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Huskies heartbreak. UW falls short in national title game against Michigan

The University of Washington Huskies fell short in the National Championship game Monday, losing 34-13 to the Michigan Wolverines in Houston.

The Huskies fell behind early and failed to come up with the explosive plays that had defined their undefeated season.

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Although UW quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Michael Penix Jr. was sacked only once during the game, he was constantly pressured and hit often by Michigan's top-ranked defense.

Penix threw two interceptions, including a pick in the fourth quarter by defensive back Mike Sainristil that helped the Wolverines seal the win.

caption: Michigan running back Donovan Edwards celebrates after scoring against Washington during the first half of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, in Houston.
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Michigan running back Donovan Edwards celebrates after scoring against Washington during the first half of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, in Houston.

Michigan jumped out to a 14-3 lead in the first quarter behind two 40-plus yard TD runs by junior running back Donovan Edwards.

The Washington defense tightened up in the second quarter, holding the Wolverines to a field goal and scoring their first touchdown on a three-yard TD pass from quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to wide receiver Jalen McMillan. But that would prove to be the Huskies only touchdown of the game.

caption: University of Washington fans react to a play in the first quarter of the college playoff National Championship game against Michigan on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle.
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University of Washington fans react to a play in the first quarter of the college playoff National Championship game against Michigan on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Alaska Airlines Arena in Seattle.
KUOW Photo/Megan Farmer

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In the third quarter, the two teams exchanged field goals and it came down to the fourth quarter, when Michigan broke the game open with a near pick-six by Sainristil and the second running touchdown of the night by senior Michigan running back Blake Corum.

caption: Michigan running back Blake Corum scores against Washington during the second half of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, in Houston.
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Michigan running back Blake Corum scores against Washington during the second half of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, in Houston.

The Wolverines totaled 443 yards against a porous Huskies defense.

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