Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9). Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

CFP Championship Game: Washington Huskies vs. Michigan Wolverines betting picks, preview

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated 1/5/24

This is a highly anticipated College Championship Game. There are so many angles to look at too — a couple of undefeated teams, future conference mates, plus it has been a while since either was on top of the mountain. Let alone all of the Coach Harbaugh stuff and the fact that this is the last title game with a four-team playoff. With so much build up, I hope we get a game we are happy with.

Washington Huskies vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Trends and Odds

Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, 7:30 p.m. ET
Spread: Michigan -4.5, Over/under 56, Washington +160 | Michigan -192

Both of these teams won closely contested semifinal games. I think Washington was more impressive because their passing game looked unstoppable at times against Texas. Washington is bringing in more money and tickets too right now, but the line has not moved correspondingly, which is telling us where the really sharp bets have been placed. (On Michigan.)

Picks for Washington vs. Michigan

Washington +4.5, J.J. McCarthy 25+ Rushing Yards (+110)

There are a lot of reasons to like the Washington Huskies. What we have seen this season is that they are truly never out of a game thanks to a passing attack that at any time can score in less than a minute.

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Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is operating at such a high level and his receivers never seem to drop the ball. They can use that strength, and what is considered an excellent offensive line, to put a lot of game pressure on Michigan, such that the Wolverines have rarely seen this season. Michigan is not going to crumble, they are too good for that, but to win it all in our current times you have to be a little bit more explosive than they have shown so far. Look for a back-and-forth game, which is what we want. I like Washington on the Moneyline so taking the points is a gimme.

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy has really low passing yards projected for this one. I think he is going to have to make some plays with his legs, and he can do just that. Just breaking one big run might be enough and it keeps him from making the big kind of turnover mistake that could turn the game.

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