Michigan claimed its 11th national title with a 21-16 victory over Washington State at the 1998 Rose Bowl. The Wolverines' No. 1-ranked defense held the high-powered
Cougars' offense to their lowest scoring output of the season, while Rose Bowl MVP Brian Griese completed 18-of-30 passes for 251 yards and three TDs.
WSU took a 7-0 first-quarter lead on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Leaf to wide receiver Kevin McKenzie.
Michigan tied the score at seven heading into the half as Griese and wide receiver Tai Streets connected on a 53-yard touchdown.
After a Michigan punt pinned Washington State at the one-yard line, Leaf led a go-ahead 99-yard third-quarter scoring drive that ended with a 14-yard reverse by wide receiver Michael Tims. James Hall kept the deficit at 13-7 by blocking the extra point attempt.
The Wolverines' offense responded immediately as Griese and Streets connected on a 58-yard TD, their second long scoring play of the game. Kicker Kraig Baker hit the PAT to give Michigan its first lead, 14-13.
After a defensive stop, U-M extended its lead to 21-13 as Griese rolled right and found tight end Jerame Tuman for the game-winning 23-yard touchdown.
WSU scored the games final points with 7:25 remaining as kicker Rian Lindell hit a 48-yard field goal.
Holding a slim 21-16 lead, the Wolverines embarked on their most important drive of the season. U-M’s 16-play series consumed 6:56 and saw Griese direct four third-down conversions. After lining up to attempt a potential 47-yard field goal, Jay Feely received the direct snap and proceeded to pooch punt.
Pinned deep at their seven-yard line with 29 seconds left, the Cougars added a little drama to the final moments. Leaf connected with Nian Taylor on a 46-yard pass play on third
down to cross into Michigan territory. After a delay of game penalty, Leaf threw to Love Jefferson who lateralled the ball to Jason Clayton for a 36-yard gain to the U-M 16-yard line. WSU was unable to stop the clock as time ran out.
Dhani Jones and Charles Woodson led a strong Michigan defensive effort. Jones recorded two sacks and a teamhigh
10 tackles, while Woodson stopped a WSU drive with an endzone interception and recorded four PBUs. Offensively, Streets caught four passes for 127 yards and two TDs, and Chris Howard gained 70 yards rushing on 19 carries.
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SCORING
First Quarter
WS McKenzie 15 pass from Leaf (Lindell kick)
Second Quarter
M Streets 53 pass from Griese (Baker kick)
Third Quarter
WS Tims 14 reverse (Lindell kick block)
M Streets 58 pass from Griese (Baker kick)
Fourth Quarter
M Tuman 23 pass from Griese (Baker kick)
WS FG Lindell 48
Team Stats WSU UM
First Downs 18 22
Net Yards Rushing 28-67 41-128
Net Yards Passing 331 251
Total Plays 71 63
Total Yards 398 379
PA/PC/Int 35/17/1 30/18/1
Punts/Avg 6/40.3 6/30.5
Return Yards 1/2 5/56
Fumbles/Lost 0/0 0/0
Penalties/Yards 4/43 4/40
Time of Possession 27:46 32:14
Rushing — (M): Howard 19-70, Thomas 7-20,
Griese 7-13, C Williams 2-12, Floyd 4-7, Woodson 2-6
(WSU): Black 7-24, Gilmore 8-20, Tims 1-14, Leaf 10-6,
Clayton 2-3.
Passing — (M): Griese 18-30-1-251
(WSU): Leaf 17-35-1-331.
Receiving — (M): Shaw 6-49, Streets 4-127, Tuman 2-33,
Howard 2-13, Thomas 1-14, Woodson 1-7, Campbell 1-7,
Williams 1-1
(WSU): Jackson 5-89, McKenzie 5-78, McWashington 2-41,
Tims 2-9, Taylor 1-46, Gilmore 1-42, Jefferson 1-8,
Clayton 0-18.
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