College football Week 14 winners, losers: Alabama, Texas in playoff?

The College Football Playoff has rounded into form. But one of the most controversial decisions in the format's history is around the corner.

After Washington topped Oregon in Friday night's Pac-12 championship game to secure one spot in the playoff field, Alabama may have followed suit with a 27-24 upset of Georgia to win the SEC.

The loss snaps Georgia's 29-game winning streak and makes it highly unlikely the Bulldogs get back to the playoff and play for the program's third national championship in a row.

Later on Saturday, Florida State pulled off an ugly 16-6 win against Louisville in the ACC championship game and Michigan will swallowed Iowa to take home another Big Ten crown. That leaves the selection committee with three unbeaten teams.

But that's not to say the Seminoles are guaranteed to land in the top four. Despite the unblemished record, the committee could decide to round out the semifinals with Alabama and Texas. Nearly regardless of what the committee offers, this is set to be the most scrutinized and criticized decision in the history of the four-team format.

With that huge decision to come on Sunday, here are the winners and losers from conference championship weekend:

Winners

Texas

Quinn Ewers threw for 452 yards and four touchdowns and Texas took care of business against Oklahoma State to complete a torrid close to the regular season. Whether that's enough depends on what happens in the ACC, leaving the Longhorns rooting hard for Louisville to beat Florida State and eliminate the Seminoles from contention. To get this close to the playoff and come up just short would be an understandable letdown, but that shouldn't take away from the bigger picture. Texas made a huge statement on Saturday and throughout the entire season: We're back and probably here to stay. Falling shy of the top four would reflect much more on the depth of teams in this year's race than on the Longhorns, who compiled a résumé that would've put them in the playoff in almost every other year of the format.

Nick Saban

Alabama could be the playoff's second seed depending on what happens in the Big Ten. That's not the most incredible thing given what this program has achieved throughout Saban's tenure. But take a step back and think about where the Tide stood in September, after losing to Texas and struggling to put away South Florida. The incredible growth shown by this year's team starts with quarterback Jalen Milroe, who was benched in non-conference play but rebounded to rank among the best in the country during the second half of the year. Milroe started slowly against the Bulldogs but was terrific from there, finishing with 13 completions in 19 throws for 192 yards and adding 29 yards on the ground with two combined touchdowns. Looking at the entire picture, this has been the greatest in-season coaching job of Saban’s unparalleled career.

Michigan

The Wolverines closed out a romp through the Big Ten with a 26-0 win against offensively inept Iowa, and while the Wolverines didn't play terrific the final score might as well have been 260-0. This should get Michigan to No. 1 in the final playoff rankings ahead of Washington, but the Huskies' strength of schedule and deeper list of wins could be enough to convince the committee to keep the Wolverines in second. In the end, where Michigan falls doesn't matter. While this will be an outstanding playoff field regardless of who joins Michigan and UW, the Wolverines have to be considered the favorite for the national championship with Georgia out of the picture.

SMU

SMU won 26-14 at Tulane and will be the Group of Five representative in the New Year’s Six ahead of Conference USA champion Liberty. That can be attributed to three reasons: Liberty’s pathetic strength of schedule, the well-earned reputation of the American and the Mustangs’ unbeaten march through league play after losing to Oklahoma and TCU in September. While a big day for SMU, the Green Wave didn’t just lose out on a second New Year’s Six bowl in a row but are on the verge of losing coach Willie Fritz, who is expected to replace Dana Holgorsen at Houston.

Boise State

Even in a down year and even without former coach Andy Avalos, who was fired last month, Boise State is still the top team and program in the Mountain West. The Broncos captured the conference championship with a convincing 44-20 win against UNLV that bolsters interim coach Spencer Danielson's case for the permanent position. Boise won all three games under Danielson — Utah State, Air Force and UNLV — to take home the Mountain West for the first time since 2019 and the fifth time overall. Quarterback Taylen Green had major struggles throughout the regular season but played his best Saturday against the Rebels, completing 12 of 15 attempts for 226 yards and two touchdowns with 90 yards and two more scores on the ground.

Troy

Kimani Vidal ran for 233 yards and five touchdowns — yes, five touchdowns — and Troy captured a second Sun Belt championship in a row under coach Jon Sumrall with a 49-23 win against Appalachian State. While not mentioned as a major contender for one of this year's Power Five job openings, Sumrall has now compiled an overall record of 23-4 and lost only twice in conference play. After ending last season on an 11-game winning streak, the Trojans will head into the postseason having won 10 games in a row.

Losers

Georgia

There's really no way to get Georgia into the playoff, ending the Bulldogs' hopes of making college football history with a third national championship in a row. There's an argument for getting them into the field, which goes something like this: Georgia is better than everyone and would beat anyone, Alabama included if they had another matchup with the Crimson Tide in the championship game. Then there's the argument for not including Georgia in the field, which would go: They didn't win the SEC and there are too many qualified Power Five champions in the mix for the Bulldogs to get the benefit of the doubt. The loss to Alabama doesn't signify the end of the dynasty by any means but there's a sense that Georgia has missed on a chance to enter college football immortality, and those chances don't come around too often.

Florida State

Despite beating Louisville and completing an unbeaten season, the Seminoles could be left out of the playoff in favor of Alabama or Texas. One reason for this snub is the way FSU has looked without quarterback Jordan Travis, who has missed the past two games. Primary backup Tate Rodemaker started the close win against Florida but was replaced against Louisville by Brock Glenn, who completed 8 of 21 attempts for 55 yards but did avoid any turnovers. Where the Seminoles could get squeezed by the committee is in the discussion over which teams are most deserving of finishing in the top four and which teams are simply the best in college football. While Florida State deserves to be there as an unbeaten Power Five champion, the four best teams may simply be Michigan, Washington, Texas and Alabama.

Toledo

Toledo lost a narrow one to Illinois in non-conference play but rolled from there, and could've conceivably made the New Year's Six if not for the two teams at the top of the American Athletic. But that would've required a win against Miami (Ohio) in the MAC championship game, which wasn't in the cards. After losing 21-17 to Toledo during the regular season, the RedHawks clamped down on the Rockets' offense and harassed quarterback Dequan Finn into one of his worst games on the year. Finn hit on only 18 of 36 throws for 273 yards with a touchdown and an interception as Miami pulled off a 23-14 win for the 17th conference crown in program history.

The playoff selection committee

There will be no good, acceptable decision should Florida State beat Louisville. The options in that case are to leave out an unbeaten Power Five champion, to ignore the Longhorns’ win at Alabama earlier this season, or to leave out the Crimson Tide. The committee would be damned in any direction. While this could be made easier should Louisville win, this could shape up to be a very tough Sunday morning for the committee.

Michigan vs. Washington highlights: National championship best ...

Hail to the victors of Michigan.

Nobody has it better than the Wolverines, as Michigan beat the Washington Huskies, 34-13, in the College Football Playoff national championship game to win their first title since 1997.

Michigan jumped out to a quick lead and didn’t look back, never trailing in the title game at NRG Stadium in Houston to capture its 12th national championship in program history.

The Michigan defense didn’t crack against a team that went into the game with a top 10 offense and the best passing offense in the country, led by Michael Penix Jr. Washington entered Monday averaging 37.6 points per game, but were held to a season-low in points, while Penix and company were never able to recover from playing-from-behind. Washington hung around for a majority of the game before the Wolverines pulled away in the fourth quarter.

The ground game led the way for the Wolverines offense, with the two-headed monster of Donovan Edwards and Blake Corum paving the way with all touchdowns for the offense. Corum ran the ball 21 times for 134 yards and two touchdowns, while Edwards had 104 yards on six rushes and two touchdowns. J.J. McCarthy played mistake free football at quarterback with 10-of-18 passes completed for 140 yards.

Despite two suspensions from recruiting violations and a sign-stealing scandal, Jim Harbaugh captured his first national championship as head coach of the Wolverines and the first 15-0 season in the team’s long history. Questions will arise if this was Harbaugh’s final game with Michigan, but he and his team will celebrate the first title in 26 years in the meantime. — Jordan Mendoza

Jim Harbaugh NFL team fits: Chargers, Raiders top ranking

What does Jim Harbaugh want? That will be the question on the minds of many throughout college football and the NFL as the Michigan coach weighs his options after winning the national championship with the Wolverines on Monday night. The allure of a potential return to the professional ranks is evident for a coach who has interviewed with teams in each of the last two years. With that in mind, here's our ranking of all five NFL franchises with a coaching vacancy, based on their potential fit for Harbaugh. — MIchael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Michigan vs. Washington highlights

Michigan won its first national football title since 1997, defeating Washington behind 303 yards rushing and a defensive effort that held Heisman Trophy runner-up Michael Penix Jr. to just one touchdown pass.

Jim Harbaugh has his Michigan title. So is this goodbye?

Maybe no national champion in the playoff era so firmly embodied the ethos of its head coach quite like the Wolverines, who shrugged off and embraced criticism in equal measure during this incredibly tumultuous season. But all eyes are on Harbaugh and his immediate future. He hired a new agent, Don Yee, who specializes in NFL contracts. He's again interviewed for NFL openings. Harbaugh's name has come up in connection with the Los Angeles Chargers, among other teams.

To ignore the itch and come back to Michigan will come with the increasingly likely chance that Harbaugh faces more penalties for NCAA violations that have occurred under his watch. After missing six games due to suspension during the regular season, he could be sidelined again next year. Is that what he wants? Has winning a national championship satisfied what he wanted to achieve at Michigan, freeing him up to join his brother in the NFL?

"That'll check the biggest box," Harbaugh said of the title. Should he leave, Harbaugh will pass on a program that views itself as bigger than one coach or player — the sort of deep self-confidence that might have flowered during Harbaugh's absence. Read Paul Myerberg's full story here.

Way-too-early Top 25: College football rankings for 2024 are heavy on SEC, Big Ten

Let’s start talking about the 2024 college football season. Where will the Michigan Wolverines land in the USA TODAY Sports way-too-early Top 25 given the uncertainty over whether Jim Harbaugh returns for another year? Can the Huskies make another title run as members of the Big Ten? It’s a way-too-early list that’s heavy on the Big Ten and SEC. Those two powerhouse leagues make up the entire top five, nine of the top 10 and 15 of the 25 teams overall. Here’s our guess for how things will look at the end of next season.

Odds for the 2024-25 championship

Betting odds, according to BetMGM, to win the 2024-25 College Football Playoff national championship:

Georgia +350

Alabama +550

Ohio State +800

Michigan +900

Texas +900

Oregon +1000

Michigan deserved this title. But the silly and unnecessary scandals won't be forgotten.

On the field, the Michigan Wolverines left no doubt. So why, after it was all over, did Jim Harbaugh come into a press conference and feel compelled to say the following words: “We’re innocent.” I’m not here to tell you that Michigan’s long-awaited national title — its first outright championship since the Korean War — is tainted. The way Michigan closed out this season, beating the best college football had to offer this year under multiple clouds of uncertainty off the field, cannot be questioned. The best team won — and in the most important games, did so fair and square. But the Wolverines made it easy to be cynical about what should have been a great college football story. Read Dan Wolken's full column here.

Jim Harbaugh bonus for winning national championship? A cool $1 million

Michigan's Jim Harbaugh led college football coach bonus totals this season with $3 million — by far the largest single-season haul since USA TODAY Sports began tracking these amounts in 2019. He picked up $1 million for the Wolverines’ win in Monday night’s CFP title game after getting $500,000 for the team playing in the Big Ten Conference championship game, $1 million for winning the Big Ten title and $500,000 for being selected to play in the CFP semifinals.

This set of bonuses was introduced into Harbaugh’s contract with Michigan after the 2020 season, when he took a roughly 50% cut in his basic annual pay from the school to $4 million after the Wolverines had gone 9-4 in 2019 and 2-4 in the pandemic-affected 2020 season.

Harbaugh claimed $2.225 million in 2021, although he redirected about $1.5 million of his bonus money to members of the Michigan athletics department who had taken pandemic-related pay cuts during an 11-month stretch of 2020 and 2021 and had remained on the payroll. He picked up $2.2 million last season. Read Steve Berkowitz's full story here.

National title puts Michigan at No. 1 in college football's final NCAA Re-Rank 1-133

Michigan ends the year No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports NCAA Re-Rank 1-133 after beating Washington 34-13 for the program’s first unshared national championship since 1948. Washington comes in at No. 2, followed No. 3 Georgia, No. 4 Texas and No. 5 Alabama. Michigan was ranked No. 2 in the preseason 1-133 behind Georgia. The Huskies were ranked No. 21. The same preseason re-rank had Pittsburgh at No. 25, so it’s obviously not an exact science. See Paul Myerberg's full Re-Rank here.

Which was the best national championship team of the CFP era? We ranked all 10.

The four-team College Football Playoff period featured its share of controversy, from the inclusion of Ohio State in the debut field in 2014 to this year's exclusion of unbeaten Florida State. But by nearly every metric, the playoff has been a resounding success and one of the great advancements in the history of the sport.

On the field, the past decade has been defined by SEC dominance. Monday night marked the first time since 2014 that no SEC team had at least played for the national title. The conference won six during the four-team playoff: Alabama in 2015, 2017 and 2020, LSU in 2019, and Georgia in 2021 and 2022.

This era also saw the dramatic rise of Clemson, which unseated the Crimson Tide in 2016 and 2018. The 2018 team was the first in more than a century to go 15-0. The 12-team format will take the title race in a new and unpredictable direction. In one last look back at the past 10 years, here's how the champs of the four-team era rank among their peers.

J.J. McCarthy-Tom Brady comparisons

Jim Harbaugh is so full of hyperbole on a regular basis that he will sometimes say outlandish things that go largely unnoticed. But it should probably be a little bit more of a conversation piece when Michigan’s coach (who was also a great Michigan quarterback) puts current Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the same sentence as a former Michigan quarterback who happens to be the most accomplished football player of all-time.

And the crazy part is he might be right – at least in the way Harbaugh is framing the argument. Though his passing statistics are rarely spectacular and may not resonate 30 years from now when people look back at this Michigan team without the proper context, McCarthy may well be at the top of the list if the Wolverines beat Washington on Monday to win the school’s first national title since 1997. Read Dan Wolken’s full column here.

Blake Corum draft projection: Is he going to the NFL draft?

Entering the 2023 season, Pro Football Focused projected Michigan running back Blake Corum as the second-best running back in the 2024 NFL draft.

What Jim Harbaugh said after the CFP national championship game

How will Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrate his team’s national championship? With a tattoo of course.

Earlier in the season, Harbaugh had said he doesn’t have any tattoos, but would get one if his team went undefeated. Now that mission has been accomplished, he is standing by his word.

"I did say that to our players," Harbaugh told reporters after the game. "I said if we go 15-0, I'm getting a tattoo. It's 15-0. I'm going to put it on my shoulder. I don't know if it's my left or right yet. I'm a right-handed quarterback, I'll probably get it on my right, and then an M too. An M that's maize and blue M."

