The 2024 NFL Draft continued Friday with the second and third rounds picking through No. 100 overall. It began with wide receivers Keon Coleman of Florida State and Georgia’s Ladd McConkey going back to back at Nos. 33-34 to the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers, respectively, and ended with Rice’s Luke McCaffrey being picked by the Washington Commanders. No quarterbacks were selected after six went in the first round on Thursday.

READ: No. 1 pick Caleb Williams says he wants to be part of ‘a big portion’ of winning with Chicago Bears after NFL Draft

More than 150,000 fans attended the draft on Thursday, and all 32 picks are listed in First Round Live Reaction: 2024 NFL Draft.

Michigan men go back-to-back in second round; Jim Harbaugh takes Los Angeles’ first Wolverine in third

Defending national champion Michigan sent an NFL Scouting Combine-record 18 participants to Indianapolis earlier this offseason.

Michigan saw six players drafted in the second and third rounds, bringing its total to seven so far this draft after quarterback J.J. McCarthy went No. 10 overall to the Minnesota Vikings.

READ: ‘Adversity teaches a man a lot about himself’: Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. pens letter to NFL GMs in Players Tribune

Defensive tackle Kris Jenkins was the second Wolverine picked in the draft when he went No. 49 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round. He began back-to-back selections of former Michigan players as cornerback Mike Sainristil went next at No. 50 overall.

New Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh drafted his first former Wolverine when he chose linebacker Junior Colson in the third round at No. 69 overall.

The crosstown rival Los Angeles Rams selected former Michigan running back Blake Corum at No. 83 overall in the third round. He started a string of three-straight Wolverines drafted when wide receiver Roman Wilson went No. 84 overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers and guard Zak Zinter was picked No. 85 overall by the Cleveland Browns.

Harbaugh broke out in song among Chargers personnel during the draft in a video posted on X.

Kirby Smart shouts out drafted Bulldogs

Georgia continued its streak of at least six Bulldogs picked in every draft since 2018.

READ: Florida State’s Braden Fiske motivated by ‘huge impact’ leading up to NFL Draft

Four more of head coach Kirby Smart’s former players heard their names called in Detroit: McConkey and defensive backs Kamari Lassiter, Javon Bullard and Tykee Smith.

Smart shouted each of the four Bulldog draftees on Friday, as he did Thursday for former tight end Brock Bowers and tackle Amarius Mims.

About McConkey, Smart posted: “Congrats @laddmcconkey02 !! So excited to watch you be a part of the @chargers. You’re such a great young man & I’m thankful for your time in Athens. You meant so much to this team, school & community. Always grateful for your impact on this program. GO DAWGS !!”

Of Lassiter, Smart posted: “Another Dawg off the board @kamari_lassiter!! You were such a good player, teammate and leader for this program, and I am so thankful for your impact. The @houstontexans are going to get a great player for their defense. I know you’ll represent us the right way and you’ll be very successful.  Enjoy this moment! GO DAWGS!!”

Of Bullard, Smart posted: “Bull to Green Bay!! @cravejaaye I know you’ve worked really hard for this & so happy you were able to reach your goals and more. You have a bright future & I’m proud of you. The @packers are getting a great player and an even better person. I hope you can come back to Athens sometime this fall. GO DAWGS !!”

Of Smith, Smart posted: “Let’s go @TykSmith!! Can’t wait to see what you do in Tampa Bay. You’re such a great player, leader and person and I am so happy for you that your dreams are becoming a reality. Soak in this moment with your family! Thanks for all you’ve done & GO DAWGS!!”

