CFP National Championship betting odds: Michigan vs. Washington winning margin predictions

Akron Beacon Journal
 
CFP National Championship betting odds: Michigan vs. Washington winning margin predictions

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The betting markets for the CFP National Championship between Michigan and Washington are vast, and one gaining popularity is the winning margin odds. This market calls for you to accurately predict which team will win and by how many points.

Because the spread currently sits at Michigan -4.5, the Wolverines winning by 1-6 points has the shortest odds in the margin of victory market.

The oddsmakers were off target in the CFP semifinal games, as Michigan was a 1.5-point favorite and won by seven, and Washington was a 4.5-point underdog and won outright. But sportsbooks have a long track record of setting near-perfect lines, so you shouldn’t lose faith in them heading into the National Championship.

Michigan blew out many subpar teams in the first half of the season. As the schedule progressed, Big Blue played two tough games against Penn State and Ohio State that came down to the wire.

The matchup with the Nittany Lions wasn’t as tight, as Michigan came out on top 24-15. Against the Buckeyes, the Wolverines earned a six-point triumph.

The Rose Bowl semifinal game vs. Alabama went down to the final play of overtime. Ultimately, Michigan halted the Tide on fourth down to seal a 27-20 victory.

When facing the best teams in college football, Michigan has won tightly-contested matchups, and the same will likely be true if Big Blue reigns supreme in the National Championship.

Considering Washington is a 4.5-point underdog, it’s hard to imagine the Huskies running up the score if it overcomes Michigan in the National Championship. Washington shellacked opponents in the first few weeks of the year, but each of the Dogs’ last five wins has come by one possession.

With 2:40 left, the Huskies had a nine-point lead over Texas, and poor clock management by head coach Kalen DeBoer allowed the Longhorns to get four shots at the end zone from Washington’s 12-yard line. Texas failed to cross the goal line, and time expired in the game, but another clock mismanagement from DeBoer would make for a tight win in the National Championship if the Huskies prevail.

According to oddsmakers, Washington beating Michigan by 7-12 points is the fifth-most likely outcome, but it holds tremendous value.

Alabama’s offensive line dropped the ball in the Rose Bowl. Jalen Milroe was pressured from start to finish and got sacked six times. Milroe also dealt with poor snaps from his center, including a low snap on the last play.

Milroe wasn’t flawless himself, as he lost a fumble on a drive that could’ve given Alabama a two-possession lead. But with the constant pressure Milroe dealt with, he would’ve needed to play a perfect game for the Crimson Tide to advance to the National Championship.

Washington won the Joe Moore Award for the best offensive line in college football and should be better prepared for Michigan’s pass rush. Michael Penix Jr. is also outstanding at moving the pocket and delivering accurate passes when the rush closes in, giving him extra time to find his elite pass catchers.

If Penix Jr. gets in rhythm with Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk, there’s a strong chance Washington beats Michigan by 7-12 points. Odunze and Polk combined for 247 yards and a touchdown in the Huskies’ victory over Texas.

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