Michigan hits the ground running in first half vs. Washington
Tony Paul
Washington's offensive line took home the Joe Moore Award in 2023, after Michigan won it back-to-back years, in 2021 and 2022. The Wolverines were playing early Monday night like the voters made a grave mistake.
Michigan’s O-line opened up some gaping holes, as the Wolverines rushed for 174 yards in the first quarter of the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston, to open a 14-3 lead.
Michigan is bidding for its first national championship since 1997.
The big story early Monday was the reemergence of junior running back Donovan Edwards, who scored both of Michigan's touchdowns — on a 41-yard run on the first drive, and a 46-yard run on the second drive.
Edwards had rushed for just three touchdowns in Michigan's first 14 games this season.
Blake Corum, a senior and Michigan's featured back, finished the first quarter with an impressive burst of his own with a run of 59 yards, setting the Wolverines up for a field goal.
Washington's defense hadn't allowed a run of more than 45 yards all season, until Edwards' 46-yard touchdown and Corum's 59-yard run to close the first quarter.
The 174 rushing yards in the first quarter are the most in Jim Harbaugh's tenure at UM.
@tonypaul1984