Even during the celebration, Harbaugh was asked about if he’d one day want to celebrate a Super Bowl victory. He didn’t want to think about it as there are rumors of him departing for the NFL after this season.

"I just want to enjoy this. I hope you give me that," he said. "Can a guy have that? Does it always have to be what's next, what's the future?"

The head coach was also asked about overcoming all the off-the-field issues that surrounded the team. Despite two suspensions, Harbaugh still claims his innocence.

"The off-the-field issues, we're innocent and we stood strong and tall because we knew we were innocent, and I'd like to point that out," Harbaugh said. "And these guys are innocent. And overcome that, it wasn't that hard because we knew we were innocent." — Jordan Mendoza

What Michael Penix Jr. said after the CFP national championship game

A battered and bruised Michael Penix Jr. spoke postgame following Washington’s loss to Michigan in the College Football Playoff national championship game.

"I had ups and downs, but I’m thankful for it all. To meet Coach (Kalen) DeBoer at Indiana and for him to lead me here. To be playing in the biggest game in college football. We didn’t come out how I wanted it to but each and every player knows that they gave it their all. It wasn’t enough today," Penix said. "Blessed to be here. Blessed to be on this team and these guys will be my brothers forever."

The Heisman Trophy runner-up and senior QB will be on his way to the NFL following Monday’s defeat. He’s rated as a top-five quarterback prospect on many NFL draft boards. — Tyler Dragon

Michigan national championship gear, commemorative book

Michigan's national championship gear is available for purchase at https://shop.collegefootballplayoff.com. A book from the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, chronicles Michigan football's dominant run to its first national championship in 26 years. Order your copy here.

Michigan players collecting souvenirs

In addition to commemorative caps and shirts, Michigan players were collecting another keepsake from their College Football Playoff national championship win over Washington.

Postgame video showed Wolverines players heading out of NRG Stadium with what appeared to be personalized locker room folding chairs featuring the College Football Playoff logo.

Why Jim Harbaugh should spurn the NFL, stay at Michigan and fight to get players paid

If Michigan wins the national title on Monday night, the stage will be set for a seminal moment in college sports.

All season long, and once again Saturday prior to the College Football Playoff championship game, coach Jim Harbaugh has advocated for players to share in the billions being generated by this sport. To do it with a trophy in his hand, on the night the entire country is paying attention, would be arguably the most significant stance for athletes’ rights ever taken by a prominent coach.

“People come to watch the players,” Harbaugh said Saturday. “They really don't come to watch the coaches. They don't come watch the administrators. They come to watch the players. And in a world where the revenue is ever growing, the student-athletes being able to participate in that ever-growing revenue, who could argue against them?”

Even now, in an era of players being able to profit off name, image and likeness, arguing for schools and the NCAA to share revenue with athletes is a bold step for a college coach. Few have had the foresight, desire or guts to do it.

But if Harbaugh believes that sincerely and isn’t merely using it as media chum to distract from his multiple imbroglios with NCAA rules, then he needs to do it by staying at Michigan and fighting the fight. It’s easy to talk. It’s a lot easier when you have one foot out the door waiting for an offer from the NFL. Read Dan Wolken’s full piece here.

What are future national championship locations?

Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host the 2025 national championship game, the first with an expanded 12-team playoff field, and Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium is scheduled to host the 2026 title game.

Will Johnson named defensive player of national championship

Will Johnson was named the defensive player of the national championship after Michigan beat Washington. The defensive back nabbed an interception off Michael Penix Jr. on the first play from scrimmage in the second half. The Wolverines picked off the Heisman Trophy finalist twice in the victory. — Victoria Hernandez

Jack Harbaugh shouts signature rally cry after Michigan's national championship

Jim Harbaugh couldn’t celebrate the national title win without his dad, former coach Jack Harbaugh. As the team was on the podium to claim the championship trophy, Jim Harbaugh had his dad take the mic and do his rally cry. "Who has it better than us?" Harbaugh said. "Nobody!" he, the crowd and team yelled back. — Jordan Mendoza

Blake Corum named offensive player of national championship

Running back Blake Corum set the tone before kickoff that he was ready to take the reins by showing up in a cowboy-inspired outfit. The senior was named the offensive player of the national championship after finishing with 21 carries for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Corum missed the end of last season with a knee injury and was named a 2023 Comeback Player of the Year. "This is everything I imagined," Corum said on the stage after beating the Washington Huskies for the title. "… We said we had unfinished business, so I’ll leave you all with this: The business is finished!" — Victoria Hernandez

Michigan scores: Blake Corum 1-yard touchdown run

Washington was given a second chance to attempt a fourth-and-13 after a chaotic play that landed incomplete and featured two offsetting penalties. Instead of converting, Michael Penix Jr. threw an interception to Michigan's Mike Sainristil, who ran it back 81 yards to the Washington 8-yard-line. Michigan handed the ball to Blake Corum, who pounded for 7 yards and then a 1-yard score to essentially finish off the Huskies. The Wolverines are up 34-13 with 3:37 on the clock. — Victoria Hernandez

Michigan scores: Blake Corum 12-yard touchdown run

The Wolverines have scored their first touchdown since the first quarter. It only took Michigan five plays to go 71 yards for the score. Michigan’s touchdown drive was highlighted by a 41-yard catch and run by tight end Colston Loveland that put the team on Washington’s 30-yard line. A few plays later, running back Blake Corum broke a tackle and scampered for a 12-yard rushing touchdown to give the Wolverines a 27-13 lead with 7:09 left in the fourth quarter.

Michigan has dominated Washington on the ground. The Wolverines have produced 296 rushing yards on 33 carries. Corum has a game-high 125 rushing yards. — Tyler Dragon

Washington punts after 32-yard catch called back

Michael Penix Jr. seemed to have redemption for overthrowing Rome Odunze in the first half when he connected with the star receiver for a 32-yard play in the fourth quarter. But the play was called back when offensive lineman Roger Rosengarten was penalized for holding. Facing second-and-20, the quarterback threw two short passes, but couldn’t move the chains and Washington punted the ball away. — Victoria Hernandez

End of third quarter: Michigan 20, Washington 13

It’ll be a one-score game heading into the final quarter of the national championship game, with Michigan leading 20-13 with 15 minutes left to go. Both sides added a field goal in the third quarter, but it wasn’t a mostly dominant effort defensively on both sides. After both teams combined for 450 yards in the first half, both sides only got 130 yards in the third quarter.

Washington will begin the fourth quarter with the ball, getting another chance to cut the deficit or tie the game. The Huskies have only headed into the fourth quarter losing once this season, when they completed a comeback to beat Arizona State in October. Michigan continues to do most of its damage rushing the ball with 273 of its 360 yards coming on the ground. Both Donovan Edwards (104 yards) and Blake Corum (103 yards) have eclipsed the century mark on the ground. — Jordan Mendoza

Washington, Michigan trade punts

Both teams' defenses are stepping, forcing the offenses to get off the field quickly in the middle of the third quarter. After Washington added a field goal, Michigan went three-and-out and punted the ball back to the Huskies. They couldn’t do much either, picking up one first down before punting it to Michigan. The Wolverines get the ball at their own 7-yard line with just over five minutes left in the third quarter. — Jordan Mendoza

Who are the national championship game referees?

It’s an ACC crew officiating the national championship game, headed by Marcus Woods. Here is the full crew:

Referee: Marcus Woods

Marcus Woods Umpire: Danny Worrell

Danny Worrell Head linesman: Troy Gray

Troy Gray Line judge: Deon Lawrence

Deon Lawrence Field judge: Wayne Rundell

Wayne Rundell Side judge: Michael McCarthy

Michael McCarthy Back judge: Michael Griffith

Michael Griffith Center judge: Larry Saunders

Larry Saunders Alternate: Michael Roche

Michael Roche Replay official: Mark McAnaney

Mark McAnaney Communicator: Jeff Roberson

— Jordan Mendoza

Washington scores: Grady Gross 45-yard field goal

It’s back to a one-score game in Houston after Grady Gross drilled a 45-yard field goal for Washington to make it a 20-13 Michigan lead. Michael Penix Jr. was able to get back on the field after he appeared to be injured on the previous offensive drive. Two passes were able to get the Huskies to midfield and they were aided by an unnecessary roughness penalty by Makari Paige to get into Michigan territory. The Huskies were unable to pick up another first down and opted to kick a field goal. Gross is now 2-for-2 on field goals on the night. — Jordan Mendoza

Michigan scores: James Turner 38-yard field goal

Michigan had to settle for a field goal after forcing a turnover. The Wolverines took possession at Washington’s 32-yard line, but a couple penalties cost them a golden opportunity to go up by two touchdowns. Michigan had to settle for a 38-yard field goal by kicker James Turner to push their advantage to 20-10 with 11:55 left in the third quarter. Turner has made both his field goal attempts in the game. — Tyler Dragon

Do the Michigan Wolverines have a mascot?

The Michigan Wolverines do not have a mascot. Nissan’s Heisman House commercial starring former Michigan star cornerback/wide receiver and Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson makes fun of the fact that the college football powerhouse does not, in fact, have a real life wolverine with them on game days. In fact, the Wolverine State barely has any of the fluffy, and not so friendly, animals at all. — Victoria Hernandez

Michigan interception against Michael Penix to start second half

Washington had a chance to tie the game out of halftime, but its momentum was taken out with Michigan’s Will Johnson picking off Michael Penix Jr. On the second play out of halftime, Penix looked to get the ball to Tybo Rogers, but the ball came out awkwardly, and Johnson was able to tip it and catch it before he hit the ground. Not only was it an interception, but Penix appeared to be injured after one of his offensive lineman stepped on his ankle. He was getting looked at on the sideline as the Michigan offense got on the field. — Jordan Mendoza

New CFP format in 2024

The College Football Playoff will expand to 12 teams during the 2024 season. Under the 12-team system, the field will be composed of the six conference champions ranked highest by the selection committee and the six highest-ranked non-conference champions. The 12-team format will allow access for at least one team from the Group of Five.

According to the playoff, the first round of the 2024 bracket will occur during the week ending Dec. 21, at "either the home field of the higher-seeded team or at another site designated by the higher-seeded institution." These games would pit seeds No. 12 and No. 5, No. 11 and No. 6, No. 10 and No. 7, and No. 9 and No. 8.

The top four highest-rated conference champions would have an open date and not play until the quarterfinals. For 2024 and 2025, the four quarterfinal and two semifinal games will be played at rotating bowl sites. In 2024, the quarterfinals will be the Fiesta, Peach, Rose and Sugar bowls, with the semifinals at the Cotton Bowl and Orange Bowl. In 2025, the Cotton, Orange, Rose and Sugar will host the quarterfinals and the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl will host the semifinals. The national championship games will be held on Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta, and Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami. — Paul Myerberg

Rome Odunze pronunciation

Washington receiver Rome Odunze pronounces his name “ROAM oh-DUNE-zay.” — Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press

Halftime: Michigan 17, Washington 10

It was a first quarter dominated by Michigan, but Washington is still alive after getting a touchdown right before halftime to make it a one-score game.

After Michigan jumped out to a 14-3 lead, the Wolverines were stopped in the red zone in the opening minutes of the second quarter and opted to take the three points. Washington’s offense still struggled to move the ball, including a missed wide-open catch on a fourth down, but the defense prevented Michigan from adding more points.

Washington finally put together its best drive of the night in the final minutes, capping it with Michael Penix Jr. finding Jalen McMillan on fourth-and-goal for its first touchdown of the game.

Michigan had 229 yards in the first quarter, but only picked up 61 yards after that. The Wolverines are still outgaining the Huskies 290-161, with 209 of those yards coming on the ground.

Leading the way for Michigan is Donovan Edwards, who scored two touchdowns on his first two carries, finishing the first half with 93 yards on three carries. Blake Corum has also helped with 84 yards on eight carries.

It had been a mostly difficult first half for the Heisman Trophy runner-up, but Penix is 13 for 21 with 128 yards and a scoring toss.

Washington has trailed at halftime twice this season – against Arizona State and Utah, but those were eventual wins. The Huskies will get a chance to tie the game to open the third quarter, something head coach Kalen DeBoer likes.

"We get the ball to start the third quarter. Great spot," he told ESPN before heading into the locker room. — Jordan Mendoza

Michael Penix stats at halftime

Washington QB Michael Penix is 13-of-21 passing for 128 yards and one touchdown pass after one half of action.

Washington score: Jalen McMillan 3-yard touchdown catch from Michael Penix

Michigan might end up regretting going for it on fourth down.

After Michigan turned it over on downs, Washington marched down the field on a 11-play, 61-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown. Washington’s touchdown, ironically, came on fourth down.

Washington needed four plays inside the 10-yard line to reach paydirt. The Huskies scored on fourth down when Michael Penix passed to running back Jalen McMillan for a 3-yard touchdown. Washington’s TD cut its deficit to 17-10 with under a minute remaining in the first half.

Penix completed four passes during Washington’s touchdown drive. The Heisman Trophy runner-up has 128 passing yards and one touchdown in the first half.

Washington gets the football to begin the third quarter. — Tyler Dragon

Jim Harbaugh surprised by brother, John Harbaugh, on sidelines

It’s typically not a good idea to bother the head coach in the national championship game.

Unless you are the older brother.

John Harbaugh snuck up on Jim Harbaugh on the sidelines to greet him, as the Ravens head coach was able to make it to Houston to see his brother coach in his first national championship game. The two embraced before the elder Harbaugh brother let his younger sibling get back to coaching. — Jordan Mendoza

Halftime show national championship

There will be a halftime show for the College Football Playoff national championship.

Unlike other major sporting events such as the Super Bowl or NBA All-Star game, this halftime show will not feature a chart-topping artist. Instead, the Michigan Marching Band and the University of Washington Husky Marching Band will entertain fans at Houston's NRG Stadium while their football teams debrief in the locker room.

Fans at home can watch the halftime show on the ESPN app via the All-22 view. — Victoria Hernandez

Michigan fails fourth-down conversion

The Washington defense is hanging on, preventing Michigan from converting a fourth-down play to give its offense great field position.

Michigan got into Huskies territory and faced a fourth-and-3 at the Washington 38-yard line. Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh initially sent his punting unit out, but took a timeout to send the offense back out instead.

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy looked to Roman Wilson to pick up the first down, but Edefuan Ulofoshio played great coverage and broke up the pass to give Washington the ball back. — Jordan Mendoza

What does FBS stand for in college football?

FBS stands for Football Bowl Subdivision, which is the highest level of college football in the country. Previously called Division I-A, FBS includes 10 conferences and 133 programs.

Michigan goes three-and-out

Michigan got its best field position of the day, but couldn’t capitalize on the Washington turnover-on-downs.

The Wolverines started at their own 47-yard line but couldn’t gain a yard on the drive. Blake Corum was stuffed on the opening play and J.J. McCarthy couldn’t connect with Colston Loveland or Cornelius Johnson on the following plays, a big stop for a Huskies defense that was gashed in the opening quarter.

The ensuing punt went into the end zone, so Washington will start at the 20-yard line in an attempt to cut the deficit. — Jordan Mendoza

Michael Penix overthrows Rome Odunze on fourth down

Kalen DeBoer’s first big decision backfired.