READ: Jayden Daniels says he’ll ‘be ready’ for NFL after LSU Pro Day

2024 NFL Draft results

Here are the full results from rounds two and three of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Second round

No. 33: Buffalo Bills via trade with Carolina Panthers: WR Keon Coleman — Florida State

No. 34: Los Angeles Chargers via trade with New England Patriots: WR Ladd McConkey — Georgia

No. 35: Atlanta Falcons via trade with Arizona Cardinals: DT Ruke Orhorhoro — Clemson

No. 36: Washington Commanders: DT Jer’Zhan Newton — Illinois

No. 37: New England Patriots via trade with Los Angeles Chargers: WR Ja’Lynn Polk — Washington

No. 38: Tennessee Titans: DT T’Vondre Sweat — Texas

No. 39: Los Angeles Rams via trade with Carolina Panthers (from N.Y. Giants): DT Braden Fiske — Florida State

No. 40: Philadelphia Eagles via trade with Washington Commanders (from Chicago): CB Cooper DeJean — Iowa

No. 41: New Orleans Saints via trade with Green Bay Packers (from N.Y. Jets): CB Kool-Aid McKinstry — Alabama

No. 42: Houston Texans (from Minnesota): CB Kamari Lassiter — Georgia

No. 43: Arizona Cardinals via trade with Atlanta Falcons: CB Max Melton — Rutgers

No. 44: Las Vegas Raiders: OC Jackson Powers-Johnson — Oregon

No. 45: Green Bay Packers via trade with New Orleans Saints (from Denver): LB Edgerrin Cooper — Texas A&M

No. 46: Carolina Panthers via trade with Indianapolis Colts: RB Jonathon Brooks — Texas

No. 47: New York Giants (from Seattle): SAF Tyler Nubin — Minnesota

No. 48: Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Maason Smith — LSU

No. 49: Cincinnati Bengals: DT Kris Jenkins — Michigan

No. 50: Washington Commanders via trade with Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans): CB Mike Sainristil — Michigan

No. 51: Pittsburgh Steelers: OC Zach Frazier — West Virginia

No. 52: Indianapolis Colts via trade with Los Angeles Rams: WR Adonai Mitchell — Texas

No. 53: Washington Commanders via trade with Philadelphia Eagles: TE Ben Sinnott — Kansas State

No. 54: Cleveland Browns: DT Michael Hall Jr. — Ohio State

No. 55: Miami Dolphins: OT Patrick Paul — Houston

No. 56: Dallas Cowboys: EDGE Marshawn Kneeland — Western Michigan

No. 57: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE Chris Braswell — Alabama

No. 58: Green Bay Packers: SAF Javon Bullard — Georgia

No. 59: Houston Texans: OT Blake Fisher — Notre Dame

No. 60: Buffalo Bills: SAF Cole Bishop — Utah

No. 61: Detroit Lions: CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. — Missouri

No. 62: Baltimore Ravens: OT Roger Rosengarten — Washington

No. 63: Kansas City Chiefs via trade with San Francisco 49ers: OT Kingsley Suamataia — BYU

No. 64: San Francisco 49ers via trade with Kansas City Chiefs: CB Renardo Green — Florida State

Third round

No. 65: New York Jets via trade with Carolina Panthers: WR Malachi Corley — Western Kentucky

No. 66: Arizona Cardinals: RB Trey Benson — Florida State

No. 67: Washington Commanders: OG Brandon Coleman — TCU

No. 68: New England Patriots: OT Caedan Wallace — Penn State

No. 69: Los Angeles Chargers: LB Junior Colson — Michigan

No. 70: New York Giants: CB Andru Phillips — Kentucky

No. 71: Arizona Cardinals (from Tennessee): OG Isaiah Adams — Illinois

No. 72: Carolina Panthers via trade with New York Jets: LB Trevin Wallace — Kentucky

No. 73: Dallas Cowboys via trade with Detroit Lions (from Minnesota): OG Cooper Beebe — Kansas State

No. 74: Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Bralen Trice — Washington

No. 75: Chicago Bears: OT Kiran Amegadjie — Yale

No. 76: Denver Broncos: EDGE Jonah Elliss — Utah

No. 77: Las Vegas Raiders: OT Delmar Glaze — Maryland

No. 78: Houston Texans via trade with Washington Commanders (from Seattle): SAF Calen Bullock — USC

No. 79: Atlanta Falcons (from Jacksonville): OT Matt Goncalves — Pittsburgh

No. 80: Cincinnati Bengals: WR Jermaine Burton — Alabama

No. 81: Seattle Seahawks (from New Orleans through Denver): OG Christian Haynes — UConn

