Michigan earns spot in national title game; waiting to find out opponent
In a stunning upset, Michigan defeated Alabama in overtime at the Rose Bowl in Monday’s first CFP semifinal game, securing their spot in the national title game. They now wait to find out who their opponent will be, which will be determined in the second CFP semifinal game – the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
The Sugar Bowl featured the Texas Longhorns (12-1) and the undefeated Washington Huskies (13-0). This marks the first time Texas has made it to the College Football Playoff, while the Huskies have appeared in the CFP once before in 2016.
Washington, led by star quarterback Michael Penix Jr., put forth a strong performance in the first half, with Penix showing off his passing prowess and leading his team down the field. Texas, on the other hand, struggled initially but found their rhythm to tie the game at 7-7.
Throughout the game, both teams fought back and forth, with Washington making a risky fourth-down call that paid off and Texas pulling off a successful goal-line defensive stand. The game showed flashes of being an offense-driven shootout, and as the game headed towards halftime, it was clear that the outcome was far from certain.
The loss of Alabama in the Rose Bowl earlier on Monday brought an end to the SEC’s 10-year streak of having a representative in the national title game. As a result, the championship game will not feature an SEC team for the first time since 2014.
The Texas-Washington Sugar Bowl game was broadcast on ESPN, with Texas ultimately coming out as the favorite according to BetMGM odds.
As the game headed to the second half, the outcome remained uncertain, but Michigan fans and college football enthusiasts alike eagerly await the grand finale to determine who Michigan will face in the national title game.