DeBoer and Washington elected to go for it on fourth-and-7 from Michigan’s 47-yard line. Michael Penix took the snap in shotgun formation and fired the football over the head of a wide open Rome Odunze.

Michigan took over possession of the football at their own 47-yard line as a result.

Washington did convert two first downs during the drive, but two penalties hurt the team. — Tyler Dragon

Michigan score: James Turner 31-yard field goal

The Michigan offense is rolling, but a defensive stop from Washington kept the Wolverines out of the end zone.

Blake Corum got the drive started with a 59-yard run on the opening play of the drive, but the Washington defense held its ground for the first time of the game, preventing the Wolverines from picking up another first down.

Kicker James Turner came in for a 31-yard field goal, and snuck it in through the upright to make it a 17-3 game. This is now the largest deficit Washington has faced this season, and it’ll need to match history to win this game. The largest deficit to be overcome in a CFP national championship is 14 points, done by Clemson in 2017. — Jordan Mendoza

CFP national championship tickets

The cheapest ticket listed on TicketIQ on Thursday afternoon was about $1,200 while the most expensive was listed at more than $21,000, a seat near the 50-yard line. As of Monday afternoon, the cheapest ticket listed by TicketIQ was more than $3,000 and the most expensive was more than $67,000.

End of first quarter: Michigan 14, Washington 3

It’s been all Michigan in the first quarter of the national championship game.

The Wolverines lead 14-3 and are threatening another score after the first 15 minutes of the game in which Michigan displayed its power over Washington.

Michigan had two touchdown runs from Donovan Edwards on its first two drives, while Washington had a field goal on its first and punted on its second.

The running game has done a majority of the damage for the Wolverines, picking up 174 rushing yards in the opening frame. In total, Michigan has 229 yards while Washington has 74.

On the final play of the first quarter, Michigan’s Blake Corum broke free for a 59-yard run to set his team up at the Washington 20-yard line at the start of the second quarter. It was one of several big plays from Michigan, as they picked up four plays of at least 30 yards in the first quarter. — Jordan Mendoza

Washington punts on second drive

The Huskies failed to answer Michigan’s second touchdown.

Michael Penix and Washington went three-and-out in their second series and were forced to punt the football back to Michigan down 14-3 late in the first quarter. — Tyler Dragon

Michigan score: Donovan Edwards 46-yard touchdown run

Two touches, two touchdowns.

Donovan Edwards is turning into a Michigan legend, as the running back had another big run for his second touchdown of the first quarter.

The junior running back found an open hole on the fourth play of Michigan’s drive and outran the Washington defenders to give the Wolverines a 14-3 lead with two minutes left in the first quarter. The quick four play, 88-yard drive was aided when J.J. McCarthy showcased his arm by finding Roman Wilson on a 37-yard pass on the second play.

Edwards already has 87 yards and two touchdowns on his two carries. — Jordan Mendoza

Washington score: Grady Gross 25-yard field goal

Washington’s 14-play opening drive stalled in the red zone.

On third-and-goal, Michal Penix’s pass to Rome Odunze sailed over the wide receiver’s head. The Huskies had to settle for a short 25-yard field goal by kicker Grady Gross that snuck between the uprights.

The Huskies trail 7-3 with under four minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Washington faced some early adversity during their first possession. Starting running back Dillon Johnson reaggravated his foot injury during the series but he was able to check back into the game. — Tyler Dragon

Dillon Johnson injured, returns

Leading up to the national championship game, all eyes were on whether Washington running back Dillon Johnson would be able to play, and if how healthy he is.

But one play in and Johnson is already in pain.

On the first offensive play for the Huskies, Johnson took the handoff for six yards when a Michigan defender fell on his left foot as he got tackled. Johnson gingerly walked to the sideline, pointing at his left ankle. He went into the injury tent looking to be in discomfort.

But the junior running back would return eight plays later, and even was the lead blocker on the play after his return. — Jordan Mendoza

What are the stickers on Michigan football helmets?

Jim Harbaugh brought back helmet stickers when he arrived at Michigan in 2015 and awards them for various achievements, on-field and off-field. For the 2023 season, Harbaugh introduced a new sticker, according to Michigan Live, this one bearing the acronym EUTM. It stands for “enthusiasm unknown to mankind,” Michigan Live reported.

CFP national anthem singer: Fantasia Barrino

It was previously announced that Grammy-award winner Fantasia Barrino will perform the "Star-Spangled Banner" prior to kickoff of the College Football Playoff national championship.

Fantasia burst onto the scene as the third winner of the famed reality TV show "American Idol." She won at just 19 years old, beating out several other soon-to-be stars including Jennifer Hudson.

Most recently, Fantasia was nominated at the Golden Globes for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for her role as Celie Johnson in The Color Purple.

Fantasia had previously worked on Broadway as the lead in the The Color Purple between April 10, 2007 and January 6, 2008. — Jon Hoefling

Donovan Edwards stats

Michigan's backup running back is junior Donovan Edwards.

Edwards has only rushed for more than 50 yards in one game this year (52 against Penn State), and has accumulated 393 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, while catching 30 passes for 249 yards in the passing game.

Michigan score: Donovan Edwards 41-yard touchdown run

Michigan has made it a habit of being physically dominating this season, and it displayed the power on the opening drive with a touchdown.

The Wolverines had no issues getting into Washington territory, but took a sack on a first down play that sent them back to the 41-yard line. On the very next play, Donovan Edwards bounced off Washington defenders and found an open lane to his left, breaking free for a 41-yard touchdown run to get the scoring started.

It was an eight play, 84-yard drive that saw Michigan pick up 66 of those yards on the ground. Now Michael Penix Jr. and company will get their chance to respond.

It was Edwards' first touchdown since the Nov. 11 matchup against Penn State. — Jordan Mendoza

Has Michigan ever won a national championship?

Yes. It's been nearly 25 years since Michigan last claimed a national championship, last winning one in 1997. Michigan also won most of its national championship before the poll era, which began in 1936. Here’s everything you could want to know about Michigan’s championship history. — Jordan Mendoza

Has Washington ever won a national championship?

The Huskies have two (1960 and 1991), but it kind of depends who you ask. In 1960, after beating Minnesota 17-7 in the Rose Bowl and finishing with a record of 10-1, Washington was named the national champion by the Helms Athletic Foundation. When the Helms Foundation eventually dissolved in 1969, much of its archives went to the Amateur Athletic Union. Want to know something even weirder about the 1960 national championship? The Huskies didn’t claim it until 2007 — and that’s when they had a trophy made for it. — Lindsay Schnell

Last time Washington won a national championship?

Behind legendary coach Don James, and following Washington's 34-14 thumping of Michigan in the 1991 Rose Bowl, the coaches poll (at the time administered jointly by USA TODAY and CNN) named the Huskies national champs. The Associated Press poll, on the other hand, selected the Miami Hurricanes as the No. 1 team, with the Huskies coming in at No. 2. Miami had also finished 12-0 that season, ending with a 22-0 win over Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. Because of this, Miami also claims the 1991 national championship. Some consider the 1991 Washington team one of the best college football squads of all time. — Lindsay Schnell

Last time Michigan won a national championship?

It's been nearly 25 years since Michigan last claimed a national championship, last winning one in 1997. Michigan also won most of its national championship before the poll era, which began in 1936. — Jordan Mendoza

Coin toss for national championship game

Washington called tails and won the toss. The Huskies deferred.

The Huskies' captains were Michael Penix Jr., Rome Udunze, Edefuan Ulofoshio, with former standout defensive end Steve Emtman as a special captain. Emtman played at Washington from 1988-91 and was drafted No. 1 in the 1992 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts.

Michigan's captains were Zak Zinter, Blake Corum, Kris Jenkins, Trevor Keegan and Mike Sainristil. Zinter suffered a season-ending injury during the Wolverines' win against Ohio State.

What time is kickoff for the national championship game tonight?

Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

How to watch Michigan vs. Washington?

You can watch or stream on ESPN. Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit on the call; Holly Rowe and Molly McGrath on the sideline, and Bill Lemonnier as rules analyst. Additionally, ESPN will offer a variety of alternative broadcasts on its other channels: Field pass with "The Pat McAfee Show" (ESPN2), Command Center (ESPNU), Skycast (ESPNews), Spanish language (ESPN Deportes). You can also stream on Fubo (free trial).

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Where is the national championship game? Is NRG Stadium covered?

The Wolverines and the Huskies are playing at NRG Stadium in Houston. The stadium has a retractable roof.

Who is favored in the national championship? What is the Michigan vs. Washington spread?

The top college football betting apps favor Michigan over Washington in the national championship game. The Wolverines are 5.5-point favorites over the Huskies, according to BetMGM college football odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offeringcollege football betting promos in 2023.

Michigan vs. Washington predictions

Here is how USA TODAY Sports' experts are predicting tonight's national championship:

Scooby Axson: Washington 34, Michigan 24

Washington 34, Michigan 24 Jace Evans: Michigan 35, Washington 31

Michigan 35, Washington 31 Paul Myerberg: Michigan 27, Washington 23

Michigan 27, Washington 23 Erick Smith: Michigan 34, Washington 24

Michigan 34, Washington 24 Eddie Timanus: Washington 27, Michigan 21

Washington 27, Michigan 21 Dan Wolken: Michigan 27, Washington 21

Michigan vs. Washington over/under

The over-under for Washington vs. Michigan is 55.5, according to BetMGM.

Michigan vs. Washington moneyline

Michigan is a -220 favorite on the moneyline. Meanwhile, Washington is a +180 underdog, according to BetMGM. If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. Our college football betting guide can help you get started. We also have tips for beginners on how to place a bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with these online sportsbooks and sports betting sites.

Michigan Wolverines fight song lyrics

Louis Elbel wrote Michigan's fight song "The Victors” as a music student at Michigan in 1898. You can find the full lyrics here.

John Williams composed national championship score

Star Wars. Harry Potter. Jurassic Park.

Now add Michigan vs. Washington to the list of credits for legendary composer John Williams.

Williams created an original score for the national championship game called "Of Grit and Glory." ESPN aired the song ahead of kickoff in a video that featured space-themed cinema since the game is played in Houston, highlights from the Wolverines and Huskies, and soundbites from historic players such as Tim Tebow, Vince Young and Peter Warrick.

It set the stage for a night of drama in a galaxy not so far away. — Victoria Hernandez

Head coach of Washington Huskies: Kalen DeBoer coaching history

Kalen DeBoer has four seasons of head coaching experience — two at Fresno State before joining Washington in 2022 — and has compiled a 37-8 (.822) record in that span.

Head coach of Michigan Wolverines: Jim Harbaugh coaching record

University of San Diego (2004-06): 29-6

29-6 Stanford (2007-10): 29-21 (.580)

29-21 (.580) San Francisco 49ers (2011-14): 44-19-1 (.695), 5-3 (.625) in the playoffs

44-19-1 (.695), 5-3 (.625) in the playoffs Michigan: 88-25 (.779)

Washington Huskies football depth chart 2024

Here’s who started for the Huskies against Texas in the Sugar Bowl. Defensive starters: CB Jabbar Muhammad, CB Elijah Jackson, DL Ulumoo Ale, DL Tuli Letuligasenoa, DL Faatui Tuitele, LB Zion Tupuola-Fetui, LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, LB Bralen Trice, LB Alphonzo Tuputala, S Dominique Hampton, S Asa Turner. Offensive starters: QB Michael Pinex Jr., RB Dillon Johnson, OL Troy Fautanu, OL Nate Kalepo, OL Parker Brailsford, OL Roger Rosengarten, OL Julius Buelow, TE Jack Westover, WR Rome Odunze, WR Ja’Lynn Polk, WR Jalen McMillan. Read Paul Myerberg on why Michael Penix is perfect for Washington after career of adversity.

Michigan Wolverines football depth chart

Here’s who started for the Wolverines against Alabama in the Rose Bowl. Defensive starters: DB Mike Sainristil, DB Makari Paige, DB Rod Moore, DB Josh Wallace, DB Will Johnson, DE Braiden McGregor, DE Jaylen Harrell, DL Mason Graham, DL Kris Jenkins, LB Michael Barrett, LB Junior Colson. Offensive starters: QB J.J. McCarthy, RB Blake Corum, TE Colston Loveland, TE AJ Barner, WR Roman Wilson, WR Cornelius Johnson, OL Karsen Barnhart, OL Trente Jones, OL Drake Nugent, OL LaDarius Henderson, OL Trevor Keegan. Read Dan Wolken on why Jim Harbaugh calling J.J. McCarthy the greatest Michigan QB isn't nuts.

Dillon Johnson stats

Washington senior running back Dillon Johnson is in his lone season with Washington after transferring from Mississippi State. With the Huskies, he’s racked up 1,162 yards and 16 touchdown on 222 carries. Over his three seasons with the Bulldogs, he played in 35 games and recorded 1,198 yards and 11 touchdowns on 229 carries.

Michael Penix Jr. stats

The 6-foot-3, 213-pound quarterback was 342-of-576 passing (59.4%) for 4,197 yards, 29 touchdowns with 32 picks in four years at Indiana. He has more than doubled that production in two seasons with Washington, where he’s completed 66% of his passes (698-of-1,058) for 9,289 yards, 66 TDs and 17 picks. In 2023 alone, Penix was 336-of-504 for 4,648 yards, 35 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Read Paul Myerberg on why Michael Penix is perfect for Washington after a career of adversity.

Washington Huskies mascot

A live mascot is living his best life at NRG Stadium.

Washington has brought its own husky to the national championship game, named Dubs.

The husky at the game is actually Dubs II, taking over his predecessor Dubs I in 2019. He is the 14th live mascot for Washington and resides in Sammamish, Washington.

Meanwhile, Michigan doesn’t have a live mascot, as it might be tough to have an actual wolverine on the sidelines. — Jordan Mendoza

Washington Huskies 2022 record

Washington went 11-2 last season, its only two losses coming on the road against Pac-12 foes, UCLA and Arizona State.

The Huskies won their bowl game, the Alamo Bowl, which, ironically came against Texas, which Washington beat in this year's CFP semifinal.

Michigan national championships

According to the NCAA, the Wolverines have titles in: 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1918, 1923, 1933, 1948, 1997. Michigan says it also has won titles in 1932 and 1947. — Jordan Mendoza

Washington Huskies WRs

Here are all the receivers on Washington's roster: Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk, Jalen McMillan, Giles Jackson, Rashid Williams, Germie Bernard, Denzel Boston, Taeshaun Lyons, Camden Sirmon, Luke Luchini, Jake Parnagian, Mason Wheeler, Owen Coutts, Jackson Girouard, Keith Reynolds. Read Paul Myerberg on how the Huskies' offense matches up against Michigan.

Dillon Johnson injury: Is he playing tonight?

Washington running back Dillon Johnson is expected to play tonight against Michigan, the team has said. Johnson went down in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Texas, nagging lower leg injuries leading him to being carted off the field. ESPN's Molly McGrath reported Monday afternoon that Johnson is dealing with right foot and left knee injuries.

