Michigan vs Washington Prediction, Odds & Picks
The 2023-24 college football season will come to a close Monday night in Houston when #1 Michigan battles #2 Washington in the CFP National Championship game. We’ve made our Michigan vs Washington prediction to help you make the best bet.
Oddsmakers have set the Wolverines as -4.5 favorites over the Huskies at NRG Stadium in Houston. Both teams enter the CFP National Championship with undefeated records and are seeking college football’s ultimate prize.
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 4.5-point favorites against the spread and -195 on the moneyline. The over/under is set at 55.5 points.
Given the betting odds, Michigan’s implied win probability is 66%, while Washington’s implied chance of pulling out the victory is 38%.
Kickoff for the CFP National Championship is 7:30 PM ET on January 8, 2023, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. ESPN will carry the broadcast.
Odds as of January 3rd, 2024 at ESPN SportsbookDIME“. Bet anything on the National Championship and receive $150 in bonuses!
Michigan vs Washington History
Michigan and Washington have played 13 times in their history, with the Wolverines leading the all-time series 8-5. UM has won the past two meetings, including in 2021 when they cruised to a 31-10 victory in Ann Arbor.
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 a history in the Rose Bowl, having met four times in 1978, 1981, and twice in 1992-93, with each team winning twice.
Wolverines Are Clear Favorites in Houston
Oddsmakers are siding with the Michigan Wolverines in the CFP National Championship, setting them as 4.5-point favorites over Washington. This betting line is actually down a few points 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.
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.
Michigan has met every challenge they’ve faced, however, taking an “Us against the world” approach to the season. Perhaps the biggest reason they are favored over Washington is their stifling defense, which limited Bama to a season-low 288 yards. They also sacked QB Jalen Milroe six times.
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.
Huskies Maintain Underdog Role in National Championship
The Washington Huskies have been betting underdogs in three of their past four games, and they continue to defy those expectations. Washington closed as a 3.5-point underdog in the Sugar Bowl CFP Semifinal and went on to win by a 37-31 score.
Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. earned the title of Most Outstanding Offensive Player with 430 passing yards and two touchdowns, while RB Dillon Johnson punched in two TDs on the ground. Washington outgained Texas 532-498 in total yardage.
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.
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, Michigan has steadily improved, beating Ohio State, winning the Big Ten, and overcoming the college football playoff semi-final hurdle. Our CFP National Championship prediction is Michigan wins by five or more points against the Huskies.
