The College Football Playoff National Championship will feature a showdown between the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines and the No. 2 Washington Huskies. With both teams boasting perfect 14-0 records, Monday’s championship game is anticipated to be a closely contested season finale.
Michigan enters the game as the favorite with a 5.5-point edge, according to FanDuel Sportsbook odds as of Sunday night.
What’s on the line: Michigan seeks its first national championship since 1997, adding to its nine existing national titles. On the other hand, Washington, with two national titles, is making its first appearance in the championship game since 1991.
Under coach Kalen DeBoer’s leadership, Washington has undergone a remarkable transformation from a 4-8 team to a powerhouse with a 25-2 record over the past two seasons, including 21 consecutive wins.
Jim Harbaugh, in his ninth season coaching Michigan, has navigated his alma mater to the semifinals in the previous two years. Despite facing challenges, including six-game suspensions related to recruiting violations and a sign-stealing scandal, Harbaugh’s Wolverines have reached the title game.
Historically, the Wolverines hold the edge against the Huskies with an 8-5 all-time record.
Both teams boast considerable experience: The NCAA’s pandemic-related eligibility exemption, allowing players to retain an extra year, has translated into seasoned rosters for both Michigan and Washington.
Fourteen out of Washington’s 22 offensive and defensive starters are in their fifth or sixth seasons, reflecting the wealth of experience. Similarly, Michigan fields nine starters in their fifth or sixth seasons.
Older players on both teams have embraced the opportunity to pursue a national championship with the extra year of eligibility, emphasizing the strong camaraderie and collective goals within their respective teams. Michigan sixth-year linebacker Michael Barrett highlighted the unity, stating, “What’s good for the hive is good for the bee, and what’s good for the bee is good for the hive.”