"This is just something he's been working through for a couple months now and just played through it," Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer said last Wednesday. "There's nothing as far as above and beyond what's happened in the past. Just kind of throughout the game, he'd reaggravate it and shake it off and go back out there and play."

Johnson was seen on the sideline before the game playing catch with quarterback transfer Will Rogers.

Blake Corum outfit: Michigan RB arrives in Texas style outfit

Everything is bigger in Texas, including Blake Corum’s outfit.

The Michigan running back arrived at NRG Stadium sporting a classic Texas look, wearing a big black cowboy hat, white shirt, jeans and a massive belt buckle. As if the belt buckle wasn’t enough, Corum is also iced-up with a custom “BC2” chain on his neck.

Do wolverines live in Michigan?

Wolverines are actually extremely rare in the state of Michigan. When a female wolverine was spotted in Michigan's Thumb-region (Huron County) in 2004, it was the first confirmed appearance in the state in more than 200 years.

The wolverine reportedly died sometime in late 2009 or early 2010. It was stuffed and has been on display at the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center in the Bay City State Recreation Area.

Michigan vs. Washington uniforms: What uniforms will Michigan, Washington wear in CFP national championship?

It will be a contrast in colors for the national championship game with both teams going for all-color looks in Houston.

As the home team, Michigan will wear its "big game blue" uniforms – traditional blue and maize helmet with blue jersey and pants. The Wolverines have worn the uniform combination three times this season, all wins against Bowling Green, Indiana and Ohio State.

Washington will go for an all-white uniform set, with white jersey and pants combining with the classic gold helmets. The combination has been worn twice in wins at Michigan State and at Oregon State. — Jordan Mendoza

CFP championship weather

Weather won't be a factor at NRG Stadium on Monday, but it could still have an effect on the College Football Playoff championship game.

Houston is part of a swath of Texas and Louisiana that is under a tornado watch until 10 p.m. ET as parts of the Gulf of Mexico are hit by extreme weather. As a result, Houston's Office of Emergency Management has advised fans to get to the stadium and indoors early so as to avoid the worst of the inclement weather.

Beyond the ongoing tornado watch, high winds are also expected to be a more pressing issue.

NRG Stadium is an indoor stadium and neither the Houston OEM nor National Weather Service has given no indication of an imminent postponement. Things could change if weather poses a threat to fan safety. — Kevin Skiver, USA TODAY Network

College Football Playoff semifinals

Roman Wilson stats

The 6-foot Michigan senior has 735 yards and 12 touchdowns on 45 catches this season. For his career, Wilson has played in 45 games and caught 104 passes for 1,653 yards and 20 TDs. Read Tony Garcia’s feature on Wilson and other seniors for the Detroit Free Press here.

J.J. McCarthy stats, passing yards per game, rushing yards

The 6-foot-3, 202-pound quarterback has played in 39 games in three seasons for Michigan, completing 472 of 695 passes (.680) for 6,086 yards, 49 touchdowns and 11 picks. He’s also rushed for 601 yards and 10 TDs on 157 carries. In 2023 alone, McCarthy went 230-of-314 passing for 2,851 yards (203.6 yards per game), 22 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also rushed for 171 yards and three scores on 60 carries. Read Dan Wolken on why Jim Harbaugh calling J.J. McCarthy the greatest Michigan QB isn't nuts.

Blake Corum stats, average rushing yards

The 5-foot-8, 213-pound senior running back has rushed for 3,603 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns in his four-year career at Michigan. In 2023 alone, he carried the ball 237 times for 1,111 yards (4.69 yards per carry, 79.36 yards per game) and 25 touchdowns.

Rome Odunze stats, height

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Washington senior has caught 209 passes for 3,185 yards and 24 touchdowns in four seasons with the Huskies. In 2023 alone, he recorded 87 catches for 1,553 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Will Jim Harbaugh leave Michigan for the NFL?

After the win over Alabama in the Rose Bowl, a reporter asked Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh the big question: “There's a lot of interest in your future; I wonder if you can tell me what the chances are that the championship game might be your last one at Michigan?” Harbaugh danced away from it: “My future consists of a happy flight back to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Can't wait."

So, while Harbaugh isn’t talking, there is plenty of noise about his return to the NFL. So, the drum beat is there; and if this is Harbaugh’s last game, what will his legacy be at Michigan? Harbaugh has not just brought Michigan back. He has elevated the Wolverines to a new level. The Wolverines are 39-3 in the last three years. This team will finish in the top three for the third year in a row — the greatest stretch in school history. — Jeff Seidel, Detroit Free Press

Jim Harbaugh salary 2023: How much does he make at Michigan?

Jim Harbaugh's total pay for the 2023 season is $8,254,600. He has a maximum bonus amount of $3.275 million. His total earnings since going to Michigan in 2015 are $66,456,280, according to USA TODAY Sports’ database of college football coaching salaries.

Michael Penix Jr. injury history

One season-ending injury is disappointing; two is heartbreaking. Incredibly, Michael Penix Jr. had to overcome four in as many years with the Indiana Hoosiers, the final two coming just as his college career seemed to be taking flight. Penix tore his ACL three games into his true freshman season in 2018, with the injury coming as he was splitting time with starter Peyton Ramsey in a close loss to Penn State. He injured his non-throwing shoulder nine games into the 2019 season, with Indiana sitting at 7-2, matching the Hoosiers' highest win total since 2007.

He put himself on the map during the COVID-19 season, tossing 14 touchdowns through five games before suffering another ACL tear in a win against Maryland. And he suffered another shoulder injury five games into the 2021 season, which saw Penix and Indiana struggle through a winless finish in Big Ten play.

"Yeah, man, those times were tough, but it just showed that I can get through anything. I can persevere and push through any hardship that comes my way," said Penix. "But I'm just super blessed to be in this position now. I wouldn't change anything I've been through for anything. I feel like it's shaped me into the player and the person that I am today." Read Paul Myerberg's full feature on Penix here.

Michigan vs. Washington national title game marks the end of college football as we know it

If Michigan wins its first outright national title since Harry Truman was president, it will be a massive perception-changer in the Midwest. But what does any of that really mean when college football is no longer a sport where regionality matters? What's the fun of comparing one conference to another when we now know the real argument is about which one makes the most money from its television contracts?

Sure, they’ll continue to keep score, but the most important game — the SEC vs. Big Ten — is going to continue until they finish consuming whatever parts they want from the rest of college sports. A few years ago, fans from both leagues could get into any SEC-Big Ten matchup because it was a clash of styles and ideologies. Now it’s a fight for TV windows and the scraps of other leagues that might collapse in the near future (looking at you, ACC). That’s not nearly as charming.

But on Monday, before college football goes completely corporate, we’re going to get a national champion that truly represents a conference and a region of the country. Sadly, it's the last time that will mean anything. Read Dan Wolken’s full column here.

Jim Harbaugh Michigan contract

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has reportedly had a contract extension in front of him that will make him one of the highest-paid figures in the sport. There have also been reports lately that he isn’t on board with all of the provisions in the deal, including one that would prevent him from engaging with NFL teams for at least the next year. There are also, perhaps, some contentious issues surrounding Michigan’s ability to get out of the contract if there are more significant NCAA violations found. — Dan Wolken

Jim Harbaugh NFL coaching career

Jim Harbaugh started his coaching career as an assistant coach at Western Kentucky in 1994 under his father. He was still playing in the NFL at the time, but held both jobs through the 2001 season. He then made the leap to full-time coaching in 2002, becoming the quarterbacks coach with the Oakland Raiders, a role he held for two seasons, which included a Super Bowl victory. He headed to Southern California to become the head coach of the University of San Diego, where he spent three seasons (2004-06), before helming Stanford (2007-10) and the San Francisco 49ers (2011-14). He has been at Michigan since 2015. Read Dan Wolken's column on what Harbaugh brings to college football.

Michigan vs. Washington preview

The biggest factor in deciding the national championship may come down to this: Which team can dictate the flow of action on offense? Michigan will be hard to beat if running the ball effectively on first down and putting together the sort of sustained drives that would wear down the Huskies' defense. If able to get up and down the field by sharing the wealth among three of four receivers, Washington could give Michigan nightmarish flashbacks to the humbling loss to the Horned Frogs.

"Yeah, I think the aggressiveness is just who we are," Washington coach Kalen DeBoer said.

Don't look for either team to shrink from the challenge. If ever in doubt in the first place, Michigan's physical and mental toughness has been solidified by the overtime win against the Crimson Tide. Washington's fortitude has been on display all throughout a season defined by narrow, single-possession wins. Which team blinks? Read Paul Myerberg’s full preview here.

Michael Penix Jr. and what Washington teammates, Michigan rivals say about him

It's since leaving Indiana for Washington that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has entered a new stratosphere, etching his place among the most successful quarterbacks of the decade with two seasons that stack up against the best in Pac-12 history.

“He's different," said Washington running back Dillon Johnson.

He's "the reason we're in the spot that we're in," said offensive lineman Julius Buelow.

“He's that guy," wide receiver Rome Odunze said.

Penix is special: In his production, in his unorthodox throwing motion, in his place in this record-setting offense and most of all in the way he's overcome injury, the Huskies' senior quarterback has built a name for himself that will outlast Monday night, when Washington meets Michigan in the College Football Playoff national championship game.

"He's got the 'it' factor," Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said. "He's just got it.” Read Paul Myerberg’s full feature here.

Michael Penix Jr. draft projection

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is a case study in perseverance after suffering season-ending injuries in each of his four years at Indiana. He's remained healthy since joining the Huskies in 2022 and made a serious run at this year's Heisman Trophy before finishing second to LSU's Jayden Daniels. Injury concerns could lead Penix to drop a bit come April's NFL draft, but he shouldn't fall far. — Paul Myerberg

Is Michael Penix Jr. left-handed?

Yes, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is left-handed. Read Paul Myerberg's full feature on Penix here.

J.J. McCarthy draft projection

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy might be a first-round pick this spring but would be in contention to be the first quarterback off the board if he delays that draft decision another year, so the true junior will have a difficult decision to make after the national championship. He's agile, careful with the football and perhaps a little constrained by the Wolverines' offensive scheme, so McCarthy's best ball could ahead of him. — Paul Myerberg

How old is J.J. McCarthy?

J.J. McCarthy turns 21 on Jan. 20, 2024. Read Paul Myerberg on the greatest Michigan QBs ever and if McCarthy tops the list.

How will Michigan's defense fare against Michael Penix Jr.?

The Wolverines haven't faced a quarterback anywhere close to Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. The closest analog might be Maryland's Taulia Tagovailoa, who threw for 247 yards and completed 67.7% of his attempts on Nov. 18 but was undone by two interceptions in Michigan's 31-24 win. Penix is in a different class. On the biggest stage of his career, he showed why he might be the best quarterback in college football − and why Washington is poised to ride his arm to a national title. "Man, the job's not finished," Penix said. "I feel like it's definitely going to take more. I'm going to push myself to get this team more next week. And, man, we're just super excited for the opportunity for sure." Read Paul Myerberg's full story here.

J.J. McCarthy scouting report

A good bit of faith is required in this projection — J.J. McCarthy going 13th to the Oakland Raiders. The Michigan quarterbak is hardly a finished product as a potential early first-round prospect – and he hasn't even declared his intentions for next year yet. But his athleticism and arm strength will position him to be selected far earlier than some might expect based off his production. After the failed Jimmy Garoppolo move, it's time for the Raiders to make a substantial investment in a young quarterback to develop for the long term. — Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, in his latest NFL mock draft

Michigan vs. Washington all-time record, history

The Wolverines and Huskies have played 13 times since 1953. Michigan holds the edge, 8-5.

Kalen DeBoer salary

Kalen DeBoer is in his second season with Washington and earned $4.2 million in 2023 with a max bonus of $1.25 million, according to USA TODAY Sports’ database of college football coaching salaries. In 2022, he earned $3,100,008 with a max bonus of $1.175 million.

Washington vs. Michigan last game

The Huskies and Wolverines last played in on Sept. 11, 2021. Michigan won, 31-10.

College Football Playoff scenarios: How will the final weekend ...

There are still eight teams in the mix for the College Football Playoff and a number of ways things could unfold over the final weekend of the regular season, from ho-hum predictable to burn-it-all-down chaos.

With pivotal matchups still to come − beginning with Georgia and Alabama and a rematch of Washington and Oregon − the playoff race could eventually settle into an easy and uncontroversial top four.

Or things could spiral out of control. Sharpen those pitchforks, just in case.

With the clock ticking on the regular season, these are the big questions facing the playoff and how the top four could look come Sunday:

Can Ohio State get back into the playoff?

A year ago, Ohio State lost to Michigan by 22 points but still backdoored into the playoff and nearly upset Georgia in the Peach Bowl. The landscape this year is dramatically different, leaving the Buckeyes with only a narrow avenue for a top-four finish − but there is a way.

Here are the steps:

Georgia beats Alabama. That takes the Crimson Tide out of the equation.

Michigan beats Iowa. An Iowa win would make the Buckeyes the third-place team from the Big Ten, an easy disqualifier for the committee.

Washington beats Oregon. Losing the rematch would knock the Ducks out of contention.

Louisville beats Florida State. This upset would be the biggest piece of the puzzle for Ohio State.

Oklahoma State beats Texas. This would hand the Longhorns a second loss.

This scenario would leave unbeaten Georgia, Michigan and Washington as the top three seeds. The fourth spot would then come down to five non-conference champions: one-loss teams in Ohio State and Florida State and two-loss teams in Oregon, Alabama and Texas.

The argument would then settle on the Buckeyes and Seminoles. This is a debate that would favor Ohio State, the top-ranked team in the playoff rankings for multiple weeks and the close runner-up in one of the two best leagues in the FBS.

There's even a chance that Ohio State would reach the top four if all the above occurs but Oregon beats Washington, leaving a comparison between the Buckeyes and Huskies. But that's one that might lean toward UW because of a high-quality résumé, an appearance in the conference championship game and the fact the Huskies topped the Ducks earlier in the year.

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Does Georgia get in with a loss to Alabama?

It's hard to say. For one, the Bulldogs would become the second-ranked team from the SEC, and we already know this year's field may be too jammed to include multiple teams from a single league.

There's no doubt the Bulldogs would have a case at 12-1, under one specific condition: that Michigan is the only unbeaten Power Five team at the end of the regular season.

In other words, as above, Louisville beats Florida State and Oregon beats Washington. With a win against Oklahoma State, Texas would secure a spot due in large part to this year's win against the Crimson Tide.

Plugging the Wolverines, Alabama and the Longhorns into the field would leave Georgia in competition with Ohio State and one-loss teams from the Pac-12 and ACC.

We believe Georgia would be picked ahead of Ohio State; the Bulldogs were ahead in the playoff rankings when both were unbeaten and had identical records, and should then remain in front with one additional win and a division crown. The Bulldogs would also come in ahead of Florida State with room to spare.

That would leave the comparison with the one-loss winner of the Pac-12. It would be a very difficult decision: Oregon has been dominant and would have avenged an earlier loss to Washington.

