Michigan emerged victorious after a tumultuous season, defeating Washington 34-13 to capture the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) national championship. It is the program’s first title since 1997. The game capped a chaotic year for Michigan amid cheating allegations, last-minute coaching drama, and inspired play on the field when it mattered most.
Season of Scandal and Scrutiny
Michigan entered the CFP under intense scrutiny after a sign-stealing scandal rocked the program in November. Head coach Jim Harbaugh was suspended two games and the team docked scholarships. Critics claimed the title would be tainted.
“Forget the critics and scandal, Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh fulfills promise with national title,” read one headline ahead of the game. The team blocked out the noise, maintained their innocence, and focused on clinching a perfect 15-0 season.
“We knew we were innocent,” Harbaugh told reporters after the win. “We played the games clean and by the rules. Now we’re standing on top of college football as national champions.”
| Preseason Rank | Final Rank | Record |
|---|---|---|
| #6 | #1 | 15–0 |
CFP Championship Game
The championship bout with #2 Washington lacked the drama of Michigan’s past playoff failures. The Wolverines set the tone early when defensive back Will Johnson intercepted Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. on the first drive of the game. Blake Corum’s 21-yard touchdown run put Michigan up 7-0 after the first quarter.
Washington closed the gap to 7-6 in the second quarter, but quarterback J.J. McCarthy found Roman Wilson for a 16-yard TD to give Michigan a 14-6 halftime advantage. McCarthy, a sophomore, finished 18 of 25 passing for 234 yards and two scores. He also had a rushing touchdown.
In the second half, the Wolverines gradually pulled away thanks to a pair of field goals and a defensive score. Late in the third quarter, Eyabi Okie sacked Penix and the ball popped loose. Mike Morris scooped it up and rumbled 11 yards into the end zone, ballooning the lead to 27-6.
Corum tacked on his second TD run in the fourth quarter to seal Michigan’s long-awaited championship after years of playoff disappointment. The junior running back tallied 130 yards on 31 carries in his return from a nagging knee injury.
Harbaugh’s National Championship Vision Realized
When Jim Harbaugh returned to his alma mater to coach in 2015, he set his sights on winning a title and sitting at the “big-person table” in his family alongside brother and Super Bowl champion coach John Harbaugh.
Nine years later, amid rampant speculation that Harbaugh could leave for the NFL, the Michigan lifer has emphatically checked that box.
“He came here with a vision to restore Michigan football to the top of the college landscape and bring us championships, and that’s exactly what he did,” said Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel. “This has been his life purpose.”
Harbaugh reflected on the journey after etching his name among U-M’s coaching greats like Fielding Yost, Bo Schembechler, and Lloyd Carr.
“It’s about the team. It’s about the men who pour their heart and soul into success and achieving goals and dreams…” said an emotional Harbaugh from the championship podium, fighting back tears. He later quoted Gen. Douglas MacArthur, saying “[Our] unconquerable soul[s]” would not accept failure.
Celebrations Underway as Michigan Basks in Glory
Campus celebrations erupted immediately after the final whistle blew with throngs of students rushing the streets of Ann Arbor waving maize and blue flags.
“It’s pandemonium,” senior Jake Howard told reporters. “People have been waiting years for this.”
The party is expected to last through the upcoming weekend with parades, pep rallies, and plenty of intoxicated coeds relishing a first-time champ in their 4-5 years on campus.
Several key figures, like McCarthy and Corum, can’t legally drink but promised to commemorate the 15-0 perfect season and championship win with new tattoos. Harbaugh said he’ll be joining them.
The new national champion coach also noted where he’ll be sitting at his next family dinner.
“I can sit at the big-person table now!” Harbaugh quipped during his colorful postgame press conference. “I’ve got as many [titles] as my brother now.”
Dynasty in the Making?
With the monkey finally off Michigan’s back, Harbaugh and his budding superstars have more history in their sights after capturing the program’s first championship in nearly thirty years. The Wolverines are early favorites to repeat next season.
McCarthy is slated to return for his junior year as the leader of an offense that loses just one starter. The defense also remains largely intact. Corum, receiver Ronnie Bell, linebacker Junior Colson, and others have indicated they’ll be back to defend Michigan’s crown barring a surprise early entry to the NFL Draft.
That hasn’t stopped speculation that Harbaugh could leave Ann Arbor to test his mettle again at football’s highest level. After failing to reach a Super Bowl in four seasons coaching the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-2014, his stock has never been higher.
Harbaugh was noncommittal when asked about his future, deflecting the NFL questions to bask in his long-awaited gridiron glory after years of CFP frustration. Michigan fans will anxiously await his decision with the program perfectly positioned to become a dynasty.
For now, maize and blue faithful are enjoying the sweet taste of validation earned after surviving a season of chaos and scrutiny. Michigan stands alone atop the college football world, finally adding new hardware to their trophy case after years of playoff heartbreak. The long-suffering Wolverine faithful have a new set of bragging rights…at least until next season.
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