No. 82: Arizona Cardinals via trade with Indianapolis Colts: TE Tip Reiman — Illinois

No. 83: Los Angeles Rams: RB Blake Corum — Michigan

No. 84: Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Roman Wilson — Michigan

No. 85: Cleveland Browns: OG Zak Zinter — Michigan

No. 86: San Francisco 49ers via trade with Houston Texans (from Philadelphia): OG Dominick Puni — Kansas

No. 87: Dallas Cowboys: LB Marist Liufau — Notre Dame

No. 88: Green Bay Packers: RB MarShawn Lloyd — USC

No. 89: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: SAF Tykee Smith — Georgia

No. 90: Arizona Cardinals (from Houston): CB Elijah Jones — Boston College

No. 91: Green Bay Packers (from Buffalo): LB Ty’Ron Hopper — Missouri

No. 92: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Detroit): WR Jalen McMillan — Washington

No. 93: Baltimore Ravens: EDGE Adisa Isaac — Penn State

No. 94: Philadelphia Eagles via trade with San Francisco 49ers: EDGE Jalyx Hunt — Houston Christian University

No. 95: Buffalo Bills via trade with Kansas City Chiefs: DT DeWayne Carter — Duke

No. 96: Jacksonville Jaguars (Compensatory Selection): CB Jarrian Jones — Florida State

No. 97: Cincinnati Bengals (Compensatory Selection): DT McKinnley Jackson — Texas A&M

No. 98: Pittsburgh Steelers (from Philadelphia; Compensatory Selection): LB Payton Wilson — NC State

No. 99: Los Angeles Rams (Special Compensatory Selection): SAF Kamren Kinchens — Miami

No. 100: Washington Commanders (from San Francisco; Special Compensatory Selection): WR Luke McCaffrey — Rice

The post Notes and Reaction: Rounds 2-3 of 2024 NFL Draft appeared first on Saturday Glory.

Colson racked up 95 tackles to lead the Wolverines and also batted two passes defended.

He’s one of 18 Michigan players at the combine, a record for the event. Colson said being involved in the Wolverines culture helped him reach this point in his career.

“One of 18 baby, it’s phenomenal,” Colson said. “I think we could still have more. Being able to have those guys come out here show our talent show our skills to everybody. It’s a testament to all the guys that bought and all the guys that stayed. If you stay you’ll be champion and that’s what happened.”

The post Michigan LB Junior Colson wants Wolverines to ‘show our skills to everybody’ at NFL Combine appeared first on Saturday Glory.

The NFL announced Tuesday that 321 players were invited to the Combine taking place Feb. 26-March 4.

READ: UCLA names DeShaun Foster next head coach

Seventy-nine teams will be represented at the Combine this year.

Michigan had a Combine-record 18 players invited this year. Among the Wolverines who were invited include quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum and defensive lineman Kris Jenkins.

Heisman Trophy-winning LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels will be among the gunslingers taking part in drills. Fellow Heisman finalists Marvin Harrison Jr., Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr. will also be in attendance at the Combine, as well as 2022 Heisman winner Caleb Williams.

READ: Full List: Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers college football alumni in Super Bowl LVIII

Here is the full list of 321 college football players invited to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine sorted by position.

