After an exhilarating college football season filled with many upsets and close games, the new year is the time to shift into Bowl season.

This year, there were 42 bowl games that spanned from the middle of December to New Year’s Day.  Although 40 of these bowl games were the end of the season for the teams playing in them, they were still very entertaining to watch.  The other three games were the  College Football Playoff games and they consist of two bowl games that lead to the National Championship Game, which is the final game of the season.  

This year, first-ranked Michigan faced off against fourth-ranked Alabama in the Rose Bowl; while two-seeded Washington faced off against three-seeded Texas in the Sugar Bowl.

The Rose Bowl, located yearly in Pasadena, California, lived up to the hype surrounding it.  Michigan was a small 1.5 point favorite entering the game.  As expected, the game started off evenly and at halftime Alabama trailed Michigan 13-10.  

Alabama quickly struck back and gained the lead during the fourth quarter, yet with under five minutes left in the fourth quarter, Michigan began their drive to try and tie the game up and to force overtime.  Wide receiver Roman Wilson caught a four-yard pass from QB JJ McCarthy to tie the score at 20-20 going into overtime.  

In overtime, both Michigan and Alabama had chances to score from the opponents 25-yard line.  Michigan went first and scored on an impressive 17-yard rush touchdown by running back Blake Corum.  

Then, on Alabama’s drive, Michigan was able to stop Alabama on fourth down after a run from quarterback Jalen Milroe failed.  However, Michigan did receive assistance due to a low snap from the Tide’s center.  Michigan won the game 27-20 and fittingly celebrated on the field with roses.  

The Sugar Bowl, unlike the slow-moving Rose Bowl, consisted mainly of offense.  Each team scored three touchdowns in the first half and the score at halftime was 21-21.  

Then, in the second half, Washington came out firing and gained a lead of 13.  Texas did not give up, however, and cut the lead down to 6 with one minute left.  Washington had the ball and was unlikely to give it up, meaning they would probably be able to run out the clock and win the game.  

While they were running out the clock, the Huskies’ star running back Dillon Johnson experienced a serious injury, which stopped the clock on the field.  This meant Washington could not run out the clock completely and would have to punt the ball away, which gave the Longhorns a chance to win the game with under a minute left.  

They drove the ball down the field and ran their last play with one second left.  Quarterback Quinn Ewers threw the ball to the corner of the end zone but the ball was swatted away by the Washington cornerback.  Washington won the game 37-31 and felt relieved.  

“These were the two most exciting college football games I have ever watched.  So much was at stake and the games had intensity throughout.  I could not tell who was going to win at any point during the game.  I just wish Notre Dame had made it this far and had a chance to play in one of these high-level games.  It really shows that these four teams are the best and deserve to be in the playoffs,” said junior William Ahmuty.

The Sugar Bowl left number one ranked Michigan to play number two ranked Washington in the National Championship on Jan. 8.  This was a highly anticipated matchup, as many considered Washington to have the best offense in the country and Michigan to have the best defense in the country.  Washington quarterback Michael Penix had an incredible season throwing to his receiver Rome Odunze, but in the Championship, they will be matching up against star defensive players Will Johnson and Michael Barrett.  

“I know Washington has an insane quarterback and star receivers, but people don’t understand that Michigan will be ready for this.  It is much easier to prepare against a few star players on offense than a whole cohesive defense.  Michigan has played teams exactly like this the past three years at Ohio State, and been successful, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Michigan destroys their offense,” said sophomore Brad Grundfast.

The National Championship started with Michigan getting the ball and coming down the field to take a 7-0 lead on their first possession, in no small part due to Michigan RB Donovan Edwards completing a 41-yard touchdown rush.  However, Washington’s offense, with QB Micheal Penix Jr. began a strong drive of their own, driving all the way down to Michigan’s 7-yard line, but Michigan’s defense prevailed and held the Huskies to a field goal.  The game continued to go back and forth and was 17-10 Michigan at halftime.  In the fourth quarter, Corum scored two touchdowns to get up to a 37-13 lead.  Corum’s second touchdown was scored following a pick by Michigan’s defensive back (DB) Mike Sainristil.  Following the touchdown, the game was virtually over with 3:37 minutes left and the Huskies needing 24 points, or four possessions.  

“Clearly Michigan is a great team, but I think they will struggle against Washington like they did against Ohio State and Alabama.  They barely won both of those games and their defense made up for their special teams against Alabama. 

 Washington has been consistent for most of the season.  I am an Ohio State fan so I have to root for Washington in this game, and I think they will win,” said junior Robert Higgins.

Overall, the game was highly anticipated and featured many great players, a bunch of whom will get drafted, including Penix, Corum, and possibly McCarthy.  Michigan had a great and deserving National Championship victory following their 14-0 season, while Washington should be proud of a strong showing against a great team.