After an explosive first quarter, the Michigan Wolverines led the Washington Huskies 17-10 at halftime in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. Michigan's offense cooled off after a strong start, with a shift away from the run game allowing Washington to narrow the lead. Despite outgaining Washington 290-161 in total yards and accumulating 209 rushing yards, Michigan's passing game struggled, contributing to their failure to convert on third (0-4) and fourth (0-1) downs. The Huskies' defense clamped down, and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Jalen McMillan just before the half. Michigan, known as a second-half team, will look to regain control, while Washington aims to continue their momentum, receiving the ball to start the third quarter.
We’re looking good @UMichfootball! Keep it up boys, let’s finish strong!
At the end of the first half, Michigan has racked up 209 yards on the ground. As a whole, Washington has 160 yards on offense. #NationalChampionship https://t.co/u9uekXBdlq https://t.co/WTbCgvrbtN
At the end of the first half, Michigan has racked up 209 yards on the ground. As a whole, Washington has 161 yards on offense. #NationalChampionship https://t.co/u9uekXBdlq https://t.co/B98XMSc3Jz
Halftime Update from @TaylorLewan77 Michigan is a second half team @BussinWTB https://t.co/TrbU2VEejk
Washington’s defense is not good on third down. Michigan 0-4 on third down in the first half.
Washington's defense on a standard down is like "please take seven yards" and on 4th and 3 a linebacker teleports to the flat to bat down a pass against Michigan's #1 receiver
Eventually, probably in the 4th Quarter, it will dawn on Jim Harbaugh to run the ball again. Hopefully it won't be too late. #GoBlue
HALFTIME: #Michigan 17 carries, 209 yards (12.3 ypc), including TD runs of 41 and 46 yards vs #Washington
What does Washington do? They make you think they are out of the game but then they keep hanging around. They get the ball back to start the second half. What does Michigan do? They go big and wear your arse down with an eye on the second half. So, let's go! #CFBPlayoff
After an explosive first quarter, Michigan's offense cooled off allowing Washington to get back in the game as they trail 17-10 at the half. #NationalChampionship #Sarge #hsmsports @houstonstyle
go blue https://t.co/83GPrgvzIG
Washington defense and Harbaugh's penchant for the pass helped get the Huskies back in the game. Michigan had 55 yards on 13 plays in the second quarter, completed two of seven for 26 yards, all on the last series.
This, was essentially, my biggest first half takeaway as well. Washington can't stop Michigan's run game. Washington is trying to run the ball with a back playing on one leg Too much ego from the play callers in the first half https://t.co/PabUZw55PW
To me the most telling stat on why the game is still close here at the half: Michigan 0-4 on 3rd downs, 0-1 on 4th downs
Michigan in national championship game and doesn't wear its classic uniforms 🙄
Halftime: Michigan 17, Washington 10. Felt like the Wolverines were running away with this one early, but after three scoring drives finished with two punts and a turnover on downs. Huskies will get the ball to start the second half.
1st half had it all. - Momentum swings - Physical at LOS - Response by UW. - Aggressive decisions by each staff on 4th downs. #PurpleReign #GoBlue #CFBPlayoff #NationalChampionship
UM 17 UW 10 Michigan really blew a chance to put it away. Could cost them.
Halftime in the #CFPPlayoff Championship game Michigan: 1️⃣7️⃣ Washington: 1️⃣0️⃣ #CFPChampionship #NationalChampionship #GoBlue #PurpleReign
Halftime: Michigan 17, Washington 10. Felt like the Wolverines were running away with this one early, but after three scoring drives finished with two punts and a turnover on downs. Huskies will get the ball to start the second hallf.
Considering how the game started, this is the best UW could have hoped for heading into the second half.
Some curious play calling/decision making by @UMichFootball has allowed @UW_Football back in this game. Halftime: Mich 17, Wash 10.
We’ve got a game as Washington overcame a rough first 25 minutes to only trail by a touchdown at halftime. Plus, Huskies get the ball. Michigan with some key miscues.
Halftime: #Michigan 17, #Washington 10 Huskies get the ball to begin the second half.
Penix got hot. Michigan decided not to run. We got a title game on our hands, folks!
Thought for a moment that Michigan would start to run away with it, but credit Washington for clamping down on defense and bouncing back on offense. We have ourselves a game so far, folks.
Halftime in Houston. Michigan had a chance to land the knockout blow, but Washington has all the momentum and gets the ball coming out of the locker room. Michigan 17, Washington 10. 30 minutes to crown a champion.
Washington shows life! Michael Penix Jr. finds Jalen McMillan for this three-yard touchdown. #NationalChampionship #PurpleReign https://t.co/o8XPN6kWrf
Halftime lead https://t.co/I6lZD2eRnw
Despite outgaining Washington 290-161, Michigan only leads 17-10 at the half & Washington receives 3rd quarter kickoff
Washington has too much offensive talent. Michigan never gets their QB in rhythm so that's bad.