Quarterbacks

Jayden Daniels, LSU

Sam Hartman, Notre Dame

Devin Leary, Kentucky

Drake Maye, North Carolina

J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

Joe Milton III, Tennessee

Bo Nix, Oregon

Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Michael Pratt, Tulane

Spencer Rattler, South Carolina

Austin Reed, Western Kentucky

Kedon Slovis, BYU

Jordan Travis, Florida State

Caleb Williams, USC

Running backs

Rasheen Ali, Marshall

Braelon Allen, Wisconsin

Emani Bailey, TCU

Trey Benson, Florida State

Jonathon Brooks, Texas

Blake Corum, Michigan

Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State

Ray Davis, Kentucky

Daijun Edwards, Georgia

Audric Estimé, Notre Dame

Frank Gore Jr., Southern Mississippi

Isaac Guerendo, Louisville

George Holani, Boise State

Bucky Irving, Oregon

Dillon Johnson, Washington

Jawhar Jordan, Louisville

Dylan Laube, New Hampshire

MarShawn Lloyd, USC

Jase McClellan, Alabama

Kendall Milton, Georgia

Keilan Robinson, Texas

Cody Schrader, Missouri

Will Shipley, Clemson

Jaden Shirden, Monmouth

Tyrone Tracy Jr., Purdue

Kimani Vidal, Troy

Michael Wiley, Arizona

Miyan Williams, Ohio State

Jaylen Wright, Tennessee

Wide receivers

Javon Baker, UCF

Jermaine Burton, Alabama

Jalen Coker, Holy Cross

Keon Coleman, Florida State

Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky

Jacob Cowing, Arizona

Ryan Flournoy, Southeast Missouri State

Troy Franklin, Oregon

Anthony Gould, Oregon State

Lideatrick Griffin, Mississippi State

Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

Jha’Quan Jackson, Tulane

Cornelius Johnson, Michigan

Xavier Legette, South Carolina

Luke McCaffrey, Rice

Ladd McConkey, Georgia

Jalen McMillan, Washington

Bub Means, Pittsburgh

Adonai Mitchell, Texas

Malik Nabers, LSU

Rome Odunze, Washington

Ricky Pearsall, Florida

Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington

Brenden Rice, USC

Tayvion Robinson, Kentucky

Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Georgia

Ainias Smith, Texas A&M

Brian Thomas Jr., LSU

Jamari Thrash, Louisville

Devaughn Vele, Utah

Devontez Walker, North Carolina

Malik Washington, Virginia

Tahj Washington, USC

Xavier Weaver, Colorado

Jordan Whittington, Texas

Isaiah Williams, Illinois

Johnny Wilson, Florida State

Roman Wilson, Michigan

Xavier Worthy, Texas

Tight ends

Erick All, Iowa

AJ Barner, Michigan

Jaheim Bell, Florida State

Brock Bowers, Georgia

Devin Culp, Washington

Dallin Holker, Colorado State

Theo Johnson, Penn State

Trey Knox, South Carolina

Tanner McLachlan, Arizona

Tip Reiman, Illinois

Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas

Ben Sinnott, Kansas State

Brevyn Spann-Ford, Minnesota

Cade Stover, Ohio State

Jack Westover, Washington

Jared Wiley, TCU

Offensive linemen

Isaiah Adams, Illinois

Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Kiran Amegadjie, Yale

Gottlieb Ayedze, Maryland

Karsen Barnhart, Michigan

Graham Barton, Duke

Cooper Beebe, Kansas State

Keaton Bills, Utah

Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin

Javion Cohen, Miami

Andrew Coker, TCU

Brandon Coleman, TCU

Frank Crum, Wyoming

Anim Dankwah, Howard

Ethan Driskell, Marshall

Kingsley Eguakun, Florida

Josiah Ezirim, Eastern Kentucky

Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

Troy Fautanu, Washington

Blake Fisher, Notre Dame

Jeremy Flax, Kentucky

Javon Foster, Missouri

Zach Frazier, West Virginia

Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State

X’Zauvea Gadlin, Liberty

Nick Gargiulo, South Carolina

Delmar Glaze, Maryland

Matt Goncalves, Pittsburgh

Tylan Grable, UCF

Garret Greenfield, South Dakota State

Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma

C.J. Hanson, Holy Cross

Christian Haynes, Connecticut

LaDarius Henderson, Michigan

Christian Jones, Texas

Matthew Jones, Ohio State

Trente Jones, Michigan

Trevor Keegan, Michigan

Jarrett Kingston, USC

Brady Latham, Arkansas

JC Latham, Alabama

Sataoa Laumea, Utah

Matt Lee, Miami

KT Leveston Jr., Kansas State

Beaux Limmer, Arkansas

Christian Mahogany, Boston College

Mason McCormick, South Dakota State

