Honestly, if you weren't glued to the screen on January 8, 2024, you missed one of the most polarizing nights in the history of college sports. People are still arguing about it. The University of Michigan won the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship, beating the Washington Huskies with a final score of 34-13.
It wasn't just a win. It was a statement.
The game went down at NRG Stadium in Houston, and the atmosphere was thick. You had Michigan, a team that spent the entire year under a microscope due to NCAA investigations and sign-stealing scandals. Then you had Washington, led by the prolific Michael Penix Jr., trying to prove that the Pac-12 (RIP) belonged at the very top.
Michigan stayed perfect. They finished 15-0.
How the Game Actually Went Down
Most people expected a shootout. Penix had been lighting everyone up all year. But Michigan’s defense had other plans. They basically turned the game into a physical grind that Washington just couldn't escape.
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The first quarter was a blur of blue and maize. Donovan Edwards—who hadn't had a massive season by his standards—decided to become a legend in about fifteen minutes. He ripped off a 41-yard touchdown run. Then, he did it again with a 46-yarder. Before the Huskies could even catch their breath, it was 14-3.
Michigan’s rushing attack was relentless.
By the end of the night, the Wolverines had racked up 303 rushing yards. That's a CFP record. Blake Corum, the heart of that team, finished with 134 yards and two late touchdowns to put the game on ice. He was named the Offensive MVP, and it felt right. He’d come back from a brutal knee injury the year before just for this specific moment.
The Penix vs. Michigan Defense Battle
Washington didn't just roll over. Penix threw for 255 yards, but he looked uncomfortable. You could see it in his face. Michigan’s secondary, led by Defensive MVP Will Johnson and the veteran Mike Sainristil, was suffocating.
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Sainristil basically ended the game with an 81-yard interception return late in the fourth. It was one of those plays where the entire stadium just knows it's over. Penix was limping by the final whistle. He’d taken some massive hits.
Who Won CFP Championship 2024 and Why the Controversy Matters
Even though the scoreboard said 34-13, the conversation online was a lot messier. If you're wondering who won CFP championship 2024, the answer is Michigan, but many fans still attach an asterisk to that title.
The Connor Stalions sign-stealing saga loomed over the entire season. Jim Harbaugh, the head coach, was suspended for six games total during the regular season—three for recruiting violations and three more because of the Big Ten's response to the scouting scandal.
Critics say they cheated. Supporters say they were the best team regardless of the noise.
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Nuance is hard to find in sports debates. But looking at the tape, Michigan beat Penn State, Ohio State, Alabama, and Washington without Harbaugh on the sideline for half those games or with the "scouting" advantage already removed. They were just bigger and stronger in the trenches.
Key Players You Should Remember
- Blake Corum: The man is a machine. 27 rushing touchdowns on the season.
- J.J. McCarthy: He didn't have to throw much in the final (only 10 completions), but his 27-1 record as a starter speaks for itself.
- Donovan Edwards: The "Big Game" player. He only had 6 carries but turned them into 104 yards and two scores.
- Will Johnson: A lockdown corner who is likely headed for a top-10 NFL draft pick.
- Mike Sainristil: The leader of the defense who moved from wide receiver to defensive back and became the best nickel in the country.
The Harbaugh Exit
The timing was wild. Just weeks after hoisting the trophy, Jim Harbaugh took the head coaching job with the Los Angeles Chargers. It felt like he’d climbed the mountain, planted the flag, and decided he was done with the college game’s chaos.
Sherrone Moore, who acted as the interim coach during Harbaugh's suspensions, was named the successor. It’s a new era now.
What This Means for You
If you’re a fan, the 2024 season was a reminder that defense and a power running game still win championships, even in an era of high-flying passing offenses. Washington had the "best" passing attack, and they got bullied.
What to do next:
- Check the record books: Michigan’s 15-0 season is officially in the books, but keep an eye on the NCAA’s final rulings regarding the sign-stealing case. While vacating wins is rare, it's a topic that hasn't fully died down.
- Watch the NFL Draft: A huge chunk of this 2024 Michigan team is now playing on Sundays. Seeing how J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum translate to the pros gives you a good look at how "pro-ready" that Michigan system actually was.
- Revisit the highlights: If you want to see a clinic on "Man Ball," go watch the first half of the Michigan vs. Washington game. It’s a masterclass in offensive line play.
The 2024 CFP National Championship wasn't just the end of a season; it was the end of the four-team playoff era. Moving forward, we have a 12-team bracket. It’s going to be a lot harder to go 15-0 ever again. Michigan got in just under the wire, finishing their "Michigan vs. Everybody" campaign exactly how they said they would.