This year, football fans across the country were given two of the best playoff games in years. The Washington Huskies squared off against the Texas Longhorns in the Sugar Bowl, and the Michigan Wolverines played the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl. In case you missed it, here’s a quick recap of each game.
Sugar Bowl (New Orleans, LA) – (2) Washington 37, (3) Texas 31
This game was one for the ages. Both offenses were able to produce very well, with QBs Quinn Ewers and Michael Penix throwing for over 300 yards and at least one touchdown. Penix produced a very impressive statline, throwing for 430 yards with a 76% completion rate and two touchdowns. He wasn’t the only player to contribute meaningful stats to the Washington offense, with RB Dillon Johnson rushing for 49 yards and two touchdowns and WR Rome Odunze receiving for 125 yards on six catches. The Longhorns offense was also able to produce well against a gritty Washington defense, with their most explosive player being RB CJ Baxter, who rushed for 64 yards on nine carries and one touchdown.
In a quick summary, the game was a rollercoaster. At the start of the fourth quarter, Washington held a comfortable 34-21 lead, and there was no sign of a slowdown by either their offense or defense. However, Texas was able to bounce back, and they were able to cut Washington’s lead to six points. The score was 37-31 with 1:09 left in the game. On their final drive, Penix tried to kneel out the clock, but RB Dillon Johnson got hurt on a crucial 3rd down play, stopping the clock. Texas got the ball back and was able to drive down the field in the last minute, and on the last play Washington CB Elijah Jackson swatted the ball away in the endzone to ensure the Huskies’ victory.
Even though Texas lost this exciting game, I think it’s safe to say that they’re back and will do just fine in their inaugural season in the SEC next year.
Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA) – (1) Michigan 27, (4) Alabama 20
This game was a clash of greats. Both teams have historically been elite programs, and coaches Jim Harbaugh and Nick Saban have definitely held their teams to that standard. Both Alabama and Michigan’s rosters were completely stacked as well, with two great quarterbacks leading their offenses. In the end, Michigan’s offense, lead by QB JJ McCarthy, RB Blake Corum, and WR Roman Wilson, were able to triumph over the talented Alabama defense and secure a spot in the championship.
This exciting matchup was taken to overtime, and Michigan responded quickly. RB Blake Corum rushed for a 17-yard touchdown on Michigan’s second play, making the lead 27-20. On Alabama’s drive, they struggled to move the ball upfield, and they dug themselves into a hole. They were forced to go for it on a 4th down in the redzone, and after a bad snap, QB Jalen Milroe was stuffed behind the line. Michigan won the game, and it also marked Saban’s last game as the Crimson Tide’s head coach.
Michigan would go on to defeat Washington in the championship 34-13, securing their first national title since 1997.
