Michigan began the season ranked #2, and rose to #1 after four games. However, a stunning 16–0 loss at Minnesota dropped them to #6. A 14–6 win over #4 Ohio State gave the Wolverines the Big Ten title and they came into the Rose Bowl ranked #4.
Washington Huskies[]
Washington stumbled out of the gate, losing three of their first four games. They then won the rest of their games except for a 20–12 loss at UCLA. The Huskies earned the Rose Bowl berth when UCLA lost its final game on a last second field goal to USC, 29–27.
Scoring[]
First quarter[]
Washington - Warren Moon, 2-yard run (Steve Robbins kick)
Second quarter[]
Washington - Steve Robbins, 30-yard field goal
Washington - Warren Moon, 1-yard run (Steve Robbins kick)
Third quarter[]
Washington - Spider Gaines, 28-yard pass from Warren Moon (Steve Robbins kick)
Michigan - Curt Stephenson, 76 yard pass from Rick Leach (Gregg Willner kick)
Washington - Steve Robbins, 18-yard field goal
Fourth quarter[]
Michigan - Russell Davis, 2-yard run (Gregg Willner kick)
Michigan - Stan Edwards, 32-yard pass from Rick Leach (kick failed)
Aftermath[]
With Notre Dame beating #1 Texas early on New Year's Day, Michigan had hopes that a dominant win over Washington would boost the Wolverines to the top ranking in the country. The Huskies' dramatic upset ended those hopes, and Notre Dame was voted #1 among five one-loss teams; Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, and Penn State were the others.
