Michigan Football’s dream season ends in loss to Georgia

The dream ended for Michigan football Friday night in the Orange Bowl but it doesn’t do anything to dampen a dream season for the Wolverines.

Michigan football achieved a lot in 2021. The Wolverines won the Big Ten, beat Ohio State, and reached the College Football Playoff.

But on a night where the Wolverines didn’t play their best, it was clear that they still aren’t in the same league as Georgia, Alabama, and the like as the Bulldogs dominated in a 34-11 win for UGA in the Orange Bowl.

Georgia flew out of the gates with consecutive touchdown drives and even though Michigan had some chances to score, three turnovers ended any hope of a comeback. Stetson Bennett was also the best quarterback on the field.

The running game couldn’t get going and Cade McNamara played his worst game at the worst possible time. Freshman quarterback J.J. McCarthy might have been the biggest bright spot, but all in all, Georgia proved it’s simply a better team.

Aidan Hutchinson wasn’t able to make much of an impact and really, Georgia’s skill guys dominated the game. Defensively, the Bulldogs front seven looked like the juggernaut it was all season long and they just overwhelmed U-M.

But it was still a historic season for Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football. Beating Georgia was a mountain too tall for this team but after breaking a 17-year streak without a Big Ten championship, one loss to a team that may well win a national championship shouldn’t tarnish a thing.

There will be a quarterback battle brewing as McCarthy definitely looked more suited for playing against teams like Georgia. However, that’s a question for the offseason.

For now, Michigan football fans should just remember all the great moments in 2021 and thank this team for finally helping the Wolverines reach the College Football Playoff, which was a necessary step if this program is going to consistently compete at a championship level.