Running back Blake Corum was named offensive MVP in Monday's College Football Playoff National Championship Game as Michigan defeated Washington 34-13 for their first title since 1997.
DB Will Johnson was defensive MVP. Corum led Michigan's dominant running assault and scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns to seal the win.
The All-America senior scored twice and gained 134 yards on 21 attempts (6.4 yards per carry). Late in the second quarter, his 59-yard run gave Michigan a two-touchdown advantage.
On Michigan's third drive, Corum burst through a hole in the line and ran upfield along the left sideline to the Washington 20. The run led to a field goal that made it 17-3 for Michigan.
In the first quarter, his backfieldmate Donovan Edwards scored two big 40-plus-yard runs for Michigan. Corum's fourth-quarter 12-yard run increased Michigan's advantage to 27-13.
He scored again late in the fourth to make it 34-13. Michigan's ground attack gained 303 yards, outgaining Washington's 301. Corum and Edwards ran for 238 yards and four touchdowns. Johnson had four tackles and made a major impact on the second half's first snap.
Washington held possession to start the third quarter and tie the game after cutting a 17-3 lead to 17-10. Johnson intercepted Michael Penix Jr. on the opening play of the drive, ending that hope.
The Michigan pass pressure caused Penix to float, which Johnson caught at the Washington 32-yard line on the left sideline. The pick led to a Michigan field goal to increase the advantage to 20-10.
Penix was tormented all night by Michigan's defense, who held him to 255 yards, one score, and two interceptions on 27-of-51 throwing. Michigan dominated on both sides of the ball, and Corum and Johnson deserved their awards.
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