A season of college football that started in late August has come full circle as we are at the beginning of a new year. The Michigan Wolverines will take on the Washington Huskies in Houston, Texas, on Monday Jan 8, at 7:30 p.m. The very best of a diverse college football landscape has culminated in a championship game that will change the sport forever. Below, we will take an in-depth look at the official CFP National Championship odds and predictions and preview of what is sure to be a historic game.
CFP National Championship Odds: Michigan vs. Washington
Both teams have so much to give and everything to lose, and there is no doubt if you’re a fan of the sport, you will be tuned in from pre-game coverage to confetti celebration. Be sure to take a look at all of the remarkable online sportsbook bonuses below, as all of these will be perfect to pair with any betting appetite as we march closer to kickoff. These bonuses total almost $5,000, all of which is accessible with just a click of a button! Get started today so you are in a good position to bet once game day arrives.
Michigan Wolverines: Time To Finish the Story
The Wolverines have gone through a lot this season to say the least — from a sign stealing controversy that had head coach Jim Harbaugh banned from the sidelines, to losing starting offensive lineman Zak Zinter during the Ohio State game. This team has come out on the other side and now has a chance at winning its first national championship title since 1997, when it was crowned co-champion with Nebraska. You have to go way back to 1948 to find the last time Michigan won an undisputed national championship.
This Michigan team wasn’t thrown together in an off-season. The roster has gone through losses together year over year and has seen players return multiple times. This team is not winning with Biletnikoff Award nominees on the outside, and is still managing to put up astounding numbers. Michigan is averaging nine yards per pass attempt, 378.4 offensive yards per game and 36 points per game. This team goes where it wants and throws around whoever is in front of it.
Michigan prop bet: J.J. McCarthy Over 196.5 Passing Yards (-119 odds on Caesars Sportsbook)
J.J. McCarthy is in for a full four quarter battle. The third-year starting quarterback has not thrown the ball down the field for an exceptional amount of yards. Interesting enough, McCarthy has only thrown for over 150 yards once in the last five games. In the Rose Bowl against Alabama, it took McCarthy 221 passing yards to come out as the victor. This gives us a good indication of just how Michigan does in the really competitive games. Washington does not have the most dynamic defense, the Huskies really look to put points on the board and make it a shootout. Nevertheless, McCarthy needs to have a big day, and with TE Colston Loveland, WR Roman Wilson and coach Jim Harbaugh, the stars have aligned for a big performance from McCarthy win or lose.
Washington Huskies: Never Give Up
The Huskies have not been taken seriously, and they have put the college football world on notice. When the ranking process for the final four teams came through, it seemed like everyone else in the field was given a legitimate case except for the Huskies. When taking a look at the odds for the final four teams in the CFP bracket, Washington was overwhelmingly at the bottom of every totem pole. During the Heisman Trophy ceremony, LSU QB Jayden Daniels looked like the far and away best pick and now as we approach the championship game, it looks like Michael Penix Jr. was the most deserving.
With everything we have seen from Washington, it isn’t hard to state that this team is an offensive powerhouse. Penix this season has remained unbothered by all attempts to limit his success. The rate at which he gets rid of the football when the pocket collapses neutralizes any chance of the defense creating a turnover. Add into the equation his uncanny accuracy when passing and this creates a huge danger for Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Against Texas in the Sugar Bowl, Penix threw for a staggering 430 yards, two touchdowns, had a 76.3% completion rate, while averaging 11.3 yards per pass. These are unreal stats when the stage is big and the lights are bright. We are seeing a star being born and it is the biggest problem Michigan will face this season.
Washington prop bet: Michael Penix Jr. Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns (-195 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook)
The Huskies pride themselves on their offense and for good reason. When you have the Heisman Trophy runner-up and your team is averaging 37.6 points per game and 350 net passing yards per game, it’s safe to say you’re in good hands. Penix has passed for two touchdowns in four of his five most recent games, meaning that this prop is looking better by the hour. Washington is not going to change its identity now and why fix what isn’t broken? Penix can easily vault over 1.5 passing touchdowns, and his most recent stats back this up.
Prediction: Washington Takes the Crown
There is absolutely a case to be made for both teams, but when looking at the catalysts on each team, Penix is the one you want. McCarthy is no slouch but when looking at who Penix is throwing to in comparison, Washington has the advantage. The obvious rebuttal is Michigan having the No. 1 defense, but the Huskies have remained undefeated in every shootout. Defense matters, but if your offense can’t put up points then it becomes so much more difficult to pull away when the game is close.
Michigan made a lot of mistakes in the Rose Bowl — from special teams to bad decisions from McCarthy. Making those same mistakes against Washington would be catastrophic, and Penix would capitalize. The Wolverines are 4.5-point favorites, but with how dynamic of a team Washington is offensively, don’t be surprised if Michigan can’t cover. The Over/Under is up to 56.5 points and taking the Over is just too good to pass up, especially when it comes to two teams averaging more than 30 points each.