This could be the most difficult choice of the four-team era. Would the committee take a Power Five champion with a résumé that warrants a top-four finish and leave the two-time defending national champions on the outside?

Does Florida State need to be nervous?

Not really.

Every unbeaten Power Five team has made the playoff during the format's existence, so there's no legitimate reason for concern as long as Florida State takes care of business against Louisville.

Um, almost no reason for concern. With heavyweights looming and the possibility of being compared to one-loss Georgia and Texas should Alabama win the SEC championship, the Seminoles could stand to beat Louisville with some style to prove they can thrive without Travis and to put the committee at ease.

Back in 2014, Ohio State soothed the committee by dominating Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game behind third-string quarterback Cardale Jones. Florida State backup Tate Rodemaker completed 12 of 25 attempts for 134 yards in Saturday's close win against Florida, which finished with a losing record.

What are five possible playoff fields?

While much can change these next two weekends, here are five playoff scenarios:

No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 Michigan, No. 3 Washington, No. 4 Florida State. This is the dream scenario for the committee: four unbeaten Power Five champions and no reason for any real debate. While the unbeaten teams could hold serve in conference championship games and leave a no-doubt top four, the committee has never gotten this lucky before.

No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 Michigan, No. 3 Washington, No. 4 Texas. There's some chaos after Florida State loses to Louisville, leaving a path for Texas to claim a top-four finish. In this scenario, the Longhorns would win the debate against the second-place teams from the Big Ten and Pac-12.

No. 1 Michigan, No. 2 Washington, No. 3 Texas, No. 4 Alabama. Two Power Five unbeatens and then Texas and the Crimson Tide, with the Longhorns landing ahead because of the head-to-head tiebreaker. Georgia gets squeezed here because of the loss to Alabama in the SEC championship game and the fact that Alabama can't reach the top four without one-loss Texas also making the field.

No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 Michigan, No. 3 Oregon, No. 4 Texas. The Ducks top Washington and Louisville beats FSU, dumping the Huskies and Seminoles from the conversation. Alabama is out due to the loss to Georgia and the Longhorns easily leapfrog Ohio State thanks to one more win, the win against the Tide and the conference championship.

No. 1 Michigan, No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 Oregon, No. 4 Georgia. Michigan beats Iowa. Alabama beats Georgia. Oregon beats Washington. Louisville beats FSU. Oklahoma State beats Texas. While there's no way to get Ohio State into the top four, this would represent one of the most star-studded playoff groups in history.

Alabama College Football Playoff path: Win vs. Georgia in SEC ...

Alabama enters conference championship weekend ranked No. 8 in the CFP

The Crimson Tide must beat Georgia, but also need help to make the CFP

Losses by Texas and Florida State would bolster the team's chances of making the CFP

Nearly three full months after a Week 2 home loss to Texas set off a panic about the future of coach Nick Saban’s program — both for the rest of the 2023 season and beyond — the Alabama football team enters December in a familiar position.

The Crimson Tide heads into its SEC championship game matchup Saturday with Georgia as one of a select handful of teams still in contention for a College Football Playoff berth.

REQUIRED READING:Why Pac-12 is assured of being in College Football Playoff, and the SEC isn't | Toppmeyer

Alabama has reached this point point by overcoming what seemed like considerable odds after falling to the Longhorns 34-24 on Sept. 9 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. With a loss in just its second game, the Tide needed to finish the regular season undefeated to remain in the playoff conversation. It was ultimately able to do just that, winning its final 10 games, three of which came against teams currently ranked in the CFP top 25.

If it beats the No. 1 Bulldogs, it will not only claim its seventh conference championship in the past 10 years, but also will put itself in contention to make the playoff for the eighth time in the event’s 10-year history. Even so, a 12-1, SEC champion Alabama is likely to still need help to make the playoff.

How does Alabama secure what previously seemed like an improbable playoff berth? Here’s what needs to happen for the Tide to make the College Football Playoff:

How can Alabama make the playoff?

Beat Georgia in the SEC championship

The first and most necessary step in the process may appear simple on paper, but it will be quite difficult to achieve on the field.

Georgia, the two-time defending national champion, is a 5.5-point favorite for the matchup according to odds from BetMGM, and has yet to lose a game this season. That has extended the Bulldogs' win streak to 29 games across three seasons. Only two of their wins this season have been decided by one possession.

There is some precedent for Alabama toppling a menacing Georgia team in Atlanta: In 2021, a Tide team with one loss — a 41-38 setback against Texas A&M — defeated an undefeated Bulldogs squad in the SEC championship game 41-24. It earned Alabama a No. 1 seed to the playoff, where it lost in a rematch against Georgia in the national championship game.

A loss Saturday would eliminate whatever chance the Tide has of making the playoff. No team with more than a single loss has ever made the playoff field.

REQUIRED READING:SEC football championship prediction: How can rest of conference catch Georgia, Alabama? | Adams

What happens if Alabama beats Georgia?

An Alabama win over Georgia would be massive for the Crimson Tide's chances of making the playoff. But, by itself, it wouldn't guarantee the Crimson Tide a CFP berth. Saban and Co. would still need to clear Texas, Florida State and one of Washington or Oregon to make the postseason.

In order for Alabama to make the CFP, it would need help in the Big 12 and ACC championship games. Here's the breakdown:

Texas loses to Oklahoma State

At No. 8 in the most recent playoff selection committee rankings (as well as the Coaches Poll), Alabama will need to leapfrog several teams in order to make it into the coveted top four.

One obstacle among that group looms especially large.

While Alabama’s resume can be compared to and breathlessly debated with other one-loss teams such as Oregon and Ohio State, No. 7 Texas possess an all-powerful trump card over the Tide by virtue of its road win back in September. Virtually any discussion about the playoff candidacies of Texas and Alabama would lead back to that head-to-head matchup.

If the Longhorns lose against No. 19 Oklahoma State in Saturday’s Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, it will hand them a second defeat this season and remove them from the playoff conversation.

Texas is a 14.5-point favorite in the matchup, according to odds from BetMGM.

REQUIRED READING:Alabama football College Football Playoff rankings: CFP poll before SEC Championship Game

Florida State loses to Louisville

The Seminoles are undefeated, but with star quarterback Jordan Travis out for the rest of the season with an injury, they fell from No. 4 to No. 5 in the fourth set of playoff rankings before rising back to No. 4 this week after Ohio State’s loss to Michigan.

Even with Travis’ injury, the Seminoles almost certainly make the field if they win the ACC championship. No undefeated Power Five champion has ever been excluded from the playoff. But a loss to Louisville in Saturday’s ACC championship game in Charlotte, North Carolina, would likely wipe out whatever remaining hopes they have.

According to BetMGM odds, Florida State is a 2.5-point favorite against No. 14 Louisville, which finished the regular season 10-2 and owns wins over two top-25 teams (No. 17 Notre Dame and No. 19 N.C. State). The Cardinals' Rivalry Week loss to Kentucky also precludes them from making the CFP over FSU, since the defeat by the Wildcats was their second of the season.

REQUIRED READING:Alabama football bowl projections: Where experts predict Crimson Tide before Georgia

Michigan loses to Iowa

This result may only be so relevant to the Tide: It seems plausible that the Wolverines, like Georgia, could suffer a conference championship game loss and still make the playoff field (just as TCU did in 2022 and Georgia did in 2021).

It’s also, by far, the most unlikely outcome from conference championship weekend. The point spread for the game — Michigan is a 23.5-point favorite, according to BetMGM — is nearly six points higher than Iowa’s points-per-game average this season (18).

Hope for the best from the playoff selection committee

In this best-case scenario, Alabama would be one of at least six Power Five teams with fewer than two losses. The Pac-12 championship game doesn't figure into this, as the winner of the matchup will either be No. 3, 13-0 Washington or No. 5, 12-1 Oregon. Either will be well-positioned to make the playoff regardless of what else unfolds around it.

Based on the most recent playoff rankings, the Tide would certainly pass Texas and Florida State, the latter of which plays in a weaker conference and has a starting quarterback sidelined for the season. It would likely do the same to No. 6 Ohio State, which is idle after failing to beat Michigan and make the Big Ten championship.

It would own a crucial head-to-head result over Georgia, though even with a win, it’s possible based on these other results that both teams could make the playoff — just as they did in 2021.

Ohio State football to face Georgia in College Football Playoff

A week after its national championship hopes looked doomed, Ohio State is in the College Football Playoff.

The Buckeyes (11-1) are the No. 4 seed and will play top-seeded and defending champion Georgia (13-0) in the CFP semifinals at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta at 8 p.m. Dec. 31.

No. 2 Michigan (13-0) and No. 3 TCU (12-1) will play in the other semifinal in the Fiesta Bowl. The Big Ten has two teams in the playoff for the first time.

The national championship game will be Jan. 9 in suburban Los Angeles.

"It’s hard to explain the range of emotions that have gone on here the last seven days," Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. "I said before that it’s like a second lease on life. A couple days ago, we were on life support a little bit. Our season was. Now there's a two-game season in front of us. There's unbelievable excitement right now. Guys are just bouncing around the facility."

Ohio State vs Georgia:Buckeyes make College Football Playoff vs. Bulldogs. Here's how people are reacting

Ohio State in the CFP:How have the Buckeyes done in the College Football Playoff?

When Ohio State lost to Michigan 45-23 on Nov. 26 at Ohio Stadium, the Buckeyes appeared unlikely to make the CFP. But two other contenders – Clemson and LSU – also lost that day, opening the door a crack.

Still, No. 5 Ohio State needed help in this weekend’s conference championship games.

How Ohio State found its way into the CFP

The simplest path was for No. 4 Southern California to lose to Utah in the Pac-12 title game Friday night in Las Vegas, and that’s what happened. The Utes rallied from a 17-3 deficit for a 47-24 victory, aided by an injury that hampered Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams, the Heisman Trophy favorite.

“You’re welcome, coach Day,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham quipped after the game.

Utah’s win was its second over USC this season. No two-loss team has ever been selected for the playoff.

Georgia, Michigan and TCU entered the weekend undefeated. Georgia routed LSU 50-30 in the Southeastern Conference championship game. Michigan pulled away from Purdue in the second half for a 43-22 win in the Big Ten title game.

An Ohio State vs Michigan rematch could happen in the CFP

TCU lost in overtime to Kansas State 31-28 in the Big 12 championship. The only real drama on Sunday would be whether Ohio State would overtake the Horned Frogs for the No. 3 seed. If that happened, it would set up a semifinal matchup between Ohio State and Michigan. Imagine that.

Georgia vs Ohio State:When was Ohio State football's last game against Georgia?

Now if the archrivals meet, it will have to be in the championship game. Getting there is a daunting task for Ohio State, which would have to knock off Georgia in its home state. The school’s campus in Athens is about 70 miles from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

"Life is all about opportunity," Day said. "What an unbelievable opportunity this is, going down to Atlanta playing the national champs. (Georgia coach) Kirby (Smart) has done an unbelievable job again this year. But this is all going to be about taking advantage of this opportunity, who works harder over the next month, the coaches and the players. Now we're back in control of our destiny. We weren't, and that was the hardest thing going into this past weekend."

Peach Bowl:No. 4 Ohio State football is in the Peach Bowl against No. 1 Georgia. Here's what we know

Ohio State has some favorable history playing in the SEC’s backyard. The 2014 Buckeyes upset No. 1 Alabama in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on their way to winning the inaugural College Football Playoff.

The Buckeyes have been back to the CFP three times since then. The 2016 team lost 31-0 to Clemson in the semifinals at the Fiesta Bowl. The 2019 Buckeyes fell in a heartbreaker 29-23 to Clemson again in the Fiesta Bowl.

OSU got its revenge against the Tigers the next year 49-28 in the Sugar Bowl before losing to Alabama 52-24 in the title game.

The Buckeyes will be an underdogs for the first time this season when they play Georgia. They probably welcome that role. They were favored to get revenge against Michigan after their loss in 2021 in Ann Arbor, and they played tight until wilting in the second half.

Day said the Buckeyes have studied what went wrong against Michigan last week, particularly the big plays the defense allowed.

"You come out of The Game like we did at the end of the season and there's some regret that we don't win The Game," Day said. "Now the goal is to have no regret going into this game, playing loose, playing fast, playing aggressive, and having a great month of preparation so we play with great confidence."

Ohio State has played Georgia only once. The Bulldogs defeated the Buckeyes 21-14 in the 1993 Citrus Bowl.

"We recruit a lot of the same kids, and they've got a tremendous program," Smart said. "It'll be a premier matchup, which our guys love. When you make the final four, whether you're 1 through 4, it really doesn't matter."

Get more Ohio State football news by listening to our podcasts.

Georgia vs. TCU live updates: Georgia finishes off TCU in title game ...

USA TODAY Sports

The Georgia Bulldogs made some college football history, becoming the first FBS team in 10 years to repeat as champions with a 65-7 win over the TCU Horned Frogs in the College Football Playoff national championship game at SoFi Stadium in rainy Inglewood, California, on Monday night.

The Bulldogs also are just the ninth program in major college football to win back-to-back national championships.

Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett set the tone for the rout, scoring on a 21-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. He finished the game with six total touchdowns and earned game offensive MVP honors.

USA TODAY Sports had live updates, the latest news, analysis and scenes as Georgia and TCU clashed.

—

Georgia completes repeat with dominant defeat of TCU

It was a day for the Bulldogs. From start to finish, Georgia proved too good for the Horned Frogs. Stetson Bennett powered the offense with four touchdown passes and added two rushing scores, while the defense completely shut down a prolific TCU attack to pull away in the second quarter and post the biggest victory in the 25 years of the championship game era of college football. The 65-7 victory made the Bulldogs just the ninth program to win consecutive national champions and the first since Alabama did it in 2011-2012.

Georgia has most points scored in college football championship

Georgia's 65-7 win over TCU was the largest point total and score differential in major college football championship game history, dating back to the Bowl Coalition in 1992.

The 58-point victory bested Nebraska's 62-24 win over Florida in the 1996 Fiesta Bowl for largest point differential. Nebraska's 62 points were also the most scored in a championship game until Monday night.

Branson Robinson scores second touchdown to put Georgia over 60

Freshman running back Branson Robinson scored in back-to-back drives for the Bulldogs, giving them 60 points for the first time this season. On this touchdown, he thundered forward for a 19-yard rush one play after TCU turned the ball over on downs. Jack Podlesny missed the extra point. Georgia 65, TCU 7

Georgia's second-team offense adds another score

After Stetson Bennett's night was done, the Bulldogs offense kept the touchdowns coming. Freshman running back Branson Robinson punched in a 1-yard touchdown to cap off a nine-play, 54-yard drive with under 10 minutes left. Georgia 59, TCU 7

That's the night and career for Stetson Bennett

With 13:25 left in the fourth quarter and his team leading 52-7, Kirby Smart pulled his senior quarterback from the game for a curtain call. Bennett's career will end with him winning a second consecutive national championship after one of the best games of his unlikely superstar careers. He finished 18-of-25 for 304 yards and four touchdowns passing and added 39 yards rushing and two scores.

