Washington vs. Michigan Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can J.J. McCarthy, Wolverines Overpower Cinderella Huskies?
The Michigan Wolverines are set to square off with the Washington Huskies in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Can J.J. McCarthy and the Wolverines find success against the Huskies? Jason Radowitz provides his pick against the spread in Washington vs. Michigan.
Jason Radowitz - January 2, 2024, 10:15 AM EST
5 minWashington vs. Michigan Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can J.J. McCarthy, Wolverines Overpower Cinderella Huskies?
There was plenty of controversy surrounding the College Football Playoff before Bowl Season began.
However, it looks like the committee got it right after all.
We had two fantastic semifinal games, with fans biting their nails on every possession.
We didn't have any massive blowouts or teams that looked utterly outmatched. We got two incredible matchups and will likely have another fantastic game on January 8 for the College Football Playoff National Championship.
The Michigan Wolverines won the Rose Bowl in overtime at the Rose Bowl. Meanwhile, the Washington Huskies hung on against Texas in the final seconds of the Sugar Bowl.
Now we've got two undefeated teams facing off for all the marbles. It's a fitting matchup to conclude the four-team College Football Playoff format.
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for this matchup between the Washington Huskies vs. Michigan Wolverines.
Washington vs. Michigan Date, Start Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: January 8, 2024
- Game Time: 7:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN
Washington vs. Michigan Odds
- Spread: Washington +4.5 (-110), Michigan -4.5 (-110)
- Total: Over 55 (-110), Under 55 (-110)
- Moneyline: Washington (+165), Michigan (-190)
Washington vs. Michigan Injury Report
Washington
Questionable: RB Sam Adams II (Undisclosed)
Out: OL Gaard Memmelaar (Undisclosed), RB Cameron Davis (Lower Body)
Michigan
Out: OL Zak Zinter (Leg)
Washington vs. Michigan Prediction
The Big Ten defenses are something else.
Michigan dominated Alabama up front on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The Wolverines were more physical, tackled more consistently, and looked much more potent than Alabama in the semifinal of the CFP.
The Wolverines are terrific defensively. After all, they've allowed 9.46 points per game on defense.
Michigan allowed 135.08 yards in the air and 87.08 yards on the ground.
But they'll take on one of the best offenses in the nation in Washington. The Huskies scored 37.69 points per game, adding nearly 340 yards in the air and another 125.23 yards on the ground.
Michael Penix Jr.'s draft stock just increased after his dominant performance against Texas. He's thrown for 4,648 yards on the season with 35 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
While Washington has some games where they struggled, Penix Jr. always found a way to get the win. The Huskies also played better against more formidable opponents.
Penix Jr. had a bunch of great receivers this year. But his top guy, Rome Odunze, added 87 catches for 1,553 yards and 13 touchdowns. Michigan will have a difficult time against this offense, regardless.
However, the Wolverines have scored 36.69 points per game this season. Although Washington's been a more flashy offense, Michigan has been just as good offensively. The Wolverines have added 207.31 yards per game in the air and 161.77 yards on the ground.
Michigan likes to run more, but it's also apparent that Michigan typically gets better field position because of its defense.
Washington has had trouble tackling consistently and has also allowed 134.08 yards per game on the ground this season.
Michigan will have its way on the ground against Washington. I also think the Wolverines will control the line of scrimmage and make more plays defensively.
I'll take Michigan to win the CFP National Championship against the spread at -4.5.
Washington Huskies vs. Michigan Wolverines Pick
- PICK: Michigan -4.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Win a $50 Gift Card on the College Football National Championship
Think you know what's going to happen in the College Football National Championship? Answer the pick questions below for your chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card!
College Football Odds