Dylan McMahon, N.C. State

Amarius Mims, Georgia

Jacob Monk, Duke

Jordan Morgan, Arizona

Hunter Nourzad, Penn State

Drake Nugent, Michigan

Patrick Paul, Houston

Julian Pearl, Illinois

Prince Pines, Tulane

Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon

Dominick Puni, Kansas

Andrew Raym, Oklahoma

Layden Robinson, Texas A&M

Roger Rosengarten, Washington

Walter Rouse, Oklahoma

Nick Samac, Michigan State

Kingsley Suamataia, BYU

Jalen Sundell, North Dakota State

Nathan Thomas, Louisiana

Charles Turner III, LSU

Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Georgia

Caedan Wallace, Penn State

Zak Zinter, Michigan

Defensive linemen

Austin Booker, Kansas

Solomon Byrd, USC

DeWayne Carter, Duke

Nelson Ceaser, Houston

Myles Cole, Texas Tech

Jaden Crumedy, Mississippi State

Tyler Davis, Clemson

Brandon Dorlus, Oregon

Justin Eboigbe, Alabama

Jonah Elliss, Utah

Braden Fiske, Florida State

Gabe Hall, Baylor

Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State

Jaylen Harrell, Michigan

Marcus Harris, Auburn

Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian

Adisa Isaac, Penn State

Brennan Jackson, Washington State

McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M

Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Notre Dame

Trajan Jeffcoat, Arkansas

Jordan Jefferson, LSU

Kris Jenkins, Michigan

Cedric Johnson, Mississippi

Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State

Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan

Laiatu Latu, UCLA

Logan Lee, Iowa

Zion Logue, Georgia

Fabien Lovett Sr., Florida State

Braiden McGregor, Michigan

Byron Murphy II, Texas

Myles Murphy, North Carolina

Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

Eyabi Okie-Anoma, Charlotte

Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson

Keith Randolph Jr., Illinois

Chop Robinson, Penn State

Darius Robinson, Missouri

Justin Rogers, Auburn

Maason Smith, LSU

Javon Solomon, Troy

T’Vondre Sweat, Texas

Leonard Taylor III, Miami

Xavier Thomas, Clemson

Bralen Trice, Washington

David Ugwoegbu, Houston

Jared Verse, Florida State

Eric Watts, Connecticut

Mekhi Wingo, LSU

Linebackers

Michael Barrett, Michigan

JD Bertrand, Notre Dame

Tatum Bethune, Florida State

Chris Braswell, Alabama

Aaron Casey, Indiana

Steele Chambers, Ohio State

Junior Colson, Michigan

Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

Kalen DeLoach, Florida State

Khalid Duke, Kansas State

Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State

Jaylan Ford, Texas

Easton Gibbs, Wyoming

Cedric Gray, North Carolina

Ty’Ron Hopper, Missouri

Jontrey Hunter, Georgia State

Curtis Jacobs, Penn State

Tyrice Knight, UTEP

Marist Liufau, Notre Dame

Jordan Magee, Temple

Darius Muasau, UCLA

Gabriel Murphy, UCLA

Maema Njongmeta, Wisconsin

Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson

Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Washington

Dallas Turner, Alabama

Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington

Trevin Wallace, Kentucky

Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State

Payton Wilson, N.C. State

Defensive backs

Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri

Daijahn Anthony, Mississippi

Terrion Arnold, Alabama

Cole Bishop, Utah

Beau Brade, Maryland

Millard Bradford, TCU

Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Louisville

Javon Bullard, Georgia

Calen Bullock, USC

Jaylon Carlies, Missouri

Caelen Carson, Wake Forest

Ryan Cooper Jr., Oregon State

Cooper DeJean, Iowa

M.J. Devonshire, Pittsburgh

Marcellas Dial, South Carolina

Johnny Dixon, Penn State

Willie Drew, Virginia State

Renardo Green, Florida State

Kamal Hadden, Tennessee

Dominique Hampton, Washington

Myles Harden, South Dakota

Daequan Hardy, Penn State

Cam Hart, Notre Dame

Jaden Hicks, Washington State

Khyree Jackson, Oregon

DJ James, Auburn

Carlton Johnson, Fresno State

Isaiah Johnson, Syracuse

Elijah Jones, Boston College

Jarrian Jones, Florida State

Jaylen Key, Alabama

Kamren Kinchens, Miami

Kalen King, Penn State

Kamari Lassiter, Georgia

