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Fans, media crush Michigan for questionable play-calling in 2nd quarter of national title game
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Michigan ran wild on Washington in the 1st quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in Houston on Monday night. The Wolverines took 9 carries for 174 yards and a pair of touchdowns, as Donovan Edwards had scoring runs of 41 and 46 yards while Blake Corum’s 59-yarder to close out the period led to a field goal.
The 2nd quarter turned out to be much different: the Wolverines had 8 carries for just 35 yards. On their first drive after the field goal, Corum was stopped for no gain while J.J. McCarthy threw back-to-back incompletions as they went 3-and-out. On their next drive, with a 4th-and-2 at the 38, offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore called for a pass instead of having Edwards or Corum convert from short yardage, but McCarthy’s attempt was incomplete to Roman Wilson.
Meanwhile, the Huskies, who trailed 14-3 after the 1st, drew within 17-10 with 43 seconds remaining in the half as Michael Penix Jr. connected with Jalen McMillan from 3 yard out on a 4th-and-gaol.
Here was some of the social media reaction to Michigan’s play calling:
Why is Michigan passing? Just run. It's working.
— Barrett Sallee ?? (@BarrettSallee) January 9, 2024
Michigan’s passing game is brutal right now. Keeping Washington in the game. https://t.co/WO3bTJoZlg
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) January 9, 2024
Michigan, for reasons passing understanding, decided to get cute and give JJ McCarthy a few shots at throwing the ball, when they should’ve been running it. Now they’ve let Washington back into a game they should be blowing out. Just dumb. #RTDB
— Chris (@Cheeto377) January 9, 2024
Michigan literally just let Washington walk right back into this game. They were up 17-3 just got a 4th down stop. And they go 3 and out. Get another stop on defense and fail on 4th and 3 by passing the ball. They should’ve had this game put away and out of reach. #UWvsMICH
— ? 0-0 (@JAYBENSR) January 9, 2024
Why did Michigan start passing
— DrB (@ShakinSouthland) January 9, 2024
If Michigan is going to go for it, do what’s been working all night and run the ball. JJ Mcarthy clearly don’t have it tonight passing the ball.
— LeeDotJPG (@LeeSince95) January 9, 2024
#Michigan too much passing. Otherwise Michigan would be blowing UW out.
— Crash (@Crash21212) January 9, 2024
If Harbaugh insists on passing, I’m going to start rooting for Washington. It has to be frustrating for Michigan fans. #UWvsMICH
— Jacob McDougal (@McdougalJacob) January 9, 2024
Michigan passing w their mid QB instead of running and winning pic.twitter.com/tAm85rZKwD
— ?️arker (Heat in 5) (@PYeezy_6) January 9, 2024
What is Michigan trying to prove the run game has been proven unstoppable. JJ should not be passing unless it’s play action at this point.
— Pele (@LongLivePele) January 9, 2024
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
