CFP National Championship Player Props: Can Michigan’s Defense Slow Down Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies?

The College Football Playoff National Championship game is set for Monday, Jan. 8, at 7:30 p.m. ET as the Washington Huskies take on the Michigan Wolverines. Both teams are undefeated with records of 14-0, and both are led by tremendous quarterbacks. Michael Penix Jr leads the way for the Huskies, while the Wolverines are led by J.J. McCarthy. It should be an entertaining game to watch unfold, and to get ready for the action, we are taking a look at some of the best player props for the CFP National Championship game.

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CFP National Championship Game Player Props

Michael Penix Jr. Under 24.5 completions (-114 odds on FanDuel Sportsbook)

Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. completed 27 passes in the Pac-12 Championship against Oregon and 29 passes in the Sugar Bowl against Texas. However, look for the Michigan defense to make things a bit more difficult on the lefty gunslinger. On the year, Penix has completed 66.7% of his pass attempts. But the Wolverines have an elite pass defense that held opponents to a completion percentage of just 55.6, which was 10th-best in all of college football.

Penix Jr. and the Washington offense thrive on big plays. Penix Jr. was able to complete several deep passes down the field against a weak Texas secondary, but Michigan should be ready. Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter put together a game plan that held Alabama to a season-low 288 total yards in the Rose Bowl. Penix Jr. looked nearly unstoppable in the Sugar Bowl, but don’t be surprised if he has a tougher time against a tough Michigan pass defense. In addition, it’s also worth mentioning that the Wolverines could put a heavy emphasis on running the ball and limiting Washington’s possessions, thus giving Penix Jr. fewer opportunities.

Blake Corum Over 22.5 rush attempts (-118 odds on FanDuel Sportsbook)

As previously mentioned, don’t be surprised to see Michigan run the ball early and often in this one. Not only will they want to keep Penix Jr. off the field, but running the ball with Blake Corum is what the Wolverines do best. On the year, Corum ran the ball 237 times for 1,111 yards. He had 19 rushes in the Rose Bowl against Alabama, but look for him to go over his rushing attempts prop of 22.5.

Washington’s run defense is nothing to write home about. On the year, the Huskies have allowed 137.1 rushing yards per game, which ranks 41st in all of college football. That may not sound all that bad, but keep in mind that Washington held leads all season long and their opponents had to abandon the run game. Perhaps more noteworthy, Washington allowed 4.4 yards per carry, which ranked 75th in the country. All in all, look for Michigan to feed Corum a ton in this one.

Colston Loveland Over 34.5 receiving yards (-115 odds on Caesars Sportsbook)

Aside from WR Roman Wilson, Michigan TE Colston Loveland is J.J. McCarthy’s go-to target. Wilson has hauled in 45 catches this season, while Loveland is not far behind with 42. Loveland has exceeded 34.5 receiving yards eight times this season, but over his last two games, he had just 22 and 13 receiving yards against Iowa and Alabama respectively. This could be a spot in which he gets more involved in the Wolverine offense.

On the year, Loveland is averaging 13.9 yards per catch. Michigan doesn’t throw the ball a ton, but Washington’s pass defense has allowed 279.9 passing yards per game to their opponents, which ranks 122nd in all of college football. Texas TE Ja’Tavion Sanders was the Longhorns’ leading receiver against Washington in the Sugar Bowl, hauling in six catches for 75 yards. It would not be surprising to see Loveland with a similar stat line in this one.

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