Michigan running back Blake Corum runs against Washington during the first half of the national championship game. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Michigan's Blake Corum clinches Wolverines' first national championship since 1997

By Colum Dell | Last updated 1/8/24

Senior running back Blake Corum's late-game heroics sent the Michigan Wolverines to the College Football Playoff title game last week. On Monday, he secured Michigan its first national title since 1997.

Just two plays after Michigan CB Mike Sainristil returned an interception thrown by Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. 81 yards down to the Wolverines' eight-yard line, Corum extended his team's lead to 33-13 on a one-yard touchdown run. Kicker James Turner converted the extra point to give Michigan a 34-13 lead, which it held onto.

BLAKE CORUM BACK IN THE END ZONE! #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/BOGhAi4nVn
— ESPN (@espn) January 9, 2024

While the score essentially sealed the outcome for the Wolverines, Corum's 12-yard touchdown run on Michigan's previous drive signaled that the team would finish the job after leading since the 10:23 mark in the first quarter.

Blake Corum will not be denied

ESPN#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/oodNCYI0mr
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) January 9, 2024

Additionally, Corum's second rushing touchdown gave him his 27th on the season, extending his nation's best mark.

Washington's run defense entered Monday's action boasting a respectable 137.1 rushing yards per game allowed, but it was no match for the Wolverines rushing attack. Michigan rushed for 305 yards, including 134 from Corum and 104 from junior RB Donovan Edwards, who pitched in with two long first-quarter touchdown runs to kick off the unforgettable night for the national champs.

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