Michigan's Donovan Edwards scores first TD of national title game (Video)

With all eyes on Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum, his backfield mate Donovan Edwards stole the show on the first offensive drive of the National Championship Game at NRG Stadium in Houston. Wonder if Kalen DeBoer regrets not taking the ball first and trying to establish Michael Penix instead of playing defense?

After Michigan QB JJ McCarthy was swallowed up on a yardage-losing sack to blunt the Wolverines' momentum for a nanosecond, Edwards turned a 2nd & 14 into magic, scampering to paydirt in the blink of an eye.

Seven-zip Michigan, and though DeBoer's offense is thought to have the advantage in this matchup, Harbaugh's punishing crew managed to draw first blood.

Donovan Edwards' 41-yard house call opens scoring in title game

Swiftly, the fans in Houston found themselves Hailing to the Victors.

You're not going to believe this, but the Michigan fans in attendance appeared to enjoy Edwards breaking the early tie.

Watching the run was fun, but watching the Maize and Blue Faithful enjoy their first title game appearance of the CFP Era with gusto was arguably better.

Now, the burden falls on Penix, the 2024 Draft's Helium Alert QB, to show pro scouts exactly what he's made of after receiving the first punch. Typically, that's exactly what he's done throughout the bulk of the season, finding himself the underdog in game after game down the stretch before finding Rome Odunze down the field to silence the doubters. We don't have to tell you that he rose to the challenge repeatedly and remained undefeated.

ESPN's panel of experts -- including Lee Corso, ready with his patented helmet -- selected selected Michigan, a prohibitive favorite, to come out victorious in this Pac-12 finale (only Pat McAfee went purple). So far, so good for the Wolverines' bruising offensive attack, with the capper delivered by a potentially unexpected source.