Dwight McGlothern, Arkansas

Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

Patrick McMorris, Cal

Max Melton, Rutgers

Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest

Josh Newton, TCU

Tyler Nubin, Minnesota

Kitan Oladapo, Oregon State

Tyler Owens, Texas Tech

Andru Phillips, Kentucky

Deantre Prince, Mississippi

Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn

Josh Proctor, Ohio State

Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri

Decamerion Richardson, Mississippi State

Demani Richardson, Texas A&M

Christian Roland-Wallace, USC

Mike Sainristil, Michigan

Andre’ Sam, LSU

Jaylin Simpson, Auburn

Tykee Smith, Georgia

Chau Smith-Wade, Washington State

Tarheeb Still, Maryland

T.J. Tampa, Iowa State

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Texas Tech

Ro Torrence, Arizona State

Sione Vaki, Utah

Josh Wallace, Michigan

Ryan Watts, Texas

Nate Wiggins, Clemson

Evan Williams, Oregon

James Williams, Miami

Specialists

Joshua Karty, K, Stanford

Cam Little, K, Arkansas

Harrison Mevis, K, Missouri

Ryan Rehkow, P, BYU

Will Reichard, K, Alabama

Tory Taylor, P, Iowa

The post Full List: 321 players invited to 2024 NFL Scouting Combine appeared first on Saturday Glory.

No. 1 Michigan will look to defend its top-seeded position against No. 2 Washington on Monday in Houston. Both teams fought off late comeback bids to advance past the semifinals and into the CFP National Championship.

READ: No. 2 Washington holds off No. 3 Texas 37-31 in Sugar Bowl CFP semifinal

The Wolverines used two rushing touchdowns scored by running back Blake Corum to boost themselves past the Crimson Tide in overtime of the Rose Bowl.

Across the country in New Orleans, Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies staved off Texas’ late comeback effort and held on to win 37-31.

Here are five takeaways from the CFP semifinals round.

Michgan’s defense came to play

The top scoring defense in college football proved its worth once again.

Michigan entered the Rose Bowl owning the No. 1 scoring defense holding opponents to less than 10 points per game.

The Wolverines, though, allowed more than their season average, and they had a stiff challenge in Alabama which had scored at least 17 points in every game this season.

But when it mattered, Michigan showed up in the key moments of the Rose Bowl.

Junior Colson and the Wolverines shut out the Crimson Tide in the third quarter and held them to 168 yards entering the fourth.

READ: Blake Corum’s TD in OT lifts No. 1 Michigan over No. 4 Alabama in Rose Bowl CFP semifinal

Michigan forced three punts in the second half as well as having picked up a fumble.

Michigan also forced four three-and-outs on four of the game’s first five drives. It allowed the Wolverines to go up 13-7 before they conjured up overtime magic to win the game.

In overtime, Michigan picked up the first touchdown after Corum ran 25 yards on two carries to give the Wolverines a lead.

Then, Michigan got stops on four-straight plays inside its 10-yard line, including the final one of the game that featured a low snap to Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, who ran straight ahead into the tackle pile to end the game.

So when it mattered, Michigan’s defense stepped up. Now, the Wolverines will look to stop Penix and Washington, which boasts the No. 5 total offense and averages 332.9 yards per game.

Blake Corum proves he’s top running threat

The NCAA leader in rushing touchdowns with 24 entering the Rose Bowl, Corum provided the critical runs in overtime to help Michigan advance to its first CFP National Championship.

Corum entered the Rose Bowl without a receiving touchdown on the season. He caught his first of the campaign to put Michigan ahead first 7-0 on a route to the left as Corum waltzed into the end zone.

Corum averaged 4.4 yards per carry across 19 attempts. He totaled 83 rushing yards and 35 receiving yards, a season-high.

Corum may be reaching his peak performance this season. In each of his past five games, he’s averaged more than three yards per carry, and he’s scored a rushing touchdown in 14 consecutive games.

