Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson (2) celebrates after a turnover against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game. Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Michigan CB Will Johnson shifts CFP momentum with massive interception

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 1/8/24

Washington had momentum coming into the second half of Monday night's College Football Championship game.

The Michigan Wolverines started the game roaring out to a 17-3 lead in the second quarter, but a turnover on downs and a Jalen McMillan touchdown grab brought the Huskies right back into it. After a kneel-down, they went into half down just 17-10 — which was a massive win in its own right for head coach Kalen DeBoer's team.

Washington got the ball back in the second half and the stage was set for a Michael Penix Jr. touchdown drive to tie the game up, but Michigan cornerback Will Johnson picked him off on the very first play of the second half.

#GoBlue Will Johnson WHAT A PICK!pic.twitter.com/dVDfseBocN https://t.co/eCQ7BUsIyF
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 9, 2024

Not only did Johnson get in the way of the pass, but he was able to track the ball on its way down after the receiver played a nice bit of "defense" to try to avoid the interception.

It was an elite play from one of the best cornerbacks in the country, and it completely shifted the game back into Michigan's favor.

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