Maize and blue confetti falls on the Texas turf. For the first time since 1997, and in the College Football Playoff Era, The University of Michigan Wolverines are National Champions. Defeating Washington, 34-13, the Wolverines led from start to finish with an emphasis on physicality and aggressively running the ball.
Grosse Pointe South math teacher, Dan Martin, was elated at the success of the Wolverine’s, flying down to Texas to see the matchup in person.
“The game went how I expected,” Martin said. “I was confident with the on-field matchups and believed we would pull out the victory from the start.”
This experience to travel to the game was fueled by regret, as Martin reflected on his decision not to attend Michigan’s 1997 title winning game.
“I didn’t end up going to that game so this time around I wasn’t going to miss it for anything and I was able to get a really good seat for a much better price than some others got,” Martin said.
Stephie Kosmas ’24, in comparison, wasn’t as excited about the Wolverine’s victory due to her own allegiance to in-state rival, Michigan State University.
“To be honest, I don’t watch much football, but I think they cheated because that’s just the way they are,” Kosmas said.
These cheating allegations are in reference to the sign-stealing scandal that led to Head Coach Jim Harbaugh being suspended for three weeks mid-season. They haven’t been properly confirmed, but Kosmas isn’t sure about that.
“If they won fairly, then good for them,” Kosmas said.
Meanwhile, Eleanor Ryan ’25 has been a Michigan fan her whole life, attending tailgates and watching the games. In her opinion, this was the greatest possible outcome.
“If I could describe it in one word, it would be fulfilling,” Ryan said.
