Washington Huskies wide receiver Jalen McMillan (11) Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Washington WR Jalen McMillan's TD made it one-possession game at halftime of CFP title game

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 1/8/24

The Washington Huskies trailed the Michigan Wolverines by only seven points at halftime of the College Football Playoff national championship game thanks to some late first-half heroics by WR Jalen McMillan.

QB Michael Penix Jr. connected with McMillan on a three-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal with just 45 seconds left in the second quarter.

However, Michigan made it a 10-point game, 20-10, 11:55 into the third quarter after James Turner kicked a 38-yard field goal.

WASHINGTON ANSWERS BEFORE THE HALF

WE'VE GOT OURSELVES A GAME! #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/edJOq2BL5V
— ESPN (@espn) January 9, 2024

McMillan's TD was Washington's second attempt on fourth down in the game after failing the first. But luckily for the Huskies, they were about to convert this time.

McMillan is typically the third receiver in Washington's receiving room with Rome Odunze and Ja'Lynn Polk combining for 152 catches for 2,675 yards and 22 touchdowns on the year.

However, McMillan, who has just 39 catches for 526 yards and four touchdowns this season, has a team-leading four receptions at half.

Penix Jr. is just taking what the defense is giving him. But if McMillan continues to find success against Michigan's defense, which has allowed the second-fewest total yards per game (239.7) in college football, he will likely continue looking his way to keep Washington's championship hopes alive.

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