HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610) - Michigan is first to strike against Washington in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
The top-ranked Wolverines ran the ball at will in their opening drive, with the only hiccup coming when Ulumoo Ale sacked J.J. McCarthy to force a second-and-long. But that's when Donovan Edwards broke for a 41-yard touchdown run to put Michigan up in the first quarter.
Washington had a long drive of their own in response, but settled for a field goal after an incomplete pass on third-and-goal from Michael Penix Jr. to Rome Odunze. A 25-yard field goal by Grady Gross cut the Michigan lead to 7-3 with 3:56 to go in the first quarter.
It did not take the Wolverines very long to add to their lead. Four plays after the Washington field goal, Edwards did it again, this time taking it to the house for a 46-yard touchdown run. The Huskies quickly went three-and-out and the Wolverines lead 14-3 after the first quarter.
Finally, the Washington defense was able to keep the Michigan offense out of the end zone. To start the second quarter, the Wolverines had to settle for a 31-yard field goal by James Turner. But they still hold a decisive 17-3 lead over the Huskies.
Washington had a chance to do damage in Michigan territory, but did not capitalize. Washington went for it on 4th-and-7 from the Michigan 47, but Penix and a wide open Odunze could not connect. A completion not only would have been good for a first down, but possibly six.
Instead, it's a turnover on downs with decent field position for Michigan.
It took nearly the entire first half, but the Huskies finally reached the end zone. The Michigan defense nearly held up in the red zone, but Washington scored on 4th-and-goal with a three-yard pass from Penix to Jalen McMillan.
Michigan holds a 17-10 lead over Washington at halftime.
Michigan opened the third quarter with a field goal drive, capped by Turner's 38-yard kick.
Washington responded with a seven-play drive resulting in a 45-yard field goal by Gross.
The Huskies have put up an honorable fight, but the Wolverines appear to be just too physical for them. Michigan extended its lead to 27-13 after a 12-yard touchdown run by Blake Corum.
Then, after an interception by Penix and a return near the goal line, Corum punched it in again. They lead 34-13 with 3:27 to go in the game.
