Let’s hope the College Football Playoff National Championship Game is as good as the semifinals. In a pair of nail-biters that did wonders for the perception of college football, the unbeaten Michigan Wolverines and Washington Huskies advanced with each making their first appearance in the title game. Making their third straight visit to the CFP the Wolverines earned their first victory beating Alabama 27-20 in overtime. Washington survived a scare from Texas winning their semifinal matchup 37-31. A team known more for its offense came up with a defensive stand to preserve the first championship game berth for the Pac-12 in the last season for the conference as we know it.UM hit the board as a 5-point favorite at crypto sportsbook with the total dropped at 55.5
On Monday, January 8, 2024, the Washington Huskies play the Michigan Wolverines in the CFP National Championship Game at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. Kickoff time is set for 7:30 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN.
College Football Betting Lines
CFB National Championship Betting Odds
Washington Huskies +5
Michigan Wolverines -5
Total 55.5
Odds Analysis
The Huskies have taken a liking to the role of underdog and will again use it as motivation in their quest for a national championship. It all started in the penultimate weekend of the regular season when Washington was given 1-point in its matchup with Oregon State. U-Dub eked out a 22-20 victory. Even though they beat Oregon during the season, the Huskies were catching 9.5-points in the Pac-12 title game, which they won 34-31. The level of disrespect was overwhelming when the Huskies were tabbed as a 3.5-point dog for their Sugar Bowl semifinal with Texas. Those three outright wins came during a six-game stretch that saw the Huskies go 4-2 ATS. Favored in every game this season the Wolverines have played their best when facing the best. They earned payouts in all three games when favored by a single digit and since the second month of the season they’ve been a boon to backers going 7-2 ATS in their last nine games.
Washington Huskies
I can see why the Huskies were a big underdog in the Pac-12 title game. They weren’t as overpowering in their final three regular season games beating Utah by a touchdown, OSU by a deuce and squeaking by Wazzou 24-21 as a 16-point favorite. In fact, nine of their last 10 games were one-score affairs with four of them decided by a field goal or less. I guess you could say they are a team of destiny or the luck is about to run out. With Michael Penix Jr. slinging the ball the Huskies will go down fighting.
Penix torched the Texas secondary going 29 of 38 for 430 yards and two touchdowns while the offense amassed 532 total yards. Penix can put a bow on a magical season that’s seen him throw for 4,648 yards and 35 TDs. The offense has been among the best in the FBS all season ranked 10th in yards and points per game. Playing against outrageously high totals the Huskies split 7-7 on the over/under.
Michigan Wolverines
There is speculation that this could be Jim Harbaugh’s final game as coach of the Maize and Blue. With several job openings in the NFL the opportunity to return is there, and after what he’s accomplished the last two seasons Harbaugh will be a hot commodity. That hasn’t prevented him from staying focused on what’s in front of him. The Wolverines exorcised CFP demons with a thrilling win over Alabama at the Rose Bowl. Falling behind in the second half for the first time this season, J.J. McCarthy rallied the troops for a late game-tying touchdown to send it to OT.
He doesn’t have the numbers of his counterpart but McCarthy has been efficient completing 73.2 percent of his passes for 2,851 yards with 22 TDs and only four interceptions. Michigan ranks in the bottom half of the FBS in total offense but sits among the top 15 in scoring. The Wolverines rely strongly on a defense that ranks first nationally allowing an average of 243.1 yards.
The group held Alabama to 288 total yards and just 3 of 13 on third downs while three of McCarthy’s 17 completions were touchdowns.
Washington vs. Michigan Free Pick
I kind of feel like this is Michigan’s season. They rose to the occasion in big games against Penn State, Ohio State and Bama, overcame a second half deficit for the first time to beat the Tide and they have a stronger defense, at least statistically. It should be fun but I’m backing Michigan minus the points.
BookMaker Pick: Michigan -5
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