After 27 years, the Michigan Wolverines won the national championship after defeating Washington 34-13. Michigan led wire-to-wire and scored four running touchdowns to pull away late in the fourth quarter.
THE GAME: Why Michigan's national title will cap a historic season. Michigan captures National Championship 34-13. Washington failed to convert a fourth down on its final drive, handing the ball back to Michigan.
Michigan's first national title since 1997 was won by running out the clock. Jim Harbaugh turned around for a picture with his squad as they ran the final plays, then escaped the Gatorade deluge with a huge smile.
Michigan is within reach of the national championship after All-American defensive back Mike Sainristil intercepted Penix on fourth-and-13 and returned it to the Washington 8-yard line.
Penix tried to pass into a narrow window to save the Huskies as he needed a conversion, but the ball flew high to Sainristil for the long return.
On a two-play drive, Michigan held the ball on the ground and Corum scored his second touchdown of the game, possibly sealing the national championship.
After forcing a fast three-and-out, Michigan came alive in the second half with a five-play, 71-yard drive highlighted by a 12-yard Blake Corum score.
After patiently following his blockers around the right side of the line, Corum made one defender miss with a juke and raced into the end zone for Michigan's third rushing score.