Washington vs. Michigan Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Huskies' Defense Handle JJ McCarthy, Wolverines Offense?

Washington vs. Michigan Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Huskies' Defense Handle JJ McCarthy, Wolverines Offense?

The Washington Huskies will take on the Michigan Wolverines in the College Football Playoff Championship tonight.

There have been rumors that Jim Harbaugh could be coaching his final game with Michigan tonight. He's been linked to multiple NFL teams, and it sounds likely that he'll pursue the NFL again, especially with so many different allegations against him in college football.

With that said, Harbaugh and the Wolverines are favorites to win the Championship against Washington. While Michigan and Washington are both 14-0, Michigan statistically has the better defense and isn't far off offensively in comparison to Washington.

The Huskies have made more big plays down the field, but if Michigan can limit possessions and put together drives of seven or more minutes, Washington's big plays down the field won't come very often.

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 56.5 (-110), Under 56.5 (-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

Games like these are fun. We couldn't have had a more exciting matchup than this one. Washington's offense is one of the best in the nation, while Michigan's defense is up there as one of the best in the nation.

Stylistically, both teams are completely opposite. That's why it's such an exciting matchup.

Washington has averaged 344.71 yards per game in the air with Heisman runner-up Michael Penix Jr. They've also earned 123.57 yards per game on the ground behind Dillon Johnson, who is probable for tonight's game after sustaining a late injury in the semifinals matchup.

Meanwhile, Michigan has allowed only 130.21 yards in the air and 93.14 yards on the ground per game. The Wolverines were the stronger team on the line of scrimmage against Alabama. Therefore, you can expect Michigan to be stronger in the trenches against Washington in this game.

On the other hand, Washington's defense has allowed 257.36 yards in the air and 137.36 yards on the ground. The Huskies haven't excelled defensively this year. Although Michigan has only earned 208.14 yards in the air behind J.J. McCarthy, the Wolverines have also rushed for nearly 160 yards on the ground with Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards.

There are many ideas for how Washington can play Michigan defensively. Washington can sell out against the run, knowing the Wolverines want to run and get stops. Or they can play their typical defense and try to keep Michigan in front of them.

Meanwhile, if Michigan sees Washington selling out against the run, a couple of play-actions down the field with J.J. McCarthy would work wonders.

The team that makes the best in-game adjustments should win this game. After all, Michigan will probably be that team.

Back the Wolverines 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

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College Football Odds

• Click here for Washington vs. Michigan odds
• Who will win the National Championship tonight? Get the latest odds here