You remember that night in Houston, right? The air in NRG Stadium felt heavy, like everyone knew they were watching a shift in the college football cosmos. It was January 8, 2024. Michigan was trying to end a drought that felt like an eternity for the Ann Arbor faithful. Washington was trying to prove that the "finesse" label of the Pac-12 was a myth.
The final Michigan vs Washington score that night was 34-13.
It wasn't just a win; it was a physical dismantling. Michigan didn't just play football; they played a game of "how much punishment can you take before you fold?" Jim Harbaugh, in what we now know was his final act before heading back to the NFL, leaned into a blueprint that felt decades old but worked perfectly.
The Night Michigan Ran Through a Brick Wall
Honestly, the game felt over in the first fifteen minutes. If you weren't watching closely, you might have missed how fast Donovan Edwards moved. Usually, Blake Corum is the guy getting all the headlines, but Edwards decided that night was his.
He ripped off a 41-yard touchdown run. Then, almost like a glitch in the Matrix, he did it again for 46 yards.
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By the time the first quarter ended, Michigan had 174 rushing yards. That is an absurd number for an entire game, let alone one period. Washington looked shell-shocked. Their defense, which had been so opportunistic all season, couldn't find a way to get the Wolverines off the field.
Breaking Down the 34-13 Masterclass
| Quarter | Washington Huskies | Michigan Wolverines |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | 14 |
| 2nd | 7 | 3 |
| 3rd | 3 | 3 |
| 4th | 0 | 14 |
The middle of the game was actually kinda tense. Michael Penix Jr., who had been a wizard all season, looked... human. Michigan’s defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter, cooked up a plan that involved hitting Penix every single time he touched the ball. Even if they didn't get the sack, they made him feel it.
Penix finished with 255 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. You could see it on his face by the fourth quarter—he was hurting. Michigan's Will Johnson and Mike Sainristil basically shut down the most explosive receiving corps in the country. Rome Odunze had some big catches late, but they were mostly "too little, too late" situations.
The Script Flipped in October 2024
Fast forward to October 5, 2024. A lot had changed. Harbaugh was gone. Kalen DeBoer was at Alabama. Penix and McCarthy were in the pros. This time, the game was in Seattle, and the atmosphere was electric at Husky Stadium.
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The Michigan vs Washington score this time? 27-17 in favor of the Huskies.
If the January game was about Michigan’s dominance, the October rematch was about Washington's resilience. Michigan tried to play the same game—run the ball and play tough defense—but they didn't have the same teeth. Jack Tuttle came in for Alex Orji at quarterback to try and provide a spark, but it wasn't enough.
Washington’s Will Rogers (the Mississippi State transfer) looked like he’d been playing in Seattle for years. He threw for 271 yards and two scores. The Huskies' defense finally got their revenge, forcing two massive turnovers in the fourth quarter that sealed the deal. It’s funny how a few months and a few personnel changes can completely rewrite the narrative of a rivalry.
Why These Scores Actually Matter
Most people just look at the box score and see numbers. But if you're a real fan, you know these games represent the end of an era. The January game was the final "traditional" National Championship before the 12-team playoff and the massive conference realignments.
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Washington moved to the Big Ten. Michigan had to figure out life without the guy who finally brought them the trophy.
The Huskies' 27-17 win in October proved they weren't going to be a doormat in their new conference. It showed that even with a gutted roster and a new coaching staff under Jedd Fisch, the culture of winning in Seattle stayed put.
Key Takeaways for Your Next Tailgate Debate
- Michigan's Rushing Record: In the championship game, Michigan became the first team in CFP history to have two players (Corum and Edwards) rush for over 100 yards in the title game.
- The Turnover Gap: In both games, the team that won the turnover battle won the game. Michigan was +2 in January; Washington was +1 in October.
- Third Down Woes: Washington’s inability to convert in Houston (2-of-14 on third down) was the single biggest reason they lost the 34-13 game. They fixed that in the rematch.
Basically, if you're looking for the Michigan vs Washington score, you have to specify which version of the teams you're talking about. The 34-13 blowout was a coronation for a legendary Michigan class. The 27-17 result was a statement from a Washington program that isn't going anywhere.
If you want to understand how these programs are trending today, keep an eye on the transfer portal activity this spring. Michigan is looking for a consistent answer at quarterback, while Washington is still building depth on their offensive line. Watching their latest game film is a great way to see how Jedd Fisch and Sherrone Moore are diverging in their tactical approaches.