College football is an evolving whirlwind as of late, with highly touted high schoolers switching commitments, aspiring stars hitting the transfer window, and, of course, the rise of NIL (name, image, likeness). Anyone can make money now in the CFB world, which vamps up competitiveness; performances mean sponsors, which equals money.
The coaches are hungry to win as well. With paychecks on the line from monster schools channeling funds into the football program, it is not too egregious to believe that some teams and coaches cheat. There are accusations of top teams, including the powerhouse Michigan Wolverines, of bending some unspoken rules.
A scandal broke out in late 2023 that a member of the Wolverines coaching staff, if not multiple workers, had been buying tickets to an astounding amount of games for rivals and top teams. It is alleged that he was looking at the coaches’ play-call signs, and it is shown that the location of his seats is always similar. The opponent always ended up playing Michigan, and this created animosity around the country towards the Wolverines, as it disrespects and maims the great game of football.
The coach was let go, but Michigan remained adamant that the accusations were false and branded “Michigan vs. Everybody.” Football legends like Tom Brady, a former Michigan quarterback, showed support, and the team rallied behind this idea of togetherness. Despite no proof of his involvement, head coach John Harbaugh was suspended from being on the sideline for three games, which included the season finale against Big Ten leaders Ohio State.
The season was also dedicated to a former Michigan fan, Meechie Walker, a lifelong supporter who was a star player in high school and accumulated multiple D1 offers before getting leg cancer and needing amputation. He got to meet the team he wished to one day play for and infected the team with his joyful spirit and character. Sadly, he passed away after his two-year battle, and he remains in the hearts of the college squad.
The Wolverines fought through the final three games, the others against Penn State and Maryland. They pulled off a 30-24 victory in Ann Arbor to beat the formidable Buckeyes, one of the most heated rivalries in all American sports.
Advancing to the Big 10 Conference Championship with a shiny, spotless 12-0 record, they faced the 10-2 Iowa Hawkeyes in Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. The Hawkeyes proved underwhelming, the offense crumbling to the Michigan defense and taking a 0-26 loss.
Now the time came for the College Football Playoff, where the top four teams in the nation were selected to compete for national glory, and everyone knew the unbeaten Big 10 Champions were a lock for first or second seeding. When Blake Corum gets 27 touchdowns at running back and 1,245 yards, success is guaranteed. Then the backup, junior RB Donovan Edwards, garnered five touchdowns and 497 yards.
The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, called their name, as they were ranked #1 by the committee and matched with #4 Alabama. The Wolverines took hold of such a historic site. They slayed the Crimson Tide to take a 27-20 victory in overtime, capping an exciting match and another great addition to the glory of the Southern Californian game.
The Washington Huskies defeated the Texas Longhorns in Florida for the Peach Bowl, cementing their spot in the final game. Michigan, the first seed, and Washington, the second seed, faced off in the National Championship, held at NRG Stadium, home of the Houston Texans.
A prominent force on offense with Heisman finalist Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback and highly ranked wideout Rome Odunze, the Huskies needed help to get something started against Michigan. Penix looked like an amateur slinging the ball up, and the offensive line folded every play, leading to big hurts that eventually led to the star quarterback’s ribs visibly causing him pain.
J.J. McCarthy was given a little legroom as the Michigan shot-caller, getting big games from both Corum and Edwards. Zero touchdowns went through the air, and only 140 yards got racked up for McCarthy in the end. Despite the slow offense at times and no passing game at all, the champions’ title returned to Michigan for the first time since the 1997/98 season. Back then, the champs were also voted on, so the Wolverines can proudly say they stopped a team of stars to take a 34-13 victory.
Many teams face controversy and pressure, as that is the name of the game in sports, and it is apparent when it is deeply looked into that Michigan did not gain any advantage by a tactic many teams do as well. They rallied behind their coach and former player and took the power of family to have a 15-0 season, with a conference, Rose Bowl, and national championship.
Penix remains a top prospect in this year’s NFL Draft, alongside his top receiver Odunze. On the Michigan side, Corum and Edwards also look to go high in the draft.
That tops off an exhilarating 2023/24 campaign, and onto next year, where the Huskies look like they’ll continue to grow, and Michigan can keep their top spot.
