To use a phrase every sports broadcaster likes to trot out in a championship game or tournament, “It’s all come down to this.” The No. 2 ranked Washington Huskies, their record completely spotless, make their way to Houston, Texas to face off against the No. 1 ranked Michigan Wolverines, who also happen to be undefeated, for the final College Football Playoff National Championship before the FBS expands to a 12-team playoff next season.
This is just the 14th time the Huskies and Wolverines have met on the gridiron, with Michigan holding an 8-5 advantage going all the way back to the 1953 season. They last faced off on Sep. 11, 2021 with the Wolverines winning a blowout, 31-10.
In the win, Cade McNamara was 7 of 15 passing for 44 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. Blake Corum rushed 21 times for 172 yards and three TDs. Hassan Haskins had 27 carries for 155 yards and a score. Corneli Johnson caught one 33-yard pass to lead the receivers.
In the loss, Dylan Morris was 20 of 37 passing for 293 yards and a touchdown with no picks. Richard Newton rushed 12 times for 28 yards. Terrel Bynum had five receptions for 115 yards and a TD. Taj Davis caught six passes for 78 yards.
CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
NO. 2 WASHINGTON VS NO. 1 MICHIGAN (-4.5, O/U: 56)
Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texans
Broadcast: ESPN
Kickoff: Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m.
NO. 2 WASHINGTON HUSKIES (14-0)
It got interesting in the final minutes, but the Huskies held on to beat the No. 3 ranked Texas Longhorns last Monday in the Sugar Bowl. Michale Penix, Jr. was 29 of 38 passing for 430 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in the win. Dillon Johnson rushed 21 times for 49 yards and two scores. Rome Odunze caught six passes for 125 yards. A’Lynn Polk had five receptions for 122 yards and a TD. Jalen McMillan caught five balls for 58 yards and a touchdown.
NO. 1 MICHIGAN WOLVERINES (14-0)
Michigan needed a last minute touchdown and a goal line stand to get to the National Title game, holding off the No. 4 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide 27-20 last Monday night in the Rose Bowl. JJ McCarthy was 17 of 27 passing for 221 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in the victory. He scrambled three times for 25 yards. Blake Corum rushed 19 times for 82 yards and a score. He added two receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown. Roman Wilson caught four passes for 73 yards and a TD. Tyler Morris had two receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown.
THE PICK
Considering how my picks have gone for much of the season and especially in the actual College Football Playoff games last week (I was 0-2) I have bad news for the Wolverines. I think Michigan takes a close one, doesn’t cover, and Jim Harbaugh coaches the Los Angeles Chargers next season. Michigan 27, Washington 24
Last week
Straight up: 13-11
Against the spread: 12-12
Season
Straight up: 48-49
Against the spread: 50-47
Follow Adam Greene on Twitter @TheFirstMan.
Connect with us our socials on Twitter and Instagram for the latest sports news, viral moments, betting odds and the occasional memes.