Michigan an early favorite in CFP championship game against Washington
It isn't "Michigan vs. everybody" anymore. The Wolverines have oddsmakers on their side.
Michigan (14-0) was installed as the early 4.5-point favorite in the College Football Playoff championship game on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, against CFP No. 2 Washington (14-0), per Action Network.
The Wolverines being favored isn't much of a surprise after they broke through with their first win in the CFP semifinals in three tries by beating No. 4 Alabama in the Rose Bowl, 27-20, in overtime. No. 1 Michigan has been one of the best college football programs in the country this decade, and it's on a mission to finish what it started in 2021, possibly even sending head coach Jim Harbaugh to the NFL with a college football national championship.
However, it's somewhat surprising that the opening line for the national title game is larger than either of the semifinals.
Washington has been fueled this year by disrespect. The Huskies were a 9.5-point underdog in the Pac-12 title game against Oregon despite winning the regular season meeting, 36-33.
No. 3 Texas was a four-point favorite entering the Sugar Bowl. Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer discussed how being an underdog served as added motivation before the Huskies' thrilling 37-31 win before the game.
"You also get to the point where you are 9-0, 10-0, and you're not the favorite team... It's not really bulletin-board material or anything like that, but just finding those ways to disprove those doubters," said DeBoer.
With quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and outstanding wide receivers Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan, the Huskies are talented enough to beat Michigan without extra fuel; oddsmakers have ensured they'll have it anyway.
However, Michigan also has its own outside motivation. While it put its sign-stealing scandal behind it, the program still has its detractors because of the scheme. The Wolverines must use that to support their underdog mentality because they certainly have the respect of sportsbooks.
It isn't difficult to understand why. Michigan's defense is outstanding, its latest achievement limiting Alabama to a season-low 288 yards, well below its season average of 393.1 yards per game.
After Texas ran for 180 yards and finished in the 96th percentile in expected points added per rush attempt (0.44), Wolverines running back Blake Corum is likely eager to pick up where he left off at the Rose Bowl.
However, there are plenty of reasons to like Washington on Monday night. For starters, Washington's offensive line, winner of the 2023 Joe Moore Award for the most outstanding unit, is much better than 'Bama's.
Penix Jr. was also the best player in either of the semifinals and if he is the best player again in the championship game, the Huskies have a great chance of pulling off the upset.
If nothing else, it will at least be closer than oddsmakers predict.
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