Michigan and Washington, Future Big Ten Rivals, Advance to CFP Final
So is this the College Football Playoff Championship, or the future Big Ten Championship?
The Michigan Wolverines and Washington Huskies advanced to the College Football Playoff Final outlasting Alabama and Texas, respectively on New Year’s Day. This will now pit the “top two” teams in college football against one another next Monday night in Houston when the Wolverines and Huskies meet.
Ironically though, this game will have a bit of a Big Ten feel to it. That is because Washington is leaving the Pac-12 after this game to join the Big Ten Conference beginning next fall. In fact, these same two teams will meet again in a re-match on October 5 at Husky Stadium.
ROSE BOWL:
Michigan advanced to the CFP Final with a resounding 27-20 win over Alabama in the Rose Bowl. Advertised as a classic between two of college football’s flagship programs, the game did not disappoint.
J.J. McCarthy was solid, throwing for 221 yards and three touchdown passes. His four-yard screen to Roman Wilson tied the game at 20 in the final minutes to force OT.
In the OT, Michigan wasted little time, as Blake Corum scampered down the sideline for a 17-yard touchdown to give Michigan a 27-20 lead.
Alabama tried to respond, but Jalen Milroe ran into the stout Michigan defense on fourth and three at the three yard line of Michigan to seal the deal.
SUGAR BOWL
A showcase game for Washington quarterback Michael Pinex Jr., who is expected to go high in this April’s NFL draft. Pinex tossed for 43o yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Rome Odunze hauled in six of those passes for 125 yards. Meanwhile, Ja’Lynn Polk hauled in five catches for 122 yards and a touchdown.
Texas did have a shot at the end of the game, but quarterback Quinn Ewers pass into the end zone fell incomplete as the receiver tumbled out of bounds.
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