Michigan to win CFP National Championship in close game against Washington

  • No. 1 Michigan is a 4.5-point favorite over No. 2 Washington on Monday night
  • Seven of the nine CFP National Championship games have gone over 55.5 points
  • The Wolverines and Huskies kick off from NRG Stadium in Houston, TX on January 8 at 7:30 pm ET

Two undefeated teams will square off at NRG Stadium for the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday night. Michigan (14-0) outlasted Alabama 27-20 in an overtime thriller in the Rose Bowl while Washington (14-0) held off Texas 37-31 in the Sugar Bowl.

Before we check the odds and make our picks, be sure to check out our 2023-24 College Football Betting Resources and get the Best College Football Bowl Odds.

Michigan vs Washington

BetOnline ReviewSpreadMoney LineTotal Points
Washington+4.5 (-115)+165Ov 56.0 (-110)
Michigan-4.5 (-105)-190Un 56.0 (-110)

Huskies airing it out

If styles make a fight, we should have one heck of a national title game. While the Wolverines are dominant in the trenches, the Huskies have a high-flying aerial attack headed by Michael Penix Jr. The Heisman finalist passed for 430 yards and two touchdowns in the semifinal win against Texas, connecting with his trifecta of stud WRs (Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan and Ja’Lynn Polk) for 19 completions, 353 yards and two scores.

A deep ball specialist with incredible accuracy, Penix Jr. had 39 passing plays longer than 30 yards this season. Expected to be among the top three receivers taken in the 2023 NFL Draft, Odunze recorded 87 catches for 1,553 yards and 13 TDs in 2023.

Wolverines ground attack

Michigan’s offense (36.0 points per game) ranked just behind Washington’s (37.6) in 2023. J.J. McCarthy passed for 221 yards and three TDs in the semifinal victory over Alabama. But the Wolverines offense runs through Blake Corum, who piled up 1,111 rushing yards and a school-record 25 touchdowns this season. Corum caught a TD and ran in the overtime winner against the Crimson Tide.

Washington ranked 86th in the FBS in yards per carry allowed, and permitted the Longhorns to rack up 180 rushing yards on 28 carries with three scores.

Washingtonto cover vs Michigan
★★★★★
+4.5
Bet now
UNDER 56Wolverines vs Huskies
★★★★★
-110
Bet now

Wolverines vs Huskies

Michigan is a 4.5-point favorite in NRG Stadium in Houston with the over/under set at 56 points. The Wolverines have the best defense in the nation, ranking first in points allowed per game (10.2) and yards allowed per game (244.5). However, Washington’s D permitted 30+ points six different times this year, ranking 49th in opponent points per game (24.1)

Interesting stats

Michigan and Washington are each looking to become only the sixth program in the history of major college football to finish 15-0 or better. The Wolverines last won in 1997, while the Huskies’ last championship was in 1991. Neither school has played for a national title since the BCS began in 1998.

This will also be first CFP national title game not to include an SEC team since the inaugural 2014 season when Ohio State played Oregon.

Coaching battle

Rumored to be headed to the NFL after being suspended for six of 12 regular-season games this season, Jim Harbaugh is one win away from delivering his alma mater the national title he promised upon taking over in 2015.

Meanwhile, Kalen DeBoer has led the Huskies to 21 consecutive victories, the longest active win streak in the FBS.

Best Bet

Washington has given up only 11 sacks in 14 games, but they haven’t faced an elite D-Line like Michigan’s. The Wolverines also rank third nationally in opposing passer rating, so Michael Penix Jr. may not have the same level of success he enjoyed against Texas, which ranked 49th.

The Huskies have won its last ten games by 10 points or less, and we expect another close one on Monday night. We’ll take Washington to cover the points (+4.5), but Michigan to win the national championship (-190).

Michiganto win vs Washington
★★★★★
-190
Bet now

See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:

Badge ranking partner

1

★★★★★

Bonus

50% up to $1,000

Bet Now
Badge ranking partner

2

★★★★★

Bonus

125% Sports Bonus - up to $2,500

Bet Now
Badge ranking partner

3

★★★★☆

Bonus

100% up to $1,000

Bet Now
Steve Starr

Highly analytical and results-driven Sports Betting Expert with over 20 years of experience in sports analytics, betting strategy development, and risk management. Proven track record of leveraging statistical models and market analysis to achieve consistent profitability in sports betting. Adept at using data-driven insights to forecast outcomes, identify value bets, and optimize betting strategies. Strong communication skills with a demonstrated ability to present complex data in an understandable manner. Skills -Advanced Statistical Analysis -Predictive Modeling & Forecasting -Sports Analytics & Data Interpretation -Risk Management & Stake Allocation -Market Research & Trend Analysis -Strategic Betting Strategies -Proficiency with Betting Software (e.g., Betfair, Pinnacle) -Strong Excel & Data Visualization Skills -Excellent Communication & Presentation Skills