Donovan Edwards’ Blistering Start for Michigan in CFP National Championship Left Fans Stunned

Edwards’ first two carries resulted in 87 yards and two touchdowns.

The Michigan Wolverines jumped out to an early lead over the Washington Huskies during Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship game.

As expected, it was the Wolverines’ rushing attack that got them on the board in the first quarter, though it wasn’t the usual suspect Blake Corum running with the ball during the scoring plays. 

Instead, Michigan running back Donovan Edwards took over early, scoring touchdowns on each of his first two carries of the game. 

Edwards registered a 41-yard touchdown on his first run of the game, giving the Wolverines a 7–0 lead. He outdid that on his next rushing attempt, which came on Michigan’s very next drive, as he broke loose for a 46-yard score. 

DONOVAN EDWARDS TO THE HOUSE 〽️

(via @espn)pic.twitter.com/IiblV8UKTQ

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 9, 2024

Edwards, who had a down year in his junior season, had just three rushing touchdowns all season, but when the spotlight was brightest, he stepped up when his number was called. 

DONOVAN EDWARDS. AGAIN ‼️

(via @espn)pic.twitter.com/xE3MHjgvbh

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 9, 2024

Edwards’s unexpected big game left Michigan fans and college football fans stunned, and they had plenty to say on social media after his pair of big touchdowns. 

2022 Ohio State Donovan Edwards has returned.

— Colston Connoisseur (@UMvsEveryone) January 9, 2024

If Donovan Edwards was going to save his best game for the natty this season I'm good with it

— Swanky Wolverine (@swankywolverine) January 9, 2024

Unreal! Donovan Edwards played his role all season. No complaints.

TOUCHDOWN for Michigan to open the National Freaking Championship pic.twitter.com/noJMB01SbV

— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) January 9, 2024

Donovan Edwards entering tonight: 3 total touchdowns and no more than 52 rushing yards in any game this season.

Through two drives tonight: 2 rushes, 87 yards, 2 touchdowns.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 9, 2024

This is turning into the Donovan Edwards Game.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 9, 2024

Big game Donovan Edwards ????

— Insider Corner (@WolverineCorner) January 9, 2024

First drive: Donovan Edwards' longest run of the year - 41yd TD

Second drive: Donovan Edwards' new longest run of the year - 46yd TD

— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) January 9, 2024