The stage is officially set for the pinnacle of College Football’s 2023-24 season, as Michigan and Washington are slated to clash in the national championship game. The showdown is scheduled to take place in Houston, Texas, on Monday, January 8, promising an electrifying culmination to an exhilarating season. Both teams earned their coveted spots in the championship contest through riveting semifinal performances.
What? Michigan Wolverines vs Washington Huskies, 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship
In a nail-biting overtime thriller, Michigan emerged victorious with a 27-20 edge over Alabama, securing their ticket to the title game. Meanwhile, Washington’s journey to the championship was sealed with a dramatic 37-31 win over Texas, marked by a crucial stop on the final play. As the Wolverines and Huskies prepare to go head-to-head, football enthusiasts can anticipate a clash of titans as these two powerhouse teams vie for the ultimate glory in Houston.
Washington Huskies
The offensive display by Washington was evident, amassing a total of 532 yards. However, the defensive side faced challenges, allowing 498 yards to Texas. Despite a less-than-ideal 3rd-down efficiency of 3-for-11, the Huskies managed to secure the win by winning the turnover battle with a plus-1 margin. In a game marked by both offensive prowess and defensive resilience, the Huskies demonstrated their ability to navigate challenges and emerge victorious in the Sugar Bowl clash.
Michigan Wolverines
In a thrilling Rose Bowl matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Michigan Wolverines triumphed with a hard-fought 27-20 victory that extended into overtime. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy played a pivotal role, delivering a standout performance by throwing for 221 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Blake Corum made a significant impact. He carried the ball 19 times for 83 yards, sealing the win with a game-winning 17-yard touchdown run in overtime.
Michigan’s offensive output was notable, amassing a total of 351 yards, including 130 rushing yards. The team showcased discipline, committing just 2 penalties for 25 yards. Despite their overall efficiency, the Wolverines faced challenges on 3rd-down situations, managing only a 2-for-11 conversion rate. Additionally, a missed extra point and a few special teams missteps added a layer of complexity, highlighting areas for improvement as they progress further in the postseason. Despite these challenges, Michigan’s determination and resilience ultimately secured a thrilling victory in the Rose Bowl.
Betting Stats
Money Line: Washington 14-0 | Michigan 14-0
Against The Spread: Washington 7-6-1 | Michigan 8-5-1
Over/Under: Washington 7-7 | Michigan 7-6-1
Best National Championship Betting Props
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Half Time / Full Time – Regulation Time. This bet is for Michigan to be winning at half time and full time.
Half Time/Full Time Michigan/MichiganMichigan vs Washington
Throughout the nine previous College Football Playoff national title games, the margin of victory exceeded 15 points in six instances. Only three championships since 2014 have been decided by one score.
Notably, this marks the first College Football Playoff National Championship since 2014 in which a team from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) won’t be part of the title matchup.
A Michigan triumph would secure the Big Ten its first national championship since 2014. This would break a significant title drought for the conference. Conversely, a Washington victory would mark the Pac-12’s first national title since USC’s win in 2004.
This championship clash between Michigan and Washington represents the fourth occurrence of the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds meeting in the College Football Playoff national championship. Interestingly, in these matchups, the No. 2 seeds maintain an undefeated record of 3-0.
Starting out in the betting industry, Henry later found his calling in sports writing. Specializing in soccer, golf, and darts, he also offers insights into a wide array of sports across the globe. After earning a BA Honors degree in Business and Management, Henry advanced through the ranks at William Hill in England. His career isn't just limited to sports; he's also made a mark in Property and Finance, fields in which he remains engaged. Henry now resides in Barcelona, where he enjoys playing golf year-round as part of the Real Federacion Espanola de Golf.