The College Football Playoff National Championship matchup is set between the last remaining undefeated teams in the Michigan Wolverines and the Washington Huskies.
Michigan and Washington were able to survive close CFP Semifinals matchups to advance to the CFP National Championship, and the oddsmakers at Caesars Sportsbook see it being a tight contest between the Wolverines and the Huskies.
Michigan opens as slight favorite on the spread at -4.5 and -190 on the money line, with Washington not far behind at +4.5 and a +158 underdog on the money line.
Both semifinal matchups ended up tight as expected, with Michigan surviving in overtime against Alabama and covering as 2-point favorites, and Washington prevailing as 3.5-point underdog after holding off Texas on the final drive.
Michigan was the No. 2-ranked team in the nation for much of the season behind Georgia, but they leaped to No. 1 after conference championship weekend and lived up to being the No. 1 seed in the CFP after defeating Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide.
Washington entered the CFP as the No. 2 seed also with a lot to prove despite being undefeated and a higher seed than Texas, but they were able to prove themselves with senior quarterback Michael Penix leading the way.
The quarterback matchup in the national championship is intriguing considering that Penix and Michigan signal caller J.J. McCarthy are both having strong seasons and are expected to go high in the NFL Draft.
The oddsmakers are expecting a somewhat high-scoring national championship game, as the over/under is set at 55.5 total points, which seems high considering how strong Michigan’s defense has been.
Kickoff between the Wolverines and Huskies is set for Monday, Jan. 8 at NRG Stadium in Houston at 6:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN.
CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BETTING LINE/TV INFO
Spread: Michigan Wolverines (-4.5) vs. Washington Huskies
Money line: Michigan -190, Washington +158
Total: O/U 55.5 points
Day/Time/TV: Monday, Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Odds by Caesars Sportsbook as of Tuesday, Jan. 2, official odds partner of Bet.NOLA.com