Houston, Texas – The College Football Playoff National Championship will feature a highly-anticipated showdown between future Big Ten opponents as No. 1 Michigan takes on No. 2 Washington. Both teams have the opportunity to emerge as the last undefeated team in the FBS ranks and secure their school’s first-ever college football national title in the CFP or BCS era.
Michigan, last crowned national champions in 1997, and Washington, who last won the title in 1991, reached the championship game using different approaches. The Wolverines boasted a dominant defense, ranking first in the nation in yards allowed per game and holding opponents to less than 400 yards and 24 points in every game this season. On the other hand, the Huskies relied on the excellence of their quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., who has thrown for over 4,600 yards in each of the past two seasons and was a runner-up in Heisman Trophy voting this year.
The clash between Michigan’s stout defense and Washington’s high-powered passing attack sets the stage for a compelling finale to the 2023 season. It also marks the conclusion of the four-team era of college football, as the sport prepares to transition to a 12-team College Football Playoff format in 2024 amidst significant conference realignment.
In their predictions for the game, the experts seem to lean towards Michigan as the favorite. They highlight the Wolverines’ dominant defense, drawing comparisons to the championship-winning Georgia team from 2021. Michigan’s defense, which includes multiple players ranked in the top 75 of the 2024 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings, presents a formidable challenge for Washington’s offense. The Huskies, however, have shown resilience in close games, winning 10 consecutive games by 10 points or less.
The championship game, scheduled for Monday night at NRG Stadium, will undoubtedly be an exciting matchup. Viewers can catch the action on ESPN or stream it live on fuboTV. The odds favor Michigan, with a spread of -4.5 and an over/under of 56.5.
As the final game of the four-team era, the Michigan vs. Washington clash holds great significance. It will determine the last undefeated team of the season and mark the end of an era in college football. Both teams will leave it all on the field as they vie for the coveted national championship title, and fans can expect an intense battle between Michigan’s dominant defense and Washington’s explosive offense. The stage is set, and all eyes will be on Houston as the culmination of the 2023 season unfolds.