Michigan vs Washington Prediction, Odds & Picks – CFP National Championship

Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) throws a pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsWe’ve made our Michigan vs Washington prediction for the CFP National Championship GameThe latest college football betting odds favor the Wolverines by 5.5 points in HoustonRead below for expert Michigan vs Washington prediction, odds, and picks

The 2023-24 college football season reaches its climax Monday night in Houston with the #1 Michigan facing off against #2 Washington in the CFP National Championship game. We’ve made our Michigan vs Washington prediction to help you make the best bet.

Bookmakers have placed the Wolverines as 5.5-point favorites over the Huskies at NRG Stadium in Houston. Both contenders are entering the CFP National Championship with impeccable, undefeated records, each aspiring to clinch the top honor in college football.

Let’s offer you our Michigan vs Washington prediction, as we analyze the odds and preview the National Championship.

Michigan vs Washington Odds – CFP National Championship

In the Michigan vs Washington odds for the CFP National Championship, the Wolverines are 5.5-point favorites against the spread and -225 on the moneyline. The over/under is set at 55.5 points.

Based on these betting odds, Michigan’s implied probability of winning stands at 69%, while Washington has a 34.5% chance of emerging victorious.

The CFP National Championship kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET on January 8, 2023, at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, with ESPN broadcasting the event.

Odds as of January 8th, 2024 at ESPN Sportsbook. Make sure to sign up for ESPN Bet using our exclusive promo code “DIME“. Bet anything on the National Championship and receive $150 in bonuses!

Michigan vs Washington History

Michigan and Washington have clashed 13 times historically, with the Wolverines ahead in the all-time series 8-5. UM has triumphed in the last two encounters, including a 31-10 victory in Ann Arbor in 2021.

While QB JJ McCarthy wasn’t on the roster yet, Blake Corum had a monster game against the Huskies, rushing for 171 yards and three touchdowns. Washington was held to only 50 rushing yards, although none of their current key offensive players were on that roster.

Michigan and Washington have also competed in the Rose Bowl, facing each other four times in 1978, 1981, and twice in 1992-93, with both teams clinching two wins apiece.

Wolverines Are Clear Favorites in Houston

Oddsmakers are siding with the Michigan Wolverines in the CFP National Championship, setting them as 5.5-point favorites over Washington. This betting line is actually down a point from the initial look-ahead line prior to the semi-finals, which was MICH -6.5.

Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan enters following a 27-20 overtime victory over the #4 Alabama Crimson Tide at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy played a pivotal role with three touchdown passes, while Blake Corum had two total touchdowns.

This play was wild. What a catch and throw by J.J. McCarthy here!

pic.twitter.com/P5GJqEqeAE

— JD 〽️ (@MGoJDBlue) January 2, 2024

Michigan’s season has been marked by challenges, including a suspension for head coach Jim Harbaugh during the first three games and an NCAA investigation into potential violations. Harbaugh also missed the last three regular-season games due to an NCAA suspension related to allegations of sign stealing by Michigan.

Despite the hurdles, Michigan has consistently risen to the occasion, adopting an “Us against the world” mentality this season. Their robust defense, which limited Bama to a season-low 288 yards and sacked QB Jalen Milroe six times, is a key reason they’re favored over Washington.

It’s hard to argue with oddsmakers making Michigan the favorite in the National Championship odds. The Wolverines have been the most consistent college football team this season, never allowing more than 24 points in a game and rarely falling behind to an opponent.

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Huskies Maintain Underdog Role in National Championship

The Washington Huskies have been underdogs in three of their last four games, yet have consistently defied the odds. In the Sugar Bowl CFP Semifinal, they closed as a 3.5-point underdog but triumphed with a 37-31 victory.

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was named Most Outstanding Offensive Player with his 430 passing yards and two touchdowns, while RB Dillon Johnson scored two ground touchdowns. Washington outgained Texas in total yardage, 532-498.

A DART FROM MICHAEL PENIX JR. 😮‍💨

The Huskies come out firing in the second half 🔥 #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/Ay61e1vHXL

— ESPN (@espn) January 2, 2024

Even though it isn’t always pretty, the Huskies just find ways to win. They’ve won five straight one-possession games and found a way to overcome Texas rushing for 180 yards on the ground in the Sugar Bowl. Having the nation’s top-ranked passing offense certainly helps.

The big concern for the Huskies is the health of leading running back Dillon Johnson, who suffered an injury towards the end of the Sugar Bowl. The latest Dillon Johnson injury update is the RB underwent x-rays on his lower half Tuesday, which came back negative. He’s expected to play Monday, but keep in mind negative x-rays don’t preclude a foot/ankle injury.

Michigan vs Washington Prediction

The CFP National Championship seemingly brings together two teams of destiny, with Michigan overcoming all kinds of adversity and Washington finding ways to win no matter the circumstance. So, what’s the best Michigan vs Washington prediction to make?

We can’t help but love this matchup for the Wolverines, who built their team back in 2021 to finally get over the hump and beat their Ohio State rivals. Washington’s team is very similar to that OSU club, with the team relying heavily on the arm of Penix and lacking in run defense efficiency.

IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS 🔥

Michigan vs. Washington in H-Town for the Natty 🏆 pic.twitter.com/K3v5kYniBC

— ESPN (@espn) January 2, 2024

Michigan possesses an elite defense that can match up with a pass-first offense while also dominating the play in the trenches. The Wolverines haven’t let any team throw for over 300 yards on them, while rushing for nearly 160 yards per game on offense.

Under Harbaugh’s guidance, Michigan has seen steady progress, defeating Ohio State, securing the Big Ten title, and surmounting the college football playoff semi-final barrier. Our CFP National Championship prediction? Michigan to win by at least one touchdown over the Huskies.

Pick: Michigan -5.5 (-110)

 

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