HOUSTON — Michigan looked as if it would run away from Washington early in the College Football Playoff championship game Monday night.
But the Wolverines mostly plodded along until they put together a 71-yard drive that put them up two touchdowns midway through the fourth quarter of a 34-13 victory.
Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards and the linemen in front of them looked poise to make fast work of the Huskies. The pair led a ground game that generated 174 yards in the first quarter.
Edwards' first two carries went for touchdowns of 41 and 46 yards and Corum broke a 59-yard run to end the quarter to set up a field goal that put the Wolverines up 17-3.
Their opening three possessions netted 235 on 17 plays.
The next seven produced just 115 yards on 29 plays with three three-and-outs.
Washington made adjustments to plug the middle, where Corum and Edwards found huge holes in the first quarter and offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore went conservative once the Wolverines had the lead.
Washington was unable to capitalize, and Michigan's offense came out of dormancy when it got the ball back with just under 10 minutes to play. J.J. McCarthy connected with Colston Loveland for 41 yards and with Roman Wilson for 12 before Corum scored from the 3.
Thanks to the fast start, Michigan finished with a season-high 304 yards rushing and 44 total.
Corum finished with 134 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries and Edwards had 104 yards and two TDs on six carries. It marked the first time a team had two rushers go over 100 yards in a CFP title game.
Fans watching from home complained on social media that Michigan’s offensive line got away with several holding calls. The flags never came, and by night’s end, the Wolverines were holding the national championship trophy.
The game marked a resurgence for Edwards, who turned in monster games late last season when Corum was out because of injury.
Edwards' season-high coming into the game was 52 yards on 10 carries against Penn State.
Game highlights
Michigan 7, Washington 0
Donovan Edwards broke off a 41-yard touchdown run to open the scoring on Michigan's first drive of the game.
Michigan 7, Washington 3
The Huskies marched down the field to get three points on the board for their first score of the game on their first drive.
Michigan 14, Washington 3
Edwards broke off a 46-yard touchdown to increase Michigan's lead.
Michigan 17, Washington 3
The Wolverines marched down the field to add on a field goal early in the second quarter.
Michigan 17, Washington 10
Penix Jr. hit McMillan in the endzone just before halftime to make it a one-score game.
Michigan 20, Washington 10
After Penix Jr. was picked off to start the second half, Michigan tacked on a field goal to increase its lead.
Michigan 20, Washington 13
The Huskies chipped into the Wolverines' lead with a field goal.
Michigan 27, Washington 13
Blake Corum got in the endzone on a 12-yard run to give Michigan a 14-point lead halfway through the fourth quarter.
Michigan 34, Washington 13
After Penix Jr.'s second interception of the second half, Corum punched in his second touchdown of the half to increase Michigan's lead.
CFP National Championship Game
How to watch
No. 1 Michigan (14-0, Big Ten) vs. No. 2 Washington (14-0, Pac-12), Monday, NRG Stadium in Houston, 6:30 p.m. Central (ESPN)
FanDuel Sportsbook Line: Michigan by 4 1/2
Series record: Michigan leads 8-5
What's at stake
Michigan is playing for its first national championship since 1997 and Washington for its first since 1991. The Wolverines, who have won nine national titles, beat Alabama 27-20 in overtime at the Rose Bowl to reach the championship game. Washington, which has two national titles, beat Texas 37-31 at the Sugar Bowl to advance. The game also sets the stage for Washington's move from the disintegrating Pac-12 to the Big Ten. The Wolverines and Huskies meet again Oct. 5 for a regular-season game in Seattle.
Key matchup
Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. vs. Michigan defense. The Heisman Trophy runner-up is the nation's leading passer for the second straight year. The Wolverines' defense has no weaknesses, having allowed an FBS-low seven touchdown passes and a front seven that can wreak havoc. Penix can make all the throws and, like he has done every game with his deep and talented group of receivers, will test the secondary with deep throws. The Huskies offensive line, which won the Joe Moore Award as the nation's best, has allowed just 11 sacks and will face a pass-rush that attacks in creative ways.
Players to watch
Washington: RB Dillon Johnson aggravated a right foot injury late in the Sugar Bowl but has vowed to be ready to go against Michigan. The Mississippi State transfer has been a bit overshadowed because the Huskies' passing game is so prolific. He's run for 732 yards and 10 touchdowns over the last six games. Just as important, he has been outstanding in pass protection. He has allowed Penix to get hit just once and hurried five times in 79 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
Michigan: RB Blake Corum will be front and center as the J.J. McCarthy-led Wolverines try to dictate the pace of the game and keep the ball away from Penix. Corum is the fulcrum of the rushing game that averages 37.5 attempts per game and is committed to wearing down opponents. His rushing total (79 ypg) doesn't jump off the page, but 71 of his 237 carries have gone for first downs and he's scored a nation-leading 25 of the Wolverines' 36 rushing TDs.
Facts & figures
The championship game wraps up a successful yet messy season for Michigan. Coach Jim Harbaugh served separate three-game suspensions, the first for alleged recruiting violations and the second for the Wolverines' alleged scheme to steal opponents' signs using on-site scouting and video equipment. The NCAA continues to investigate. ... Despite reporters' best efforts to elicit a comment, Harbaugh batted away questions about speculation he is set to make the jump back to the NFL after the game. ... Washington enters with 21 straight wins, the longest active streak in the FBS. ... The Huskies are 25-2 in two seasons under Kalen DeBoer, whose career head coaching record is 104-11. Washington is 10-0 against ranked teams under DeBoer.