The Wolverines and Huskies are the finalists for the College National Championship title game on January 8 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. It seems appropriate for the two best-ranked teams during the regular season to face off in the finals.
This will be the first championship game in the era of the Bowl Championship to feature undefeated teams. Most sports gambling apps consider the Wolverines a 4.5-point favorite, a team that will play its first championship game in school history. Let’s preview both title contenders and odds for the best college football bets.
The Wolverines’ Defense Is the Best in the Nation
Michigan was the center of the biggest scandal this season after accusations of cheating by stealing other teams' signals. The incident was curious because most teams admitted they were doing the same thing, but the NCAA focused on Michigan and head coach Jim Harbaugh, who was suspended for three games.
The suspension did not hamper the Wolverine’s momentum, winning all 14 games in the regular season and securing a championship game appearance after defeating Alabama 27-20 in overtime on Monday, January 1, at the CFP Semifinal at the Rose Bowl.
The Wolverines have a defensive advantage. It's been their strength throughout the season, and it was something Michigan showcased against Alabama, holding their offense to 288 total yards, which represents the Crimson Tide's lowest performance this season. Michigan’s pass rush sacked quarterback Jalen Milroe 6 times, and the defense made a stop when the game was on the line. Not surprisingly, Wolverine’s total defense ranks number one nationally.
However, a team does not make it to the championship game m without playing offense. The Wolverines score 36 points per game on average. Quarterback J.J McCarthy passed for 2,630 yards and 19 touchdowns this season, with 221 passing yards and 3 TDs in the win against Alabama. McCarthy is a reliable passer, and Michigan’s passing game is complemented by running back Blake Corum with 25 rushing touchdowns.
The Huskies Can Outscore Opponents
The Huskies started the season with an underdog vibe, but that perception changed after the 36-33 win against Oregon in October. Some of the victories through the season did not inspire confidence that Washington can be a title contender, and entered the semi-final game against Texas as an underdog.
However, Washington's offense was led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr. who threw for 430 yards and 2 touchdowns against Texas on Monday. Penix has had a fantastic season with 4,218 passing yards and 33 touchdowns. The quarterback benefited from a solid offensive line, which allowed only 11 sacks the entire season.
Although the passing offense is top-notch, the Huskies can run the football, with RB Dilon Johnson going for 1,113 rushing yards and 14 TDs. Washington averages 37.6 points a game, and the defense allows 24.1 points per game - a lot more than the Wolverines' conceded 10.2 points per contest.
Betting Prediction
The entire storyline this season is concentrated on Michigan, a team overcoming scandal and making it to its first championship game. However, the Huskies are an underdog that continually surpasses expectations. The best betting sites with free bets offer -110 odds on both teams to cover their 4.5 spread, while a moneyline wager in the Wolverines receives -192 odds, and the Huskies +160 betting line.
The total is 55 points with equal -110 odds for the Over and Under bets. One team has a potent offense, while the other has the best defense, making for a thriller championship matchup.
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