Michigan stymies Michael Penix Jr., Washington to win CFP

Michigan stymies Michael Penix Jr., Washington to win CFP

By Lauren Merola, Max Olson, Austin Meek, Jim Trotter and Nicole Auerbach It’s been 26 years, but finally, no one has it better than Michigan. The Wolverines, who ranked second in passing yards allowed per game with 150.0 heading into title town, faced their toughest task yet in taming the flamethrower that is Washington quarterback…

Nadal’s focused on clay – and other things we learned from the first Australian Open warm-up week

Nadal’s focused on clay – and other things we learned from the first Australian Open warm-up week

For months, Rafael Nadal has been trying to temper expectations for his comeback, telling the world that he had little sense of whether he would ever return to his championship form or anything approaching it. On Sunday, Nadal showed the world why he was so cautious. At 37 years old, he knows how brittle he…

Draymond Green reinstated after 12-game suspension

Draymond Green reinstated after 12-game suspension

The NBA has reinstated Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green after his 12-game suspension, the league announced Saturday. Green has been undergoing counseling for several weeks along with holding progress meetings with the league and Warriors. “During the period of his suspension, which began on Dec. 14 and resulted in him missing 12 games, Green…

Derek Jeter watches Michigan win title alongside Michael Jordan, Stephen A. Smith in suite

Derek Jeter watches Michigan win title alongside Michael Jordan, Stephen A. Smith in suite

One suite at NRG Stadium in Houston had plenty of hot takes and high-fives. The CFP national championship game that saw Michigan beat Washington 34-13 on Monday brought out plenty of star power with the likes of Hall of Famers Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter sharing a luxury box with rapper Travis Scott and ESPN’s…

Jimmy Kimmel challenges Aaron Rodgers to apologize in scathing monologue

Jimmy Kimmel challenges Aaron Rodgers to apologize in scathing monologue

Jimmy Kimmel went in on Aaron Rodgers in his first show of the new year following the Jets QB hinting Kimmel’s name would appear on documents related to Jeffrey Epstein last week on “The Pat McAfee Show.”   The comment caused a firestorm of controversy and the late-night host didn’t hold back in a roughly seven-minute…

Washington star Michael Penix Jr. takes pounding, disappointing loss in college finale

Washington star Michael Penix Jr. takes pounding, disappointing loss in college finale

HOUSTON – Michael Penix Jr. couldn’t complete the final chapter in his storybook season Monday night. The quarterback with two surgically repaired knees threw for 255 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, taking a pounding as No. 2 Washington fell to top-ranked Michigan 34-13 in the College Football Playoff championship game. Penix returned for…

Michigan offense goes dormant after starting fast, springs back to life late to put away Huskies

Michigan offense goes dormant after starting fast, springs back to life late to put away Huskies

HOUSTON – Michigan looked as if it would run away from Washington early in the College Football Playoff championship game Monday night. But the Wolverines mostly plodded along until they put together a 71-yard drive that put them up two touchdowns midway through the fourth quarter of a 34-13 victory. Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards and…

What’s next for Jim Harbaugh? Michigan coach faces decision on whether to stay or go back to NFL

What’s next for Jim Harbaugh? Michigan coach faces decision on whether to stay or go back to NFL

HOUSTON – Michigan’s climb back to the summit of college football ended with its 34-13 win over Washington in the College Football Playoff championship game on Monday night. Next, the Wolverines and their fans wait and see if Jim Harbaugh stays or goes. Harbaugh, as he did during the lead-up to the championship, deflected all…

‘We’re legends’: Michigan caps undefeated season with national title triumph

‘We’re legends’: Michigan caps undefeated season with national title triumph

HOUSTON —  Fittingly, the last football game in the history of the Pac-12 Conference was played in the unmistakable style of the brawny Big Ten. Pretty does not often win in America’s oldest power conference. Gritty often does. For the 15th time this season, the Michigan Wolverines led their opponent into a war waged on their…