2nd straight game where Michigan should be up by more at the half
Despite outgunning Washington 290-161, Michigan only leads 17-10 at the half & Washington receives 3rd quarter kickoff
Halftime of the CFP title game in Houston: No. 1 Michigan 17, No. 2 Washington 10.
Michigan had 235 yards in the first quarter and Washington will have a chance to tie it coming out of halftime. One of these things is not like the other.
Michigan begged Washington to get back in this game
Michigan's first three possessions: 17 easy points. Michigan's last three possessions: zero points. Game on.
Let's keep hitting the middle of that field, can turn it #PurpleReign
Just like the Alabama game, Michigan should be up more than 17-10 going into halftime.
Washington couldn’t stop the Michigan run so Michigan stopped it for them … by stopping running. And Washington is right back in this game.
Michael Penix Jr. finds Jalen McMillan in the end zone and cuts the Michigan lead to 7. 👍 (🎥: @espn) https://t.co/rfAyEXRmrj
.@UW_Football v @UMichFootball @MichaelPenix shows great patience before his stick TD throw. Ballgame! #BaldysBreakdowns https://t.co/r69f7YZxRL
Michael Penix Jr. gets a TD on the board with 40 seconds remaining at the half! https://t.co/gk9R8T9qby
Michael Penix Jr. connects with Jalen McMillan to score Washington’s first TD of the night 🔥 The Huskies get the ball back after the half 👀 https://t.co/iOCgtJk9Cx
Michael Penix Jr. with a 3-yard TD pass to Jalen McMillan. Michigan 17, Washington 10 with 42 seconds left in first half.
What a call. Championship game. Vibe insane. @UW_Football back in it and can feel the momentum swing in the stadium. Critical to note that #UW gets the ball to start the 3rd. Next 42 seconds are huge to get to half 17-10 for #PurpleReign #Middle8
That stretch was played as badly by Michigan as possible. • 4th-and-2 pass call • Pass interference into the red zone • Second pass interference in the end zone • Touchdown And now Washington gets the ball to start the second half down just 7 points.
Heady choice on 4th and goal for Washington to throw it against that Michigan defense
Touchdown, Washington. Michael Penix finds Jalen McMillan from three yards out on fourth-and-goal and the Huskies make this a one-possession game. Michigan 17, Washington 10, 0:42 left in the first half.
UW with a crucial TD before half, making this a 17-10 game.
Washington only being down 7 with the ball out of the half. Good spot for them after this first half. Michigan out played them and this game is right there for them.
That 4th-and-2 pass call by Michigan looms large. Washington responds with a TD. 17-10 and Washington gets ball back to start second half. #nationalchampionship
Feels similar to the Rose Bowl where Michigan is outplaying its opponent early but not up by nearly as much as it should be.
Huskies needed that. Michigan let them hang around and now it's a game.
Penix finds Jalen McMillan for a 3-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal, a massive score for Washington with 42 seconds left in the first half. Michigan's lead now 17-10.
Michigan, man. You should be up by three touchdowns.
Touchdown Washington. Jalen McMillan hooks up with Michael Penix and it's suddenly a one score game.
Touchdown Washington on 4th & goal from the 3 #PurpleReign #NationalChampionship
#Michigan fan with whom i'm watching the game, "If his jersey hadn't stretched that much, there never would have been a penalty called." 😆 #CFBPlayoff #NationalChampionship
CFB would really really like this game to be closer. Clearly. #GoBlue
there's UW's break. gotta go for the endzone while you've still got some space to work with.
Michigan is going to jump one of the dink and dunk passes. #GoBlue
Michigan inexplicably deciding to abandon the run made this a game
Washington just has to hit singles. Michigan won't give UW anything downfield. UM is daring UW to put together long drives.
Washington TD here and ball second half? Michigan played with their food against Alabama, too ….
Now or never, Huskies #PurpleReign #NationalChampionship
Unreal play. Possible game-changing play. https://t.co/haatnKwvL2
Michigan’s passing game is brutal right now. Keeping Washington in the game. https://t.co/WO3bTJoZlg
Edefuan Ulofoshio with a big pass breakup on fourth down for the Huskies.
Michigan is averaging 12.3 YPC ... and the Wolverines attempt a pass on fourth-and-3. Mystifying.
Michigan has already put up a season high rush yards vs this Washington defense with 209 yards & 4:46 left in the 1st half.
After timeout, Michigan reconsiders & will got for it on 4th & 2 at UW 39
It’s a great day to have a great day! #GoBlue https://t.co/0eJkhQDx4o