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HOUSTON — In the end, the “Michigan vs. Everybody” mantra that inspired the Wolverines all season long was quite fitting.

The Wolverines did indeed square off against everybody — from the NCAA to their own Big Ten conference to the No. 2 team in the nation Monday night on college football’s greatest stage. On and off the field, Michigan refused to let any opponent, any NCAA investigation or any of the six games its head coach was suspended for get in its way of winning a national title.

And Monday night, when it mattered the most, No. 1 Michigan did it again, beating No. 2 Washington 34-13 before an announced crowd of 72,808 at NRG Stadium to earn the school’s first national championship since 1997, when it shared the honor with Nebraska. The Wolverines asserted themselves from the opening kickoff and never trailed against the Huskies (14-1).

“I feel like this has been the perfect happy ending,” said running back Donovan Edwards, who averaged an astounding 17.3 yards per carry and finished with 103 yards and two touchdowns. “A lot of personal success, a lot of personal failures, but our ultimate goal was to win a national championship. … There’s no other feeling than to go through what we have and still come out on top. So perfect story, a lot of adversity — Coach Harbaugh’s not there for six games — perfect story.”

Michigan’s national title will always be entangled with what was the biggest story in college football this year: allegations of a widespread sign-stealing scheme allegedly led by former staff member Connor Stalions, who resigned Nov. 4. As polarizing as the program has been nationally, though, those within it have only been galvanized by the controversy and accusations.

“It fueled us,” Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham said. “Everything that we’ve been through, everything they tried to do to us, tried to discredit everything we did this season. Winning this game solidifies we’re that team. … Coach Harbaugh’s on the plane and he doesn’t even get to go to our game against Penn State. Our back’s been against the wall, but this team’s different.”

So is its head coach.

After the confetti had fallen, Harbaugh found his parents on the field and first wrapped his 84-yeard-old father — a spitting image of himself — in a bear hug, lifting him up off the ground. He turned to his mother and did the same, planting a kiss on her and saying, “We did it!”

“For me personally, I can now sit at the big person’s table in the family,” said Harbaugh, a former Michigan quarterback in his ninth season coaching his alma mater. “They won’t keep me over there on the little table anymore. My dad, Jack Harbaugh, won a national championship and my brother [John] won a Super Bowl. It’s good to be at the big person’s table from now on.”

In what was the first national championship game appearance for both teams, (Michigan’s ’97 shared title with Nebraska was won one year before the first BCS National Championship game) Michigan became the sixth team in major college football history to finish 15-0 or better in a season and set the Big Ten’s record for the most wins in a season.

The Wolverines did it the old-school way, with a relentless running game that racked up 303 yards, and a stifling defense that flustered Heisman runner-up quarterback Michael Penix Jr. into two interceptions.

Michigan jumped out to a 14-3 first-quarter lead, but Washington responded with a 3-yard touchdown from Penix to Jalen McMillan that sent the Huskies to the locker room trailing 17-10. That was the only touchdown, though, they would score.

“They’re a good team,” Penix said. “We just didn’t execute in the moments when we needed to. It’s just about executing. I don’t feel like they did anything — I feel like we beat ourselves.”

Michigan had all of the pieces in place for the perfect season — starting with a veteran quarterback in J.J. McCarthy, who wasn’t flashy, but won the turnover battle against Penix.

Michigan had the burly offensive line that won the battle up front and paved the way for a dynamic duo at running back in Blake Corum and Edwards. They each ran for over 100 yards and together accounted for four touchdowns. Corum, who missed last year’s CFP with a knee injury, was named the game’s Offensive MVP after totaling 134 yards and two touchdowns.

Michigan also had the stingy defense that flustered Penix all night, making it far more difficult for the Huskies to have success in the deep passing game — or any passing game at all. Penix completed 27 of 51 pass attempts (53%) for 255 yards and a touchdown.

“That was a spectacular game by our defense,” Harbaugh said.

This was arguably the most talented Michigan team in decades, one that built its success on not only a senior-laden roster, but also discipline, rarely racking up penalties and turnovers. It wasn’t, though, without its flaws.

There was the NCAA investigation into alleged recruiting violations during the 2020 season, and a separate NCAA investigation into a widespread sign-stealing scheme. There was also Harbaugh’s three-game suspension to open the season, and another three-game suspension to end the season — the latter was imposed by the Big Ten for violating the league’s sportsmanship policy by illegally going off-campus to steal signs.

