MLive score predictions for Michigan vs. Washington in national championship

HOUSTON -- Only two teams have completed 15-0 seasons during the College Football Playoff era.

Either No. 1 Michigan (14-0) or No. 2 Washington (14-0) will join that elite club Monday night in Houston. The Wolverines have been the betting favorite in every game this season and are again in the title game, giving 4 1/2 points, according to Caesars Sportsbook. But the Huskies have thrived in the underdog role, knocking off Oregon in the Pac-12 championship and Texas in the Sugar Bowl semifinal to reach college football’s biggest stage.

Michigan, which boasts the No. 1 scoring defense in the country, has largely dominated the scoreboard this season with 10 wins by double digits, although two of its last three games have been nail-biters. That includes a dramatic 27-20 overtime victory over Alabama in the Rose Bowl for the program’s first CFP win.

Meanwhile, Washington has played 10 straight games decided by single digits. Will the Wolverines bookend their 2023 season with their first national title in more than two decades, or will the Huskies, powered by the nation’s No. 1 passing offense, pull off another upset for their first championship since 1991? Here are score predictions from MLive’s beat reporters:

I said I’d pick Michigan if it beat Alabama — and that’s exactly what I am going to do here. The Wolverines have the edge with their offense — Washington is allowing 24 points and over 400 yards per game, and can control the tempo with Blake Corum and their ground game.

The only question is whether Michigan can slow Michael Penix and UW’s explosive passing game, which tends to lag in offensive versus defensive showdowns such as these. Look for Michigan to do enough to slow the Huskies, dominate time of possession and win this game in the end. Prediction: Michigan 31, Washington 24

Michigan is one victory from the program’s first title since 1997. The blueprint to do it is simple. If Michigan’s pass rush is anything like it was against Alabama, this game won’t be close. Washington lives off its explosive passing game and Penix isn’t a running threat, but he’s protected by the country’s best offensive line. Offensively for Michigan, another balanced, turnover-free performance will be good enough to crack 30 points.

The Huskies have proven doubters wrong all season. They were underdogs in each of their past two games but found a way to win. They are a worthy championship team but a notch below Michigan in every phase.

The Rose Bowl felt like a national championship, but the reality is Michigan still needs one more win to complete the mission. In the words of Dan Fouts (repeatedly) at the end of “The Waterboy”: Last game of the year; can’t hold anything back now. Prediction: Michigan 34, Washington 24

I’m now convinced this group of Wolverines is a team of destiny. They conquered Alabama and the SEC in the Rose Bowl and, despite a weak schedule to begin the season, now have three top-10 wins in their past five games. This electric Washington offense can put up points in a hurry, but Michigan’s top-ranked defense has shown up time and time again. The Huskies’ defense also isn’t close to the caliber of Alabama’s.

The Wolverines will put a bow on their whirlwind season with a double-digit victory in the title game. Prediction: Michigan 38, Washington 27