As the final seconds ticked down on Houston's scoreboard Monday night, it was the end of an era.
4 teams college football playoffsFounded in 2015, the Michigan Wolverines won their first title since 1997 and were crowned the last champion.
Michigan Wolverines quarterback JJ McCarthy, 9, celebrates with the national championship trophy after winning the 2024 title game against the Washington Huskies at NRG Stadium in Houston on January 8, 2024. (Mark J. Revillas/USA Today Sports)
college football Before it inevitably grows, it will look different in 2024 with a 12-team playoff.
The Pac-12 Conference effectively no longer exists, as 10 of the 12 schools left for greener pastures and more money.
University of Michigan defeats Washington in College Football Playoff National Championship
Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) and transfer portals will continue to take over the sport until regulations are introduced, making college football more similar to professional sports with players going back and forth from team to team.
Fans and those covering the sport will have more than seven months to discuss upcoming changes and the future of the sport. But one final night, college football turned its attention to the field and crowned the University of Michigan the champion.
Let's take a look back at what we learned from the final college football game of the 2023 season.
Michigan's defense was great.
Participated in the CFP National Championship, michigan defense They were elite, allowing the fewest points (9.5) and second-fewest yards per game (239.7) in the country.
While Michigan held Alabama to just 288 yards and sacked its quarterback. jaylen milroe In the sixth inning of the CFP semifinals, Washington's offense was presented with a whole new challenge.
The Huskies put it on the field all year, leading the nation in passing yards per game (350) heading into the title game.
Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr., 9, throws an interception during the CFP National Championship Game against the Michigan Wolverines at NRG Stadium in Houston on January 8, 2024. (David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Washington has a receiver trio that can stretch Michigan's defense, with Roman Odunze and Jalin Polk both surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in 2023.
of washington offense This was the biggest test for the Michigan defense, which was facing a busy schedule in the Big Ten Conference, which is not known for forcing the ball down the field.
It turns out Michigan's defense is being tested.
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The Wolverines held Washington to 24 points below their season average and 173 yards per game on Monday.
with michael penix jr. Washington's passing game After leading the nation in passing plays of 20 yards or more, he only had one pass play that gained at least 20 yards (78).
“We knew they were going to gain some yardage, and our goal was to not let them get behind us,” University of Michigan assistant defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale said, according to MLive. “It was to be done,” he said. “We missed some coverages (about two or three) and couldn't capitalize on them because of our (defensive) line. Our D-line helped us out. And when we needed to play tight, we did it.”
Washington Huskies teammates console quarterback Michael Penix Jr., 9, during the national championship game Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, at NRG Stadium in Houston. (Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
Penix looked uncomfortable in the pocket and missed multiple throws that he had connected on most of the season.
“They did a good thing,” Penix said. “On the offensive side of the ball, I feel like we missed a lot of chances. We missed the chances we needed the most to help the team, put the team in a better position and get this win.”
Michigan State's defense is the best in the nation in 2023, and it proved it on the biggest stage Monday night.
Jim Harbaugh accomplished almost everything as a head coach.
To say the 2023 college football season was a tumultuous one for University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh would be the understatement of the century.
The Wolverines started the season undefeated with Harbaugh out after serving a school-imposed three-game suspension. NCAA recruiting violations. Then, during Michigan's most difficult stretch of the season, Harbaugh again missed three more games amid an investigation into a sign-stealing operation involving former junior staffer Connor Stallions.
Through it all, Harbaugh's team went 15-0, breaking the program's 26-year national title drought.
JJ McCarthy, 9, of the Michigan Wolverines and head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrate after defeating the Washington Huskies in the 2024 CFP National Championship Game at NRG Stadium in Houston on January 8, 2024. (Jamie Schwabelow/Getty Images)
Harbaugh took over a Michigan program that had lost its way in 2014. In the seven years before Harbaugh took the job in Ann Arbor in 2015, Michigan had a combined record of 46-42 under Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke.
Harbaugh arrived and brought a tough, physical brand of football to Michigan, leading the Wolverines to a 10-3 record in his first season. Over the past three seasons, Harbaugh's teams have gone a combined 40-3, winning the Big Ten Championship his third year in a row and competing in the CFP every year.
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On Monday night, Harbaugh brought a championship to his alma mater, nine years after arriving in Ann Arbor.
“That guy, we're here today because of him,” Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy he said of his coach.
Now, questions about Harbaugh's return to the NFL are taking over the conversation.
Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates after the CFP National Championship game against the Washington Huskies at NRG Stadium in Houston on January 8, 2024. (Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Harbaugh led the san francisco 49ers He played in the Super Bowl in 2013, but lost to the Baltimore Ravens, coached by his brother John Harbaugh.
Harbaugh's name has been linked to multiple NFL job offers. Will he look for a new challenge at the next level?
If so, Harbaugh gave no hint Monday night.
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“I just want to enjoy this,” Harbaugh said. “I wish you could give it to me. Can I have it? Does it always have to be the next thing, the future thing?”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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