Stetson Bennett ties record with sixth touchdown

The Georgia quarterback reconnected with Ladd McConkey another score. This time, it was on a 14-yard strike into the left corner of the end zone. It was the fourth touchdown pass of the game for Bennett to go with his two rushing scores, which ties Joe Burrow's record for most combined touchdowns in a national championship game. Georgia 52, TCU 7.

Brock Bowers scores as Georgia's lead grows

Stetson Bennett found his right-hand-man Bowers on a 22-yard touchdown to open scoring in the second half. The tight end leaped up against TCU's Abe Camara and secured the catch as he fell into the end zone. Bowers also grabbed a 28-yard catch to start the drive. Bennett now has three touchdowns passing and two rushing scores. Georgia 45, TCU 7.

Playing in his final college game, the Georgia quarterback couldn't have asked for a much better first half. Bennett ran for two scores and added two touchdown passes as the Bulldogs lead TCU 38-7 and appear poised to repeat as national champions. The senior was 13-of-17 for 213 yards passing and had three carries for 39 yards in the first 30 minutes.

Hoping to get some points before halftime, the Horned Frogs threw on third-and-18 and Max Duggan was intercepted by Javon Bullard for the second time this game. Georgia converted needed just two plays to score another touchdown with Stetson Bennett finding Adonai Mitchell for a 22-yard score. It's the second touchdown pass for Bennett to go with two touchdown runs. TCU kneels on its final possession, and halftime comes with the Bulldogs ahead 38-7.

The Bulldogs have now scored on all five drives of the first half as Kendall Milton add a 1-yard touchdown run to their tally. It's now 31-7 in favor of Georgia, and the Horned Frogs are in serious trouble late in the first half.

Stetson Bennett scored for the second time on a run and Georgia added another score to its lead. Bennett, who also has thrown for a score, finished off a 92-yeard drive with a 6-yard run and it's 24-7 in favor of the defending champions. The Bulldogs have scored on each of their first four drives.

Georgia reasserted their lead in the first quarter when Stetson Bennett threw the ball downfield to Ladd McConkey for a 37-yard score. Georgia 17, TCU 7

On third-and-one from the Bulldogs' two-yard line, TCU quarterback Max Duggan took the snap from shotgun, kept the ball and rushed forward virtually untouched for the two-yard score. Georgia 10, TCU 7

Jack Podlesny nails a 24-yard field goal. The score caps off a six-play, 27-yard drive that started in TCU territory after a fumble. It was an important stop for the Horned Frogs, who could not afford to go down two touchdowns so early in the first quarter. Georgia 10, TCU 0

TCU RB Kendre Miller out

The all-conference running back, who left the Fiesta Bowl with what turned out to be a sprained MCL, warmed up with the team while wearing a brace on his right knee. Miller ranks second in the Big 12 with 6.3 yards per carry and second with 17 touchdowns.

Emari Demarcado started in place of Miller against Georgia. Demarcado, who answered the call against Michigan with a career-high 150 yards and a touchdown on 8.8 yards per carry.

But the offense will also need a contribution from Duggan, who ranks third on the team with 461 yards and has taken on a larger role in recent weeks.

In the past two games, Duggan has accounted for 167 yards and three rushing scores on 5.6 yards per attempt. Even if Georgia dedicates resources to limiting Duggan's ability to escape the pocket, he'll be a huge factor as a runner inside the red zone and in short-yardage situations.

Georgia's offense has one injury to watch. Tight end Darnell Washington, a powerful blocker and key receiving target, is "resting up and hopefully he’ll be good to go," coach Kirby Smart said, after he left the Peach Bowl with an ankle injury.

Read Paul Myerberg's keys to the game here.

Deion Sanders, Luka Doncic, LaDainian Tomlinson among celebs on sidelines

Deion Sanders, the new coach at Colorado, was among the celebrities on hand for the game. Neon shined brightest, but there were others.

Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd and NBA All-Star Luka Doncic were photographed on the sideline before kickoff.

Georgia fans were enthused to see Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who played for the Bulldogs from 2006 to 2008. TCU fans were excited to see LaDainian Tomlinson, who played for the Horned Frogs from 1997 to 2000. He also was there to watch his nephew, Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, a standout senior cornerback who won the Jim Thorpe Award this season. New Orleans Saints quarterback Andy Dalton, who played for TCU from 2006 to 2010, also was in attendance.

— Josh Peter, USA TODAY Sports

Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett scored the first points of the game. On the Bulldogs' first possession, he faked a handoff to running back Daijun Edwards then ran to his left all the way down the field for a 21-yard touchdown. Georgia 7, TCU 0

Has TCU ever won a national championship?

While TCU is new to the College Football Playoff this season, the Horned Frogs boast a storied college football program that features three Pro Football Hall of Famers — LaDainian Tomlinson, Bob Lilly and Sammy Baugh — as well as one national championship.

TCU won its lone college football national championship in 1938 under coach Dutch Meyer and Heisman Trophy winner Davey O'Brien. The Horned Frogs finished 11-0 that season, playing in the Southwest Conference, and capped the campaign with a 15-7 win over Carnegie Tech in the Sugar Bowl.

Center Ki Aldrich went on to be the No. 1 overall selection in the 1939 NFL draft by the Chicago Cardinals. TCU had three first-round picks in 1939, as O'Brien went fourth overall to the Philadelphia Eagles and tackle I.B. Hale was the No. 8 pick to Washington.

Raining 'Frogs and Dogs'

It was raining Frogs and Dogs on Monday, one wise guy noted as Texas Christian Horned Frogs fans and Georgia Bulldogs fans scurried inside SoFi Stadium to escape the rain and cold before the College Football Playoff national championship game.

But hundreds of fans braved the elements during an outdoor concert about 2½ hours before kickoff, as temperatures dipped into the 50s.

‘’I’m sure when they got this in L.A. the first thing they said is we’ll have good weather,’’ said John Holmes, who was wearing a Bulldogs jersey and said he had flown in from his home in Atlanta. “So it’s hilarious we have rain in Los Angeles on the day of the national championship.’’

Not everybody appeared to be laughing as they attempted to dodge raindrops and puddles. Which begged the question: Would inclement weather favor the Frogs or Dogs?

“I think frogs like water,’’ Tammy Walden of San Antonio said as she and a group of about 15 TCU fans hustled toward the stadium.

Inside the covered stadium, TCU players were warming up in the dry but breezy, chilly conditions. Those watching the teams warm up could see their own breath.

Outside continued the game before the game: Get to the stadium as dry as possible.

Jay Southworth of Austin said he and his entourage broke out the rain ponchos they’d had for two years and had yet to use.

Mike Michalowicz and John Briggs sported purple wigs and soaked up rain drops and attention from other TCU fans.

“Ironically, it absorbs more rain,’’ Michalowicz said of the wigs. “And as it rains harder, our heads are getting bigger, bringing about this awkward confidence that we’re going to win.’’

Although the rain had let up when Maurice Kinsey arrived at SoFi, he still was dripping – with Georgia regalia. How did he feel about the weather?

“It’s way colder where I live in Northern Virginia, so I’m not tripping,’’ he said.

-- Josh Peter, USA TODAY

College football's most well-known live mascot will watch the national championship on television this year. A trip to Los Angeles was too far for Uga X, Georgia football's beloved bulldog mascot. At 9½ years old, Uga, known as Que by his Seiler family owners, is too old to make an extended journey like he did for the 2017 Rose Bowl. — Ryne Dennis, Athens Banner-Herald

By beating TCU, Georgia would become the third program since 1957 to claim back-to-back unshared national championships, joining Nebraska (1994-95) and Alabama (2011-12). Dozens more have tried and failed to capture a second consensus title. If the Frogs are able to pull off the upset, Georgia would be added to the list of teams since 1950 that made a strong run at back-to-back crowns but came up just short. The list includes:

2019 Clemson (14-1)

2016 Alabama (14-1)

2009 Florida (13-1)

2005 Southern California (12-1; wins later vacated by NCAA sanctions)

2002 Miami (Fla.) (12-1)

2000 Florida State (11-2)

1986 Oklahoma (11-1)

1964 Texas (10-1)

1957 Oklahoma (10-1)

1953 Michigan State (9-1)

— Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY

Which college football teams have won back-to-back national championships?

Just how hard is it to do what Georgia will attempt to accomplish on Monday night, namely repeat as national champion at college football’s highest level? The short answer is that it would be quite significant. The longer answer is a bit more complicated, as is everything in this sport which struggled for over a century just to get a framework in place for crowning an undisputed national champ. Here are the schools claiming back-to-back No. 1 finishes in what is now known as the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Alabama: 2011 and 2012; 1964 and 1965; 1978 and 1979

Oklahoma: 1974 and 1975; 1955 and 1956

Nebraska: 1994 and 1995; 1970 and 1971

Southern California: 2003 and 2004

Texas: 1969 and 1970

Notre Dame: 1946 and 1947

Army: 1944 and 1945

Minnesota: 1940 and 1941

Read more on the back-to-back champions here.

— Eddie Timanus, USA TODAY

Winning the physical battle against the Wolverines suggests TCU will be able to achieve a degree of success on the ground against Georgia.

The Horned Frogs have averaged 213.8 rushing yards in four games against ranked opponents and have topped the 200-yard mark in six games against Power Five competition. This is also one of the nation's most explosive ground games: TCU ranks second in the Bowl Subdivision in gains of 30 or more yards (18), tied for fourth in gains of 40 or more yards (11) and tied for second in gains of 50 or more yards (seven).

There is no doubt TCU will approach Georgia with a similar offensive blueprint. But the Bulldogs' run defense will be up to the challenge.

Read Paul Myerberg's keys to the game here.

The Max Duggan-Stetson Bennett quarterback battle

Again and again, Stetson Bennett has defied expectations to earn a place in Georgia's pantheon of great quarterbacks. He'll be tested by the TCU pass defense, however, which has stood up to a heavy volume of attempts by creating tight windows and with an opportunistic mindset. With underappreciated team speed and unique blitz packages, the 3-3-5 scheme used by defensive coordinator Joe Gillespie could catch Bennett and Georgia off guard and set an early tone.

Meanwhile, Duggan and the TCU passing game could find creases against a secondary that has struggled in recent games against LSU and the Buckeyes. But that's only if the Frogs can stamp out the Bulldogs' pass rush.

Read Paul Myerberg's keys to the game here.

How can TCU stop the Georgia pass rush?

The Bulldogs stepped things up since the end of November after a largely sluggish regular season. Before facing Georgia Tech on Nov. 26, the Bulldogs had notched multiple sacks in a game just four times, with a season-high of six sacks in the convincing win against Tennessee.

But they had four sacks against the Yellow Jackets, another four sacks against LSU in the SEC championship game and four more against Ohio State. The defensive front has also been more aggressive in making plays behind the line of scrimmage, with a combined 25 tackles for loss during this three-game span — accounting for over 30% of the Bulldogs' 82 tackles for loss on the season.

The speed and athleticism was always there for the pass rush to return to this level of effectiveness. While TCU held Michigan to just one sack and three tackles for loss, the offensive line will be put to the test against Georgia.

Read Paul Myerberg's keys to the game here.

How TCU can scheme to get WR Quentin Johnston involved

But if able to protect Duggan, the Horned Frogs could dig up explosive plays against a pass defense that stands as Georgia's biggest on-paper weakness. The last two games haven't been pretty: LSU threw for 502 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions on 9.7 yards per attempt, while the Buckeyes finished with 348 yards, four touchdowns and no turnovers on 10.1 yards per throw.

In doing so, Ohio State became the first Georgia opponent to eclipse 300 yards on more than 10 yards per pass with multiple scores and no interceptions since LSU in 2013.

TCU will look to spread the ball across multiple receivers. Five players have accounted for at least 22 receptions; these same five players account for 24 of the team's 33 receiving scores. But no target is more vital to the Frogs' offensive success than Quentin Johnston, one of the top receivers in the country.

He had the big play against Michigan, a 76-yard catch and run two minutes into the fourth quarter that pushed the Frogs' lead to 48-38 and erased the Wolverines' momentum. Overall, Johnston has made 59 catches for 1,066 and a team-best six touchdowns. Even facing off against Georgia, he may be the most talented player on the field Monday night.

Read Paul Myerberg's keys to the game here.

How the transfer portal helped TCU's massive turnaround

Never in the modern history of college football has a team as unlikely as TCU played for a national championship. In a sport where elite results typically track with elite recruiting, there is no template for a team without single recruiting class ranked in the top 20 over the last five years getting this close to a title.

But it also doesn’t seem like a coincidence.

When the NCAA lifted pretty much all restrictions on transfers two years ago, there was a not insignificant amount of panic that free movement of players would only help the rich get richer. But with the Horned Frogs set to play Georgia in Monday night’s College Football Playoff title game, the evidence would suggest that it has in fact does more to level the playing field than anything the NCAA has tried to legislate since scholarship limitations began in 1973.

“We wouldn’t be where we are had we not added (transfers),” TCU coach Sonny Dykes told the Houston Chronicle last month. “It’s a way to fix your program quickly.”

Continue reading Dan Wolken's column here.

How Sonny Dykes' fearless approach has TCU on cusp of college football national title

As TCU coach Sonny Dykes prepared his team to play heavily favored Georgia, his two siblings recounted another time when he looked to be overmatched. Dykes, 5, was riding his Big Wheel down a steep hill in the family’s backyard and getting airborne on the low-riding tricycle before landing in a creek.

“We dressed him up with a football helmet and shoulder pads, and Sonny just jumped on (the Big Wheel) and he took off,’’ his brother Rick Dykes told USA TODAY Sports. “First time we did it, we didn’t know how it was going to work, and hit that last hill, he was in the air and he probably covered 10 yards.

“We were like, ‘Oh my god.’ And when we got down there to him, I thought he was going to be crying and upset, and he was laughing.’’

“Sonny was kind of the cocky one,’’ his sister, Bebe Petree said, “and the great thing for me is to see that cockiness, that little edge that he always had. He was that way when he was a kid playing baseball. He would just rush home plate and knock the catcher off the plate and score the run.

“He always had confidence and swagger.’’

Now 53, Sonny Dykes is leading with that same fearlessness. It's emanating from his team, too.

Continue reading this USA TODAY Sports feature on Dykes here.

Kirby Smart's embrace of offense, and why Georgia is better off because of it

When Georgia plays for its second consecutive national title Monday night against TCU, head coach Kirby Smart doesn’t just accept that the game might be a shootout — he practically expects it. And over his seven years as a head coach, the Bulldogs have evolved to the point where they’re built for it.

"It’s important to me that we’re good on defense and we’re explosive on offense,” Smart said. “Do those things lend themselves to each other? They can. They do for us.”

As college football winds down another season, it’s difficult to find a matchup that would better represent the current state of the sport. — Dan Wolken, USA TODAY

What time do Georgia and TCU kick off?

The College Football Playoff national championship game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET with kickoff scheduled for 7:45 p.m. ET.

What TV channel is the College Football Playoff national championship on?