Michigan’s motivation extended beyond that, though, going back to its Fiesta Bowl loss to TCU to end the 2022 season — the program’s second straight CFP semifinal loss.

“I’d say we came a long way, but in order to accomplish things like this, you’ve got to go to those dark places where everything’s not great,” McCarthy said. “And just the response, the urgency right after that last game last year, it was different. I knew it. Just from being on the podium last year and saying we would be back. I knew the guys that were coming back. I had this feeling that it was going to be where we are right now.”

With Harbaugh sidelined for the final three games of the regular season, offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore led the Wolverines to critical wins against Penn State, Maryland and Ohio State. When asked what the phrase “Michigan vs. Everybody” mean to him, Moore said, “If you’re not with us, you’re against us.”

With Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti watching from a suite with Big Ten staff, Big Ten Network staff and guests, Michigan did what it has done all season in spite of the controversy — it outplayed its opponent.

Michigan averaged a whopping 19.3 yards per carry in the first quarter. The Wolverines won the battle up front and created confusion for Washington’s defense. Michigan had four plays of at least 35 yards, and the Huskies’ defense allowed 209 rushing yards in the first half — the most the program has allowed in a half since 2011.

Washington’s 17-3 deficit in the first quarter was its largest of the season.

With 10:27 remaining in the first half, Washington’s Rome Odunze, one of the top receivers in the country, was wide open and within scoring range when Penix overthrew him on a daring fourth-and-7 play the Huskies desperately needed to swing the momentum.

At one point in the fourth quarter, Penix had completed just 26.7% of his passes thrown at least 5 yards (4-of-15) and had thrown an interception. With 4:29 left in the game, he threw another one which Mike Sainristil ran back 81 yards to Washington’s 8-yard line. The play set up Corum’s second touchdown that put the Wolverines ahead 34-13.

It was the second time in the second half a touchdown by Corum provided some separation. With 7:09 left in the game, Corum ran 12 yards for a touchdown that put the Wolverines ahead 27-13. It was a Hollywood ending for Corum, who lead the FBS with 27 total touchdowns and is unlikely to return next season. He has had a rushing touchdown in 15 straight games, the longest streak by a Michigan player in the past 20 seasons.

“Coaches always say, playmakers make plays, and don’t wait on anyone else to make a play,” Corum said. “Today was a complete, complete team effort.”

McCarthy completed 10 of 18 passes because he didn’t have to be a hero in the air with so much success on the ground. As McCarthy left the locker room after the game to go to the postgame news conference, he exhaled.

“Oh man,” he said, “we did it.”

Against everybody.

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Gretzky celebrates Stars, coy on series vs. Oilers

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Gretzky celebrates Stars, coy on series vs. Oilers

DALLAS — Wayne Gretzky was in the Dallas Stars locker room congratulating them after they advanced to their third consecutive Western Conference final, where they will face the franchise with which “The Great One” was a four-time Stanley Cup champion.

“He said we’re going up against a pretty good team now,” Stars captain Jamie Benn said Tuesday, the day before hosting Game 1 against Edmonton. “And I had to ask him who he was cheering for. It felt right, and he didn’t answer, obviously.”

Benn said it was “pretty cool” that Gretzky visited the Stars after their 2-1 overtime win Saturday night over Winnipeg that set up a West final rematch against the Oilers.

Edmonton won the West final over the Stars in six games last year, then lost to Florida in a seven-game Stanley Cup Final.

“What a great honor to have the greatest player of all time come down after the game and say hello,” Stars coach Pete DeBoer said.

Gretzky told the Stars he had so much fun watching them play, and that they were now going to play “one of the greatest teams ever.”

DeBoer was on the coaching staff for Canada for the team’s 4 Nations Face-Off title earlier this year and during that period got to spend some time with Gretzky.

“Extra special. That’s my era. That’s the guy we all grew up watching,” DeBoer said. “He’s a special guy when you get him 1-on-1 or in a coach’s room or behind the scenes. You can see his passion for the game. He can sit and talk hockey and tell stories all night.”

