Michigan vs. Washington in the College Football Playoff championship game — who you got? If you’re unsure, then stick with us. We’ve analyzed the title game and have made three picks for the 2024 CFP final. We’re giving them all out for free right here!
- What: Michigan vs. Washington
- When: Monday, January 8
- Where: NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas
- How to watch: ESPN
Michigan vs. Washington Preview
You have to start with the opposites when previewing Michigan vs. Washington. These two sides could not be any more different once you start analyzing the matchup.
The Wolverines are a vintage football team. By that, we mean a smashmouth group that wins with defense and running the rock. The offense is keyed by running back Blake Corum, a two-time All-American. His bruising style symbolizes Michigan in many ways and Corum has a nation-leading 25 touchdowns this year. Corum should have success vs. a Washington defense that was gashed for 180 rushing yards in the semifinals.
Then there’s the Huskies, which play a more “modern” style. By that, we mean a throw-first team that wants to get the ball into their dynamic playmakers. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will likely be the best player on the field come Monday. The Heisman finalist threw for 430 yards against Texas to put Washington in this game.
How Michigan’s defense holds up against Penix will be key. The Wolverines finished No. 2 nationally in pass defense, but they haven’t faced an attack quite like the Huskies. Not even Ohio State can match the explosiveness of Washington receivers Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk. The future NFL players have combined for 152 catches, 2,675 yards, and 22 touchdowns this year.
You can’t truly preview this game without knowing the current Michigan-Washington odds, however. Available at the very best betting sites for football, Michigan are comfortable favorites on the spread. Have a look-see below at the betting line:
| Team |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan spread (-4.5) | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Washington spread (+4.5) | -110 | -110 | -110 |
Michigan vs. Washington Betting Picks
Dozens upon dozens of Michigan vs. Washington bets are out there. However, if you could only bet a few of them, we’d prioritize the bottom three:
Over/Under 55 Points
| Outcome | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 55 points | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Under 55 points | -110 | -110 | -110 |
Spoiler alert: we expect points to come off the board in this one. We’re quite confident in both offenses.
For one, Washington has the ultimate bend-don’t-break defense. Opponents typically have no issue moving the chains against them — as Texans almost did to complete a wild comeback in the semis — but Huskies usually find a way to get a crucial stop somehow, someway. Still, the Wolverines should get their points. Negative plays (sacks) or turnovers are rare for this side so they’ll keep up the scoring pace.
We feel the same about the Huskies. Everyone is raving about Michigan’s defensive efforts versus Alabama. They harassed Jalen Milroe for six sacks and only 116 passing yards. That’s fine and dandy, but Penix is a massive upgrade over Milroe.
We’ve talked about the Washington receivers already, but another reason for Penix’s success this season is the protection. He’s been sacked all of 11 times this season. It’s that extra time he gets in the pocket that allows this offense to unleash on opposing defenses. Yes, Michigan has a good defensive line of its own, but it won’t be easy to get to Penix either. All things considered, taking the over makes sense.
Spread
We’ll be dead honest, we’re not sure who’s winning the NCAA title. It’s why we’re skipping the moneyline bet altogether. However, we’re quite confident the game will come down to the wire. If our inkling is correct, Washington has a high chance of covering the spread.
This game really will be decided up front between Washington’s offensive line vs. Michigan’s defensive front. We like the Huskies in that matchup, which bodes well for them. Washington will keep this game under five points — bank on it!
Prop
Alright, the prop market is where things get really fun. You can bet on anything and everything here, including the first touchdown scorer or over/under on an assortment of player stats. One of those that caught our attention is over/under on Penix’s passing touchdowns. Here’s how the odds shake out in this prop:
| Outcome | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 1.5 Passing TDs | -185 | -185 | -185 |
| Under 1.5 Passing TDs | +120 | +120 | +120 |
If you’ve read this far, then you know we’re betting Penix to go off. Taking this prop is just further conviction in the QB on our side. We’re hammering the over despite only one team (the Buckeyes) having thrown for more than one touchdown against the Wolverines this season. That number becomes two come the title game.
How To Bet On Michigan vs. Washington
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