ESPN is televising the game between Georgia and TCU with Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (color commentator), Holly Rowe (sideline) and Molly McGrath (sideline) on the call. ESPN Deportes will also have a Spanish-language broadcast.

Latest odds on CFP championship?

Georgia is a 13.5-point favorite, according to Tipico Sportsbook, which has the over/under for total points scored at 62.5.

Georgia vs. TCU expert picks and predictions

Scooby Axson: Georgia

Jace Evans: Georgia

Dan Wolken: Georgia

Erick Smith: Georgia

Paul Myerberg: Georgia

Eddie Timanus: Georgia

Check out USA TODAY's full game predictions here.

A look at Georgia, TCU's uniforms for national championship game

Scenes around LA in the lead-up to kickoff

Trae Young rooting hard for Georgia

The Atlanta Hawks superstar shouted out the Bulldogs after his game Sunday night.

Listen: College Football Fix previews championship game

Dan Wolken and Paul Myerberg recap the fantastic semifinal matchups and look ahead to the championship game in this week's version of the College Football Fix.

Catch up on our coverage of Georgia-TCU

Watch Georgia's gameday hype video

Watch TCU's gameday hype video

I've got it! Here's Alabama football path to College Football Playoff

Thirsty Alabama fans watching conference championship games from afar this weekend should consider saying these words to their bartender: “I’ll have a boilermaker, please.”

A drink that doubles as a Big Ten mascot could be just the luck the Crimson Tide needs to enter the College Football Playoff picture.

No. 6 Alabama’s chaos-required Hail Mary hope of reaching the playoff may benefit from the unranked Purdue Boilermakers (8-4) beating Michigan in the Big Ten Championship – in blowout fashion.

Devoted readers of this column know my stance of Alabama’s playoff résumé . In short, it lacks one.

We’ve been through this: The Tide’s best win came at No. 20 Texas, which played its backup quarterback for the final three quarters. Alabama (10-2) lost to teams with a combined five losses. It did not play the SEC’s toughest team, No. 1 Georgia, but nonetheless finished second in the conference’s weaker division.

Alabama’s credentials are worthy of a New Year’s Six bowl, not the playoffs.

If No. 4 Southern Cal (11-1) stumbles Friday in the Pac-12 Championship, No. 5 Ohio State (11-1) is appropriately first in line to replace the Trojans.

As I opined Sunday, No. 1 Georgia (12-0), No. 2 Michigan (12-0) and No. 3 TCU (12-0) should become playoff qualifiers even with a conference championship game loss. Perhaps a blowout loss of epic proportion could bump the TCU, but I believe the committee will aim to preserve in the playoff field the three Power Five teams that entered conference championship weekend undefeated.

So, case closed, right?

Even if USC loses to Utah, Ohio State moves in, and Alabama remains out, yes?

Hold on a second.

CFP RANKINGS WINNERS AND LOSERS:Two of top four are locks, Ohio State rooting for Utah

'THERE'S NOT A WEAKNESS':Can Purdue upset Michigan in Big Ten title game?

WHO'S ON TOP?:Caleb Williams, C.J. Stroud lead college football QB rankings

BOWL PROJECTIONS: Southern Cal, Michigan rise up into College Football Playoff

The slightest crack of hope may remain after something CFP selection committee Chair Boo Corrigan said following Tuesday’s rankings reveal.

Corrigan was asked multiple times whether the order of the teams directly behind USC – Ohio State, Alabama and No. 7 Tennessee – was locked into place.

“Not necessarily,” Corrigan said.

How so?

Neither OSU, nor Alabama, nor Tennessee is playing this weekend, so under what scenario could Alabama leapfrog Ohio State and enter the playoff?

Well, how’s this:

1. Utah beats USC for the second time, bumping the Trojans from the playoff.

2. Purdue thumps Michigan. Let’s call the final score 42-17.

3. The possible playoff field: No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 TCU, No. 3 Michigan, No. 4 Alabama.

Why would Purdue trouncing Michigan matter?

Part of Ohio State’s stronger résumé compared to Alabama’s hinges on the Buckeyes having just one loss – to the undefeated Wolverines. OSU also boasts a marquee win against No. 8 Penn State. The Buckeyes absolutely should be ranked ahead of Alabama, as it stands.

But in the unlikely event Purdue skunks Michigan, that worsens Ohio State’s home loss to the Wolverines, because Michigan’s standing would be weakened. And a Purdue victory would bring the Big Ten East's credentials into question.

Would that be enough to elevate Alabama past Ohio State?

Not in my eyes. The Crimson Tide remains strapped with two losses and lacks a signature victory.

But I’m not on the selection committee, and Corrigan’s words left the committee room to wiggle.

Three and out

1. If Georgia beats LSU in the SEC Championship, I’d vote for Kirby Smart as SEC coach of the year. Fifteen Bulldogs were drafted off last year’s national championship team, yet the Georgia machine continues threshing. That’s worthy of praise. Coaches of teams highly ranked in the preseason should not be disqualified from the award.

2. The CFP's top five includes No. 2 Michigan, No. 4 USC and No. 5 Ohio State. That’s two Big Ten teams, plus another one bound for the league in 2024. B1G stuff. Will we hear chants “Bee-One-Gee! Bee-One-Gee!” during the playoff?

3. Projecting ahead, here’s the top four of my SEC coach rankings list for 2023: 1. Kirby Smart, 2. Nick Saban, 3. Brian Kelly, No. 4 Hugh Freeze. With one hire, Auburn regained chutzpah.

Blake Toppmeyer is an SEC Columnist for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @btoppmeyer.

How to watch the College Football Playoff games | CNN

CNN —

Don’t have any New Year’s plans? Yes you do! The NCAA College Football Playoff games are on, and nothing says “glamor” or “party time” like eight straight hours of televised sports. Plus, the two semifinal games on December 31 will determine the match-up for the College Football Playoff Championship game on January 9, and you don’t want to miss any important lore. Here’s everything you could possibly want to know to enjoy this year’s playoffs events.

Saturday, December 31:

No. 2 Michigan will face No. 3 TCU in the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN.

No. 1 Georgia will face No. 4 Ohio State in the Peach Bowl in (where else?) Atlanta. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

The winners of these games will meet Monday, January 9 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California for the Championship game.

Are there seriously only four teams in the playoffs?

This isn’t the World Cup, okay? The College Football Playoff structure is still relatively new (we’ll talk about that later) and while the brackets will probably expand later, four is all we get now. At least they’re easy to keep track of. Let’s meet them:

No. 1: The Georgia Bulldogs

School: The University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia

Conference: SEC

Claim to fame: They’re the reigning national champions, an unstoppable force, and at No. 1, are the favorites to win it all again

Strength of mascot: 8/10. “Go Dawgs” has a nice ring to it (or a spooky ring, if you are, say, not a Georgia fan yet live within a 250 mile radius of the Atlanta metropolitan area). They also have a live bulldog mascot, Uga, who always looks tired and concerned. Very relatable. Would you want to fight an actual bulldog? Probably not, because that seems cruel.

Strength of color combo: 10/10. You can’t go wrong with black and red, the classic colors of strength and violence.

Player to know: Quarterback Stetson Fleming Bennett IV, whose name sounds like it was spit out by an AI trained on 19th century British peerage and characters from “Yellowstone.” Bennett was a Heisman Trophy finalist this year, the highest personal honor for a college football player. He’s also 25. College football!

Stetson Bennett, No. 13 of the Georgia Bulldogs. Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

No. 2: The Michigan Wolverines

School: The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor

Conference: Big Ten

Claim to fame: Tom Brady played there, as did current coach Jim Harbaugh.

Strength of mascot: 8/10. Wolverines are described as “solitary” and “muscular” animals, which is a weird set of adjectives, but good for football purposes assuming they can build up some teamwork skills. Even the University of Michigan itself isn’t really sure why they’re called the Wolverines, which lends an air of chaotic mystery to the whole thing. Would you want to fight an actual wolverine? No, they seem very mean.

Strength of color combo: 6/10. Blue and gold/yellow is another classic color combo, but it’s been done in punchier, more powerful ways. However, points for the school’s official yellow shade, which is called “Michigan Maize.”

Player to know: Running back Blake Corum. He sufferd a meniscus tear earlier this season, and won’t be playing in the postseason. But you can still sound smart during the game by shaking your head over what a shame it is that Corum will miss the opportunity and wondering out loud whether he’ll return to Michigan when he’s all better, or head straight to the NFL draft.

No. 3: The TCU Horned Frogs

School: Texas Christian University in Forth Worth

Conference: Big 12

Claim to fame: I dunno

Strength of mascot: 6/10. Listen, we love a unique mascot. Horned frogs? So Texas. Apparently the mascot originated from an old legend that, in the early days of the school’s football program, the football field was once covered in the little guys. Would you want to fight an actual horned frog? Of course not. One-on-one just wouldn’t be a fair fight, and going up against a whole football field’s worth would be a bit too biblical. You definitely don’t want to fight the person in the horned frog mascot costume, either. Imagine this being the last thing you saw in your earthly life:

No, please -- not the children. Ron Chenoy/USA Today Sports/Reuters

Strength of color combo: 8/10. Purple is always a nice palette change, and they do some fun horned frog-inspired motifs.

Player to know: Quentin Johnston, who’s one of the best wide receivers in the country. 247 Sports describes him as “an incredibly bouncy athlete” which makes a lot more (well, a little more) sense when you learn he also excelled at basketball and high jump.

No 4: The Ohio State Buckeyes

School: Ohio State University in Columbus

Conference: Big Ten

Claim to fame: They won the first College Football Playoff National Championship in 2014. They also have one of the most intense fan bases in college football, and you can identify them because they’re the ones insisting it’s “THE Ohio State.”

Strength of mascot: 3/10. It’s a buckeye. A NUT, for goodness’ sake. Or a delicious regional treat, if you’re talking about the chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls. Either way, you wouldn’t ever have reason to fight a buckeye. But you’d definitely win. (Not if it was the on-field mascot, though. Brutus the Buckeye is terrifying. Not in a “titan of college sport” way, but more of a “sleep paralysis demon” way.)

AAAAGH Rick Osentoski/USA Today Sports/Reuters

Strength of color combo: 4/10. Technically OSU’s colors are gray and scarlet, but on the field they’re basically white and red.

Player to know: Quarterback CJ Stroud, who’s already being touted as a top NFL draft pick for next year. He is a two-time Heisman finalist, and has collected all sorts of other accolades during his time at Ohio State.

How can there only be four teams in a playoff?

The College Football Playoff National Championship system is still fairly new. Before 2014, the college postseason system was called the Bowl Championship Series. That consisted of several postseason bowl games, with the top teams competing in the BCS National Championship game. The BCS was not popular because the method of choosing the teams to compete was frustrating and opaque. The NCAA used a few different ranking polls and computer algorithms to determine which teams played which, and where. Now, under the College Football Playoff model, things are a little bit simpler.

How are the teams picked now?

It all comes down to the discernment of Harold the Playoff Wombat. Near the end of every football season, NCAA officials visit Harold in his habitat outside of Indianapolis and present him with a display of identical, equidistant boiled eggs. Each egg bears the name of a top-ranked school and the first four eggs Harold consumes determine the teams and order of the playoff slate.

Very funny. How are the teams ACTUALLY chosen?

The NCAA turns to a 13-member selection committee made up of professional college football experts. Using metrics like ranking polls, win record and schedule strength, the members vote on the four top teams.

However, there are still a whole host of other bowl games for the top finishers in the different football conferences. So just because your team misses the playoff doesn’t meant they can’t win honor and glory in, say, the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl.

Why are they called bowl games, anyway?

The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California -- the stadium to start the whole "Bowl" trend. David McNew/Getty Images

It can’t simply be because football stadium are shaped like bowls! Where would the comparisons end? The NFL Super Roomba? The College Football Playoff Bathtub?

(It actually is because they’re shaped like bowls.)

College Football Playoff could leave Texas out in the cold

If you had told anyone at Texas back in August they would beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa, lose just once in a close game to a top-15 team and have the opportunity to win the Big 12 championship with a 12-1 record, they would have taken it with no questions asked.

Not only would that have been considered one of the great seasons for any Texas team in the last 30 years, it would have easily been good enough to get the Longhorns into every previous edition of the College Football Playoff.

Instead, because it happened this season, it might get them left out in the cold.

As college football playoff’s championship weekend unfolds with plenty of possibilities still on the table, this much seems clear: If all the favorites win their conference title games, Texas is likely to end up in fifth place. Nice season, Longhorns. Have a good time at the Cotton Bowl.

After nine controversy-free years of the four-team playoff, the 10th and final edition could give us a true outrage that not only justifies expansion to 12 teams next year but also explains Texas’ urgency to leave the Big 12 behind.

When the Longhorns move to the SEC next year, life will undoubtedly be more difficult. Knocking heads with Florida, Georgia and Texas A&M is going to be a much different experience than Kansas, Iowa State and Baylor.

But if Texas gets left out of the playoff this year, the blame won’t just go to the 75-yard drive they allowed to Oklahoma in the final 77 seconds of the Red River Rivalry. It will be the overall weakness of the Big 12 that keeps them out.

As things stand, the Longhorns have just two victories over teams ranked in the CFP’s top-25. One of them was the aforementioned 34-24 win at Alabama, which is arguably the best win anyone has had all year. The other, a 33-30 overtime win over No. 25 Kansas State, isn’t helping all that much.

Still, it would historically be good enough to get into the CFP if the Longhorns take care of business Saturday against No. 18 Oklahoma State. So far this year, it’s only gotten Texas to No. 7 — one spot behind even Ohio State, which lost to Michigan last weekend. Quite simply, that tells us Texas is absolutely going to need some help.

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian is saying the right things. Publicly, he’s focusing on the opportunity to win the Big 12, which the Longhorns have only done three times in the 27-year history of the conference. He also knows his team is fully capable of losing to Oklahoma State, so it would be counterproductive to engage in some preemptive lobbying.

“There is no College Football Playoff talk if we don't play really good Saturday and find a way to win that game, he said this week. “If that happens, then there’s another discussion to be had. A lot of teams have to play and the dust is going to settle where it's supposed to so we’ll see what happens.”

Complaining wouldn’t do much good anyway. If Georgia, Michigan, Washington and Florida State all win to make a quartet of 13-0 teams, the committee’s job will be very easy and Texas will have to accept its rotten luck.

But if any of the results go a different way, the Longhorns will rightfully be kicking and screaming if they get left out.

If Alabama beats Georgia, Texas absolutely has an argument to say: “Hey, didn’t we beat this team on their home field? And it wasn’t even particularly close in the end. Why should they jump over us?”

Let’s say Oregon beats Washington on Friday night. Based on the eye test, the Ducks have arguably looked better than anyone in the country for the last several weeks. But would a 12-1 Oregon team with just two top-25 wins (Washington, Oregon State) really have a better Playoff résumé than Texas with three top-25 wins and the Alabama trump card?