Gretzky was part of four Stanley Cup titles in a five-season span in the 1980s with Edmonton. He was the NHL career-leading goal scorer with 894 goals until Alex Ovechkin passed him on April 6 but still has the most points (2,857) and assists (1,963).

So when meeting the Stars and DeBoer, did Gretzky say anything that would create headlines in Edmonton, such as saying he was hoping Dallas would win?

“He didn’t. He would never say that and I would never put him in that spot,” DeBoer said. “He was very respectful of our group and the job we’d done to that point. I think we all understand his allegiance to Edmonton and appreciate that, so he never went beyond that.”

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Marner unsure of Leafs’ future; Tavares content

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Marner unsure of Leafs' future; Tavares content

TORONTO — Mitch Marner might have played his final game with the Maple Leafs. Toronto’s top winger will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and has dodged speculation all season about when — or if — he would sign an extension with the club. During the Leafs’ season-ending media availability Tuesday following their Game 7 loss to Florida in a second-round Eastern Conference playoff series on Sunday, Marner was asked directly whether he wants to be a Leaf year. He remained noncommittal about staying put.

“I’ve always loved my time here, Ioved being here. I’ve been so grateful,” Marner said. “I haven’t processed anything yet. It’s still so fresh. Losing sucks.”

Marner, 28, has played his entire nine-year career with Toronto after the Leafs drafted him fourth overall in 2015. A native of the Toronto area, Marner has often spoke glowingly of getting to represent his childhood team. He’s done so by emerging as one of the league’s best playmaking forwards, hitting a career-high 102 points in the 2024-25 campaign to sit fifth in NHL scoring. Throughout the year though he and the Leafs didn’t come together on a new deal, and Toronto asked Marner to waive his no-trade clause so it could potentially facilitate a move prior to the March trade deadline. Marner ultimately refused and stayed on to be arguably the Leafs’ regular-season MVP.

But Marner wasn’t the difference-maker Toronto needed in the playoffs when it was being run off by a punishing Panthers team. Toronto held a 2-0 series lead over Florida in the second-round bout before the Panthers rebounded to win the next three, including an embarrassing 6-1 drubbing of the Leafs at home in Game 5. Toronto recovered with a Game 6 victory on the road but was again trounced at home, 6-1, in Game 7 to see its season end on the lowest of notes. Marner had just three assists in the final five games against Florida and was minus-four.

It was another disappointing end for Toronto and for Marner. The Leafs are now 0-6 in Game 7s during Marner’s tenure with the team, and he has notched just two assists in those outings.

Postseason struggles aside, Marner’s consistency as a regular-season performer leaves little doubt he’d have suitors on the open market. Marner’s lack of an answer about staying — or not — in Toronto only made the possibility he pursues that option more likely.

“It’s tough to process at this moment. It’s so fresh,” he said. “It’s 24 hours [from] our season ending. I haven’t thought about anything. I haven’t sat down with my wife. I haven’t talked to her about [the] future, next steps, and that will be in the next couple of weeks we’ll do that. We’ll start figuring stuff out. But I’m forever grateful, especially with this group.”

Marner sounded almost wistful in looking back on his seasons with the Leafs in the wake of another playoff defeat.

“It’s been amazing,” he said. “It’s been ups and downs, obviously. You want to win every year, you really do. You feel the love and the passion in the city, and you’re forever grateful for that. It’s one of the best cities to live in in the world, and I’ve been forever grateful to not just grow up here, but be able to wear this maple leaf and be a part of the history and this team.”

While Marner might be out the door, John Tavares isn’t eager to follow him. The Leafs veteran is also a pending unrestricted free agent, but he’s made clear his desire to be back in Toronto next season. Tavares said Tuesday he had “productive” talks with GM Brad Treliving and coach Craig Berube, and while several factors would play into a new contract, it was a top priority for Tavares to find common ground with the Leafs.

“If you want to make something work, you do everything you can to try to find what works on both sides,” he said. “What’s fair for myself and my family and for the team and the club. I’ve expressed my desire to stay and wanting to make it work.”

Berube made his feelings known, too. He said he doesn’t get into personnel signing decision with Treliving but when it comes to whether he wants to coach Marner and Tavares again?

“100%,” Berube said.

