NATIONAL CHAMPS!!

The Wolverines celebrate Jerame Tuman's game-winning touchdown.

Michigan capped a great season by beating Washington State, 21-16 in the Rose Bowl. Brian Griese stepped up big for the Wolverines, going 18-31 for 251 yards. Brian threw 3 touchdown passes on the night, two to reciever Tai Streets of 53 and 58 yards and one to Jerame Tuman of 23 yards. Ryan Leaf and the much advertised "Fab Five" recievers didn't have a good game as Leaf passed for over 300 yards, but failed to complete over 50% of his passes while throwing one interception. The victory ensured the Wolverines of thier first National Championship since 1948.

Charles Woodson helped keep Michigan close in the 1st half with this touchdown-saving interception. (AP)

Playing in his final game as a Wolverine, Chris Howard single handedly outrushed Washington State going for 70 yards. Wazzu's rushing attack managed only 68 yards on the ground. Once again, the Michigan defense stepped up and played an outstanding game. Dhani Jones stepped up big for the Wolverines, keeping constant pressure on Leaf and getting 2 hard-earned sacks. Mr. Heisman Charles Woodson also came up big for Michigan. Woodson and Leaf both overshawdowed Brian Griese and some of the other stars in the pregame activities, but that was not to be in the game itself.

With Leaf and the Washingtion St. offense marching down the field, looking to up by two touchdowns, Woodson intercepted Leaf's pass in the endzone, thus killing WSU's drive and keeping the Wolverines alive. With WSU up 7-0, Brian Griese connected with Tai Streets for 53 yard touchdown. It was much needed as the Wolverines weren't getting much going on the ground. The teams traded possesions until halftime with the score 7-7. In the third quarter, Michigan downed a punt at thier own 1 yard line, thus putting Wazzu's prized offense 99 yards away from a score. It looked like Michigan had taken advataged of Washington's poor feild position when Leaf fumbled their opening play. However, Leaf recover, and the Michigan defense didn't as they watched WSU go the distance, 99 yards for a touchdown. All was not lost, however, as Michigan blocked the extra point try, thus putting them down only 6, 13-7. Once again coming through for the Wolverines was Brian Griese and Tai Streets as they hooked up again, this time for a 58 yard touchdown, putting Michigan in front for the first time, 14-13.

The teams traded possesions some more before Griese connected with Jerame Tuman on a 23 yard touchdown pass. Michigan was looking good leading 21-13 in the fourth quarter. A Leaf-led-drive led to a WSU feild goal, narrowing the gap to 21-16. Then came time for Michigan football to take over. Michigan needed a long drive to keep the clock rolling and Mr. Leaf off the feild, where he do no damage. The Wolverines did just that, holding the ball for nearly seven minutes until Jay Feely punted the ball to the Michigan 7 yard line with 29 seconds left. Washington's last drive ended when Leaf spiked the ball, hoping to stop the clock, but time ran out and MICHIGAN had its first National Championship since 1948.

• Rose-Bowl game wrap-up
  
• Ohio State Game Wrap-up

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Michigan ends debate over tie
The Wolverines ended any and all speculations that the BigTen would end up in a tie. They achieved that last Saturday with a 20-14 victory over the Buckeys of Ohio State.

Last year, Ohio State's National Championship hopes were crushed when Michigan beat them, 13-8. This year, Michigan was the team with the perfect record, having hopes of the National Championship. However the Wolverines were not about to let the same happen to them, as they finish their season a perfect 11-0.