Washington vs Michigan: Best Bets for National Title

It has been quite a while since either the Wolverines or the Huskies have won the College Football National title. For Michigan, theirs came in 1997 after they went undefeated and dispensed of Washington State in the Rose Bowl.

For Washington, it was 1991, after going undefeated, they faced this Michigan program in the Rose Bowl and took care of business in a 34-14 victory. Both titles were split with other schools as it was before the BCS and CFP systems.

Michigan Wolverines vs Washington Huskies

This game will be for a sole title that will culminate an incredible season for whoever is the winner. The battle within the battle will be the efficiency and timely deep balls of JJ McCarthy versus the consistent stretching of the defense balls of Michael Penix Jr. As far as which style will come out on top, that could be decided by how well Michigan’s secondary holds up.

In the times of transfer portals, redshirts, and Covid years, we are treated to a matchup that has been seen before in a “different light.” Michael Penix, before transferring to Washington, spent 4 seasons with the Indiana Hoosiers. However, he only faced the Wolverines once during that stretch.

In 2020, Penix led the Hoosiers to a 6-2 record and #12 ranking, including a win over then #23 Michigan 38-21. Penix was 30-50, 342 yards, 3 touchdowns, and was never sacked nor threw an interception. That said, this Michigan defense in 2023-2024 is ranked 1^st in the country compared to the 2020 squad that finished #95 in the country.

We believe that this could be one of the best games in recent years with the contrasting styles. However, the Huskies have continually been overlooked and underrated. Here, in the title game, it seems they were once again underrated when the bookmakers came out with a 6.5-point spread as the initial line. Since then, the line has shifted down to 4.5 and is likely to continue to drop a bit more.

Best Bet: Washington +5 (Caesars)

We are not going to overlook the Huskies here and instead back them with relatively supreme confidence. These Huskies continually cover the number as underdog and Michigan has continued to struggle against non-Big 10 opponents, particularly those from the defuncting Pac-12.

While Michigan’s defense is its strength, Penix’s ability to extend plays, spread the field, and strike quickly will keep these Huskies in the game no matter how far they fall behind, IF they fall behind.

As a Michigan fan, I am excited and hopeful for a victory but in terms of handicapping this one, I believe the Huskies are the right play. Maybe I get lucky and Michigan wins but the Huskies cover. So, with that said, GO Blue! But by 4 or less

Key Trends:

• Michigan is 1-3 ATS in their last 4 games against non-conference opponents.
• Michigan is 2-11 ATS in their last 13 games against an opponent in the Pac-12 conference.
• Washington is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing as the underdog.
• Washington is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games.