Huskies heartbreak. UW falls short in national title game against Michigan

The University of Washington Huskies fell short in the National Championship game Monday, losing 34-13 to the Michigan Wolverines in Houston.

The Huskies fell behind early and failed to come up with the explosive plays that had defined their undefeated season.

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Although UW quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Michael Penix Jr. was sacked only once during the game, he was constantly pressured and hit often by Michigan's top-ranked defense.

Penix threw two interceptions, including a pick in the fourth quarter by defensive back Mike Sainristil that helped the Wolverines seal the win.

Michigan jumped out to a 14-3 lead in the first quarter behind two 40-plus yard TD runs by junior running back Donovan Edwards.

The Washington defense tightened up in the second quarter, holding the Wolverines to a field goal and scoring their first touchdown on a three-yard TD pass from quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to wide receiver Jalen McMillan. But that would prove to be the Huskies only touchdown of the game.

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In the third quarter, the two teams exchanged field goals and it came down to the fourth quarter, when Michigan broke the game open with a near pick-six by Sainristil and the second running touchdown of the night by senior Michigan running back Blake Corum.

The Wolverines totaled 443 yards against a porous Huskies defense.