If Sunday’s trampling was Marner’s last time suiting up with the Leafs, he’ll leave behind a legacy that includes being the fastest skaters in franchise history to hit 700 points (in 629 games) and is one of only four Leafs to ever hit the 100-point mark (joining Darryl Sittler, Doug Gilmour and Auston Matthews).

It’s been Matthews beside Marner for much of their collective time in Toronto, which began in the 2016-17 season. The two have been frequent linemates over the nine-year span while forging a personal and professional bond Matthews will cherish regardless of where Marner lands.

“He’s a brother,” Matthews said. “He’s such a good teammate, friend. We’re extremely close. He’s extremely close with a lot of guys on the team, and he’s a big, big part of our team, and has been a big part of our team. Unfortunately, that’s the nature of the business. People come and go. He has the right to make his own decision, but obviously we all love him very much. He’s an amazing person, amazing teammate.”

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Blackhawks’ Nazar leads Team USA rally at worlds

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Blackhawks' Nazar leads Team USA rally at worlds

STOCKHOLM — Chicago Blackhawks center Frank Nazar scored twice to help the United States rally for a 5-2 victory over Czechia and hand the titleholder its first defeat at the ice hockey world championship on Tuesday.

The victory lifted the Americans to second place in Group B in Herning, Denmark. Switzerland won the group, with the Czechs finishing third and Denmark fourth.

Tuesday’s results determined the pairings for the quarterfinals on Thursday: Canada vs. Denmark, the United States vs. Finland, Sweden vs. Czechia and Switzerland vs. Austria.

“I loved our effort and how we played to our identity,” Team USA coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “Give our power play credit too. Overall, great team effort and a good step forward as we continue to build.”

Nazar, 21, who had 12 goals and 26 points with Chicago last season, deflected a shot into the net to tie the game at 2-2 1:35 into the final period on a power play. He scored again on another power play, his sixth tally of the tournament.

Utah Hockey Club center Logan Cooley roofed a shot from close range to make it 4-2 with 6:31 to go and Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Peeke finished it off with a goal into an empty net.

Josh Doan, also of the Utah Hockey Club, gave the Americans a 1-0 lead 9:25 into the game on a rebound with a backhand between the pads of goaltender Karel Vejmelka, Doan’s teammate in the NHL.

The U.S. dominated the first period, outshooting its opponent 23-8. The Czechs came back in the second, as Bruins superstar David Pastrnak tied the game on a breakaway 41 seconds into the period by beating his Boston teammate, Jeremy Swayman, for his sixth goal at the tournament.

Pastrnak then set up Colorado Avalanche forward Martin Necas in the left circle to one-time a shot that put the Czechs 2-1 up 8:33 into the middle period.

In Stockholm, Canada completed the preliminary stage with a 5-3 victory over Sweden to rebound from Monday’s 2-1 loss to Finland. Canada topped Group A with 19 points, with Sweden one point behind and Finland another two points back.

Travis Sanheim, a defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers, was in front of the goal to put Canada ahead 18 seconds into the game, the second fastest goal at the tournament. Bruins center Elias Lindholm scored the equalizer 3:29 later with a shorthanded goal on a breakaway with his seventh goal.

Flyers right wing Tyson Foerster beat New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom to restore Canada’s lead and Ryan O’Reilly, a veteran who played for the Nashville Predators last season, made it 3-1 against a team that had only conceded three goals in total in its six previous games at the worlds.

The Swedish team used a 5-on-3 power play to reduce the deficit through left wing Marcus Johansson, who plays for the Minnesota Wild, 3:02 into the middle period, but San Jose Sharks star Macklin Celebrini collected a through pass from Sidney Crosby, the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins who holds the same title for Team Canada, to restore a two-goal advantage on a breakaway midway through the frame.

Flyers forward Travis Konecny was on his knees when he set up Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon for the fifth 4:11 into the final period — one of his three assists in the game.

The Swedes pulled Markstrom with 4:12 to go and Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson pulled one goal back.

Earlier, Austria reached the playoffs for the first time in 31 years after it defeated Latvia 6-1 and became the fourth and final team to advance to the quarterfinals from Group A. Finland defeated Slovakia 2-1, and Switzerland beat Kazakhstan 4-1, forcing the latter to be relegated after five years in the top division.

Finally, Denmark prevailed 2-1 over Germany after a penalty shootout to become the fourth and final team from Group B to advance.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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