Though Michigan losing to Iowa is probably the most far-fetched possibility, how safe are the Wolverines really? They played nobody in the non-conference schedule, and the Big Ten was just as terrible as the Big 12 in the middle and bottom of the standings.

Then there’s Florida State, a team that will once and for all expose the lie that the CFP committee picks the four “best” teams if it beats Louisville in the ACC championship game.

The Seminoles were very much on track to be a national title contender until quarterback Jordan Travis’ awful leg injury a couple weeks ago against North Alabama. But once that happened, they become a different team that almost certainly isn’t going to win a national championship and would project to be around a two-touchdown underdog to Georgia in the semifinals.

Downgrading Florida State’s chances with Tate Rodemaker at quarterback isn’t a criticism of the team or the awesome job coach Mike Norvell has done to rebuild the program into a national power. It’s merely a reflection of how good Travis was and how much they’re going to miss him in a Playoff scenario. If the committee truly saw its job as picking the four best teams, it’s pretty easy to make the argument that Texas is a better team than this version of Florida State.

But when the committee gets down to it, are they really going to leave out a 13-0 team — even if all of them would pick Texas, Alabama, Ohio State or whoever to beat the Seminoles if they played on a neutral field tomorrow?

No, they're almost certainly not going to do that because taking a power conference team with a loss over a power conference team without a loss would be too controversial. For all the conspiracy theories about this committee and what metrics they care about, the end result is always quite simple: Unbeaten teams get in, even if it’s at the expense of someone with a better shot to win the national championship.

That’s why Playoff expansion had to happen. The only upset is that it took this long to potentially have a year where a truly deserving team gets left out.

Unless something unexpected happens Saturday, that team is going to be Texas. Not that it was a close call for the Longhorns to seek membership in the SEC, but a playoff snub of this magnitude will be all the proof they needed that leaving the Big 12 behind was the only move to make.

Washington fights off Texas in wild game, will face Michigan for title

Editor’s note: For the latest updates and highlights from Michigan vs. Washington in the national championship game, follow USA TODAY Sports’ live coverage.

It’s a purple reign in New Orleans.

The Washington Huskies used their high-powered offense and staved off a late rally to beat Texas, 37-31, in the Sugar Bowl and set up a date with Michigan in the College Football Playoff national championship game.

Michael Penix Jr. just missed out on winning the Heisman Trophy, but he’ll take a dominant performance in the semifinal, finishing 29 for 38 with 430 yards and two passing touchdowns. Several receivers also had big days, led by Rome Odunze's 125 receiving yards on six catches and Ja’Lynn Polk hauling in five catches for 122 yards and a touchdown.

The win was Washington’s first College Football Playoff victory after losing its semifinal matchup in 2016, and advances the Huskies to their first national championship game in school history.

Texas’ struggles in the third quarter proved too much to overcome; the Longhorns had only 34 yards in the third quarter, but a much-improved fourth-quarter performance made it go down to the final seconds. Texas fell 12 yards short of at least tying the game in the final play.

Awaiting Washington in the national championship game is fellow undefeated team Michigan, who beat Alabama in a thrilling Rose Bowl. The title game on Monday will pit two future Big Ten rivals at NRG Stadium in Houston. Coincidentally, Washington’s last national championship came after beating Michigan in the Rose Bowl.

OPINION:Michigan didn't flinch in emotional win against Alabama

Texas fails to score on wild final drive

In the final seconds of the game, the Longhorns made it to the Washington 13-yard line with a chance to win after the Huskies punted the ball away, but they failed to score.

Quinn Ewers completed a 41-yard pass to Jordan Whittington on the drive, then threw three incomplete passes in the red zone.

On the final play of the game with one second left, Ewers attempted to find Adonai Mitchell in the end zone but overthrew the receiver, sealing the Huskies' win.

Texas gets the ball back with 45 seconds left

Texas has used all of its timeouts, but it might catch a break by way of an injury.

After getting nothing on a third-down run, Washington running back Dillon Johnson was noticeably in pain and needed assistance from trainers. The injury stopped the clock, so after the Washington punt, Texas will get the ball with 45 seconds left at their own 30-yard line after Washington had a kick-catch interference.

Washington recovers onside kick

The Huskies can smell the national championship game.

Washington recovered the onside kick after Texas' field goal, nearly punching their ticket to the title game against Michigan. Texas has two timeouts, so a first down would end the game.

Texas makes field goal with clock winding down

Time is ticking away for the Longhorns, but they closed the gap with a field goal.

Texas got to Washington’s 7-yard-line, but on third and 4, Quinn Ewers’ pass fell incomplete.

Down nine with 1:09 left, Texas opted to kick the field goal. Bert Auburn nailed it from 25 yards, making the score 37-31.

Washington adds big field goal late in fourth quarter

Washington knew it needed to add a score to prevent Texas from getting the lead, and the offense stepped up to make it a two-possession game with only a few minutes left.

Washington faced a third down early in the drive that could’ve gotten Texas off the field early, but Michael Penix Jr. found Jack Westover to continue the drive. The big play came when Penix found Rome Odunze down the sideline for a 32-yard pass placed perfectly in his hands to get inside the 10-yard line.

Texas prevented the Huskies from getting back in the end zone, but Grady Gross kicked a huge 27-yard field goal to make it 37-28 with just under three minutes left. Texas now needs a quick score and to get the ball back for a chance to tie or take the lead.

Texas shows life with touchdown

It was a whole 23 minutes between scores, but Texas finally put points up again in the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Quinn Ewers faked a handoff, then found Adonai Mitchell for a 1-yard touchdown midway through the last period.

The play capped a 10-play, 72-yard drive that ate 3:56 off the clock. Ewers had a play of 15 yards to Mitchell and another one of 38 yards to Xavier Worthy to march down the field.

The Longhorns are down 34-28.

Washington offense cools down after turnover

Washington had a chance to put the Sugar Bowl out of reach but could not take advantage of a Texas fumble.

While Washington was able to get a pass-interference call down the field, it was a 15-yard penalty that kept the Huskies on their side of the field.

Washington had five plays: Four were incompletions and the only completion was for no gain on third and 10.

Texas gets the ball again down 34-21 with 12 minutes left.

Texas fumbles ball, Washington recovers

Texas might be running out of chances to get back into this one, with a fumble in Washington territory resulting in a costly mistake for the Longhorns.

After Washington made it a 13-point game, the Longhorns quickly moved down the field as time is against them. Tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders hauled in a catch and took it 21 yards, but just as Washington defenders were about to tackle him, he lost the ball, which was recovered by the Huskies.

The referees initially ruled Sanders was down, but the play went under review and possession was awarded to Washington with just under 13 minutes left.

Texas QB Quinn Ewers evaluated for head injury

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers appeared to hit the back of his head on the field.

ESPN reporter Katie George said he was evaluated on the sideline and told the team he was able to play.

Ewers remains in the game during the fourth quarter.

Washington takes 34-21 lead early in fourth quarter

It’s Washington’s time to sweep the leg. But the Huskies came up just short to start the fourth quarter.

Washington left guard Nate Kalepo was penalized with a false start on the first play of the quarter, resulting in a third and 10.

And quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s pass to Jalen McMillan sailed incomplete. Still, Washington extended its lead to 13 points thanks to a 40-yard field goal by Grady Gross.

It’s 34-21 with 14:43 left after the ensuing kickoff for Texas to keep its national-title hopes alive.

End of third quarter: Washington holds double-digit lead over Texas

It was an all-Huskies third quarter as Washington added two scores in the frame to make it a 31-21 lead with 15 minutes to go.

Washington went right down the field on its opening drive of the quarter and converted a Texas fumble into a field goal to make it a double-digit lead. Texas wasn’t able to do anything with the ball and punted, with Washington driving into Texas territory to open the quarter.

Michael Penix had a phenomenal third quarter, completing 12-of-13 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown out of halftime. Texas only had 34 total yards in the third quarter.

Washington gets turnover after touchdown

After taking a 28-21 lead early in the third quarter, Washington has the ball again.

Texas running back CJ Baxter was stripped on a run by Washington defensive end Bralen Trice, giving the Huskies the ball again at the Texas 33-yard line.

Washington could quickly turn this into a two-score lead.

Washington opens second half with touchdown

It’s a back-and-forth affair in New Orleans after Washington opened the second half with another touchdown drive to make it a 28-21 Huskies lead.

Michael Penix Jr. continues to sling it across the field for Washington, accounting for 68 of the 70 yards on the eight-play drive. All six pass attempts were completions, including the 19-yard dart in-between defenders to Jalen McMillan for the score.

Penix now has 311 passing yards on the day with two scoring passes.

End of second quarter: Washington, Texas tied at the half

Every time Washington has hit a strike, Texas continues to respond.

In quick fashion, the Longhorns went 72 yards in 10 plays to score their third touchdown and make it a 21-21 game just before halftime.

QB Quinn Ewers put up one of his best drives of the day to get Texas into the end zone, going 4 for 6 for 36 passing yards while picking up 26 yards on the ground, including a pivotal 21-yard gain to get Texas into the red zone. On the next play, C.J. Baxter rushed into the end zone to tie it up.

Huskies retake the lead after gutsy fourth-down call

Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer is showing he isn’t afraid of anything, and this time it paid off with Washington back in the end zone to retake the lead over Texas.

The Huskies had a fourth and 1 at their own 33-yard line, and even with a failed one earlier in the quarter, DeBoer wasn’t afraid to go for it again. This time it worked with a Dillon Johnson run, and Washington moved the chains.

Michael Penix Jr. then moved his team right down the field, and Penix capped it off by finding Ja'Lynn Polk, who tipped the ball up and caught it in the end zone for a 29-yard touchdown pass.

Penix is continuing to air it out effectively in the first half, as he’s already 11 for 14 with 255 passing yards and the touchdown toss. Polk has also had a big day with two catches for 106 yards after catching a 77-yard pass on Washington’s opening drive.

Texas can’t take advantage of Washington turnover

It wasn’t a three-and-out, but a four-and-out is just as bad.

Texas was unable to make anything out of forcing Washington’s turnover on downs on the previous drive. Jaydon Blue had a 12-yard run on the first play, but two incomplete passes and a run for a loss of a yard followed.

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers was forced to throw his third-down pass earlier than preferred due to Washington’s pressure on the defensive line.

Now, Washington has a chance to take a lead into the second half with 5:55 left until halftime.

Washington fails fourth-down conversion

The Washington Huskies have been able to move the ball effectively in the first half, but the Longhorns have made a big stop.

Washington was in the red zone when it was faced with a fourth and-1. Coach Kalen DeBoer opted to keep the offense on the field and lined up in the Wildcat with Dillon Johnson behind center.

It didn’t work, as the Longhorns' defensive line stuffed Johnson and got the ball back to keep the Huskies from re-taking the lead.

Byron Murphy touchdown: Texas 14, Washington 14

We’ve got a big-man touchdown!

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers completed a 17-yard pass to Jordan Whittington to the 1-yard line. And that’s when Texas called No. 90 into the game.

Texas handed it off to junior defensive lineman Byron Murphy II, who scored on a 1-yard run to tie the Sugar Bowl at 14 with 10:08 left in the second quarter.

For Murphy, who is listed at 6-1, 308 pounds, it was his second touchdown this season, and the third big-man touchdown for Texas this season.

Washington muffs punt deep inside its own territory

The Washington defense looked like it was starting to hold down the Texas offense, but the Longhorns now have a chance to gain momentum thanks to a muffed punt.

The Huskies forced a three-and-out for Texas, but Germie Bernard awkwardly tried to catch the ensuing Texas punt. It slipped out of his hands and the Longhorns recovered, giving Texas the ball at the Washington 22-yard line and prime position to tie it up.

Dillon Johnson touchdown: Washington 14, Texas 7

Washington’s Dillon Johnson walked into the end zone easily for his second touchdown of the game. Washington leads Texas 14-7 as the second quarter of the Sugar Bowl is underway.

It took Washington three chances inside the 2-yard line against the Texas defense, but the Huskies punched it in to complete a 9-play, 80-yard drive to take the lead again.

End of first quarter: Washington, Texas each score touchdown

It’s a 7-7 game after one quarter in the Sugar Bowl, with Washington and Texas showing flashes of what could be an offense-driven game.

Washington scored first on its opening drive thanks to a big pass from Michael Penix Jr., while Texas responded with a score of its own on the following drive with a combination an air and ground attack. Both teams punted on their next drive, but Washington is driving toward the red zone as the second quarter begins.

Penalties are already becoming a concern for the Longhorns, who have four penalties for 30 yards in the first 15 minutes.

Texas responds with touchdown

Quinn Ewers had a bad first drive, going 0-for-4, but a much-improved second time around led to Texas getting into the end zone to make it a 7-7 game.

Ewers shook off the rust from the first drive with a 31-yard pass to C.J. Baxter on the second play of the drive to get to the Washington side of the field. That’s when the running game took over, with Ewers, Baxter and Jordan Whittington doing damage on the ground to get the Longhorns to the 5-yard line. That’s when Jaydon Blue capped off the drive, powering through the goal line to tie the score in what could turn into an offensive shootout.

Washington strikes first after big pass

Michael Penix Jr. entered Monday with the most passing yards in the country, and he’s letting it loose early in the Sugar Bowl.

Penix found Ja'Lynn Polk for a 77-yard strike that took Washington to the 2-yard line on its opening drive, and Dillon Johnson punched it in on the following play to give the Huskies an early 7-0 lead.

Penix, the runner-up in the Heisman Trophy to Jayden Daniels, entered New Year’s Day with 4,218 passing yards and averages 324.5 passing yards a game. The score came after Texas punted on its opening drive.

Texas, Washington bring live mascots

It’s an animal affair in the Sugar Bowl, with both Texas and Washington bringing their live mascots to the semifinal matchup.

The iconic Bevo longhorn was spotted on the sideline in his enclosure, while Washington’s Dubs was spotted checking out the Superdome. It might not be a good idea for the two mascots to link up, given what happened the last time Bevo was around a dog.

Alabama exit means no SEC in championship game in 2024

“It just means more” in the Southeastern Conference. But it’ll mean more to other college football fanbases nationally, knowing no SEC team will be in the College Football Playoff Championship game this year. With Alabama’s loss in the Rose Bowl earlier Monday, a 10-year streak with an SEC representative in the national title game came to an end. It will be the first time since 2014, the first year of the College Football Playoff, there will be no SEC team in the title game. Only Alabama, Georgia and LSU have represented the SEC in the CFP title game since its inception.

How can I watch the Sugar Bowl between Texas and Washington?

The Texas-Washington Sugar Bowl game can be seen on ESPN. Sean McDonough (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst), Molly McGrath (sideline reporter) and Katie George (sideline reporter) will call the game for ESPN.

ESPN also will offer a multi-platform presentation for each College Football semifinal game.

Texas vs. Washington in Sugar Bowl: Picks, predictions, odds

Texas is the favorite to defeat Washington in the Sugar Bowl, according to BetMGM odds.

Spread: Texas (-4)

Moneyline: Texas (-185); Washington (+150)

Over/under: 63.5

USA TODAY Sports’ staff picks for this game:

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