to convince the committee. Florida State’s star quarterback, Jordan Travis got injured during the season, and despite them maintaining their undefeated record, the committee felt that the team was not strong enough to compete in the playoffs.
“Initially I thought that Florida State was a team that teams should be watching out for come playoff time, but with Jordan Travis’ injury, I do not think they would have made it far,” explained senior Isaac Lee.
Georgia, on the other hand, was also undefeated until they lost their final game to Alabama. For most of the season Georgia was the number one ranked team in the country and all it took was one game to eliminate them. Many fans also felt Georgia should have been selected for the playoffs.
“At the beginning of the season I originally thought that Georgia was going to be the team to beat, for sure,” senior Arvin Mungara stated.
In consolation the two teams were given a bowl game. Florida State and Georgia faced off on December 30 in the Orange Bowl, and Georgia destroyed Florida State 63-3.
This game went on to prove that the selection committee made the correct decision, leaving Florida State out of the playoffs. Also, many Florida State players opted out of this game as well as entered the transfer portal, so they were not a full strength.
In the semi-final games, first seed Michigan faced off against fourth seed Alabama in the Rose Bowl, while second seed Washington played against third seed Texas in the Sugar Bowl. Michigan vs Alabama was a highly anticipated game and Michigan got the win 27-20, as their star quarterback JJ McCarthy threw three touchdowns. Washington took down Texas 37-32 in the Sugar Bowl. They also had great play from their quarterback Michael Penix, as he threw for over 400 yards. This then set the final between the number one seed Michigan and number two seed Washington.
The championship game took place on Monday January 8 in Houston at NRG Stadium between Washington and Michigan. Michigan, led by head coach Jim Harbaugh won the game easily, 34-13. It was an exceptional defensive display from Michigan only allowing one touchdown the whole game. Their offense was also on point, especially the run game. Senior running back Blake Corum ran for 134 yards and two touchdowns while junior running back Donovan Edwards ran for 104 yards and two touchdowns as well.
“Going into this season I was thinking that Michigan was going to be one of the best teams. This was the third year in a row that they made the playoffs so I had a feeling after their previous two defeats, they were gonna finally win one,” senior Seshank Kondapally stated.
This was Michigan’s first time winning the national championship since 1997, and after years of seasons ending in disappointment, they were finally able to do it led by Jim Harbaugh, one of the best coaches in college football.
“After these last few years Michigan has become a powerhouse in college football. With Jim Harbaugh one of the best coaches in college football, and JJ McCarthy at quarterback, they were destined to win this season,” senior Isaac Lee explained.
With Michigan finally reaching their goal, they will have some departures for next season. Notable players like QB JJ McCarthy, WR Roman Wilson, LB Junior Colson, and CB Josh Wallace will be heading to the 2024 NFL Draft to play at the next level. Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh will also be heading to the NFL, as he has unfinished business. When in the NFL he last coached the San Francisco 49ers and left for Michigan a few years after taking a loss in the Super Bowl. He will be heading to the Los Angeles Chargers and will start coaching there for the 2024 NFL season.
This season of College Football proved to be very exciting. In the playoffs, there were three great games that will be remembered for years to come. Michigan’s dominance was shown throughout the season, with them not losing a single game. Fans can now celebrate as this championship was years in the making.