The Marshall, Virginia, native broke off his longest run of the game on his second carry, going 21 yards and converting the first down to position Michigan near midfield where it later scored on Corum’s 8-yard receiving touchdown.

Now, Corum and the Wolverines will take part in their first CFP National Championship.

Corum will enter the national title game the leader in total points responsible for. He’s up to 156 points on 26 touchdowns.

He’ll have his latest challenge against Washington, which allows 137.1 rushing yards per game good for No. 41 in college football. Corum and the Wolverines will be ready.

It’s hard to stop Michael Penix Jr.

The Heisman Trophy runner-up shined bright on the biggest stage.

Penix went off 29-for-38 and threw for 430 yards and two touchdowns. His performance was representative of his year this season as Penix leads college football with 4,648 passing yards.

READ: No. 8 Oregon hands No. 23 Liberty first loss 45-6 in Fiesta Bowl

Penix threw go-ahead touchdowns in the second and third quarters while he continued to pile up passing yards. He eclipsed 400 pass yards for a fourth time this season.

Perhaps Penix’s best quarter came in the third. Both Texas and Washington tied at 21 entering the second half, then Penix turned on.

The sixth-year quarterback went 12-for-13 for 118 yards and a touchdown. He began the second half 11-of-11, and his signature throw came on a 19-yard pass to Jalen McMillan.

Even the Longhorns couldn’t slow Penix, who is having a career year after knee and shoulder injuries plagued his career at Indiana.

Two seasons later at Washington, Penix is leading the Huskies to the national championship game.

Jalen Milroe will be a force to reckon with in 2024

Alabama went into the 2023 season with a new starting quarterback after former Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young was selected No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft.

Nick Saban turned to junior Jalen Milroe from Katy, Texas, and Milroe had been a four-star recruit as part of the class of 2021.

Milroe set out this season with a team mantra behind him: “Let a naysayer know.”

Milroe and the Crimson Tide put the college football world on notice after Alabama beat Georgia 27-24 in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game, snapping the Bulldogs’ 29-game winning streak.

Leading up to the SEC title game, Milroe converted a key 4th and 31 play against Auburn in the Iron Bowl, helping Alabama keep on its path toward the CFP.

It’s clear Milroe has a clutch gene. He tried to make something out of a low snap on 4th and Goal at the end of overtime before he ultimately was tackled near the line of scrimmage.

But that doesn’t mean Milroe won’t be back for 2024.

He’s already announced his intention to return to Alabama and put off the NFL ahead of the 2024 season. It’ll give Saban a second-year starting quarterback to compete in an expanded SEC that will welcome Oklahoma and Texas to the conference.

Milroe totaled 2,834 passing yards, 23 touchdowns to six interceptions and compiled a 66% completion in 2023. Saban and Alabama will be in prime position to strike in the first 12-team Playoff with Milroe under center next year.

Special teams play was sloppy

Muffed punt here, muffed punt there.

There several combined muffed punts during the CFP semifinal round. They stung the likes of Michigan and Washington, yet cost neither team the game.

Even still, special teams must perform at the highest levels of the season in Playoff games.

READ: Reports: DJ Uiagalelei to transfer to Florida State

Near the end of the Rose Bowl, Michigan lined up for a punt return while Alabama punter James Burnip got ready. When he caught the snap and prepared to boot the football, disaster struck.

Michigan punt returner Jake Thaw muffed the punt near the goal line and he recovered it at the 1-yard line. Fortunately for the Wolverines, they ran the ball once before kneeling it out and opting for overtime.

In the Sugar Bowl, Washington punt returner Germie Bernard muffed a punt and the Longhorns fell on the football. It resulted in Texas going 22 yards down the field and Byron Murphy II scoring from 1 yard out to tie the game at 14 points apeice.

Both Michigan and Washington know the detriments of poor special teams play. They’ll have one week to fine tune and reload before meeting in the final CFP National Championship of the four-team Playoff era.

The post 5 takeaways from College Football Playoff semifinals appeared first on Saturday Glory.