Championship

Michigan’s regular season started and ended with Harbaugh serving three-game bans related to NCAA infractions cases. The latter was handed down by the Big Ten in November as punishment for a scouting and sign-stealing scheme the conference determined broke its sportsmanship policy.

The scandal dominated headlines just as Michigan was entering the meat of its Big Ten schedule. The accusations against Harbaugh’s program led many to question the legitimacy of the Wolverines’ renaissance over the last three seasons. This is Michigan’s third straight playoff appearance, but first time advancing after beating Alabama in overtime in the Rose Bowl.

Being doubted only galvanized a team loaded with experience that came into the season unafraid to point to winning Michigan’s first national championship since 1997 as the goal.

“A lot of guys came back just for this moment,” said linebacker Michael Barrett, one of nine Michigan starters in their fifth or sixth years.

Washington is built similarly and led by the type of star who typifies college football’s new era of player empowerment.

Penix is a Florida native who started his career at Indiana — he already has a win against Michigan on his resume — but transferred to Washington to play for Deboer in 2022.

Finally healthy after four injury-ravaged seasons in the Big Ten, Penix has become a star in the Pacific Northwest. The runner-up for the Heisman Trophy had some voters questioning their decision last week when he threw for 430 yards in a Sugar Bowl victory against Texas.

“Man, it’s a dream come true. To be honest, I’m still wrapping my head around it,” Penix said.

Penix decided to run it back for 2023 in December 2022 and a bunch of talented teammates followed, such as All-america receiver Rome Odunze, and defensive end Bralen Trice and offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, both third-team All-americans.

“He kind of led the charge. And a lot of guys chose to go down the same road,” Deboer said Sunday. “I think they just really firmly believe that there was more left out there for this football team.”