Monday, Jan. 8
College Football Final National Invitational Game: Washington vs Michigan -5 O/U 55.5
Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Time: 7:30 p.m.
TV Channel: ESPN
Motivation will be high for both teams.
Home: None
Net YPP: Michigan +.22
Basic Stats:
| Both teams | Yard /Play | Yard per Rush | QBR |
| Michigan Offense | 6.11 (45) | 4.25 (72) | 168.62 (5) |
| Washington Defense | 5.66 (68) | 4.4 (86) | 122.87 (32) |
| Washington Offense | 7.25 (5) | 4.42 (55) | 164.96 (11) |
| Michigan Defense | 4.29 (4) | 3.03 (7) | 101.52 (3) |
Key Stats: Michigan has a solid rushing offense with two stud backs in Blake Corum and Donavan Edwards. Washington ranks 129th in opponent rushing success rate.
Coach Bowl ATS:
- Jim Harbaugh: 4-6
- Kalen DeBoer, Washington: 1-0
Verdict: This is going to be a fun national championship. Do I think someone is betting blown out here? I do not think that, but I do also think that Michigan should be able to put up a large amount of points weather Washington does or not. Washington’s defense played a bend not break style against Texas that worked thanks to having the lead. Will they have the lead in this game? I am not quite so sure. I do know that Washington ranks number 4 in offensive success rate ranking top 10 in both the run and the pass, but they are finally playing a very very good defense that could cause them some issues. Michigan’s defense was the unit that came up big in their game vs Alabama. They held Jalen Milroe to less than 120 passing yards and a QBR of 45.1. Michigan ranks number 7 in opponent yards per rush and number 2 in opponent red zone success rate. I am concerned some that Washington will have to use their punter while I am not so sure the same will happen with the Wolverines. Washington’s defense ranks very poor against the run, and if Michigan has the lead, I could see the clock being drained while the Wolverines have continued success pounding the ball down the field. At the same time, I have been very impressed with Michael Penix’s passing game and coach Kalen Deboer’s amazing play calling. I could see Washington back dooring this 5 point spread. I have Michigan -4 as the correct number for the spread, but I also see the upside here for the game for Michigan and I do not think that this team falters.
Play: Michigan ML -205 – 3 stars
Prop: Donavan Edwards over 30.5 rushing yards – 1 star
References:
https://fansided.com/betsided/posts/every-college-football-head-coachs-against-spread-record-bowl-games-01hgtsm2jmen
https://www.actionnetwork.com/ncaaf/2023-college-football-news-tracker-bowl-opt-outs-player-injuries-transfer-portal-more
