CFP Championship game betting: Tips, picks for Michigan vs
The College Football Playoff National Championship game features two of the very best teams in the nation as J.J. McCarthy and the Michigan Wolverines take on Michael Penix Jr. and the Washington Huskies at NRG Stadium in Houston. Who will win their very first CFP title on Monday? What are the best prop bets to consider?Dalen Cuff, Kevin Pulsifer and Tyler Fulghum offer ideas and wagering tips for the championship game.No. 1 Michigan opened as a 5-point favorite
over No. 2 Washington in Houston at ESPN BET. What are your ideas on the current line for this game, and who do you like in this matchup?Cuff: I loved Washington in the semifinal with the points, and now I’m still on the Huskies however with not as much self-confidence. The public is on them now, and that constantly issues me. I think UW’s offensive line(which won the Joe Moore Award as the country’s best OL)can protect Michael Penix Jr., who is the superior QB with vastly exceptional playmakers. The big question for me is: Can the Huskies hold up on the defensive line? I think the Wolverines will be able to run the ball, but this game will still be tight, and I’ll take the points with the Huskies.Pulsifer: I finally turned the corner on the Huskies recently, just in time for them to pull another upset. When it happens as soon as, it’s significant. When it takes place two times, it’s a pattern. Washington has actually now gone 5-0 as an underdog in the previous two seasons, and I expect the Huskies to cover as long as their offensive line can give Penix adequate time to discover Rome Odunze & Co. downfield.Fulghum: I believe this number underestimates Washington a bit. Michigan should have to be the preferred, but perhaps something closer to a field goal is better suited. All Washington does is win games and score points. They have an elite quarterback, possibly the best offensive line in the country and three NFL-caliber pass receivers to toss to. I not just like Washington with the points but wouldn’t be shocked at all if it wins this game outright since of its superior offending ability.The over/under total for Michigan-Washington is currently set at 55.5. With both groups scoring over 35 points per game during the routine season, should bettors anticipate another high-scoring affair in the national championship, or is the under a more intriguing option?Cuff: As I pointed out above, I think the Wolverines can run and the Huskies can toss. The over in the CFP National Championship game is 7-2 historically. I believe winner of this game is in the 30s and the loser is close behind, within a field goal, so the
over is the play.Pulsifer: I’m going to follow Dalen’s lead here with the over, although I think this total depend upon the first few drives. If Penix can capitalize with a big play or two early, it will speed up Michigan and the whole game will shift into overdrive. Washington requires to throw the very first
punch or the final score will end in the low 20s. Fulghum: I prefer the under here. Michigan’s dominant defense and capability to run the football are likely going to develop a game environment that is far less fertile than what Washington is used to playing in. Once again, I strongly believe the Huskies can score on Michigan, simply not as prolifically as other opponents. I seem like this game could have a 27-24 kind of last score.What is your favorite prop bet for Monday night’s game?Cuff: Ja’Lynn Polk over 51.5 getting yards. Plainly, I’m on the Huskies having the ability to toss the ball, but Michigan is exceptionally well coached and will focus on removing Rome Odunze, so I believe the other receivers, especially Polk, can have a day. He has actually had 52 yards or more in