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College Football National Championship

Photo Credit: NBC 5 Dallas Fort Worth

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College Football Record: 115-111-8 . Betting 1 Unit to Win X.

  • 6:35pm cst: Washington Huskies vs. Michigan Wolverines -5; Total 55.5

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout the season, read our DDSN College Football Preview Magazine, and won plenty of tickets with us. This includes even the haters and losers, also fans of Tyler Van Dyke and the Miami Hurricanes, who have expressed their differing opinions throughout the season. I sincerely thank you all and encourage you to follow us on all our social media platforms.

Now, let’s delve into our CFP National Championship game, taking place in the great state of Texas. This game will be a clash of styles. The Michigan Wolverines will aim to utilize their ground-and-pound offense to try and overpower the Huskies. On the other hand, the Washington Huskies will seek to employ their high-flying offense to try and confuse and accelerate the pace against the Michigan defense. Who will emerge victorious? I will discuss the potential paths to victory for both teams.

In the historic Rose Bowl, everything went right for the Wolverines after the first play of the game, where JJ McCarthy’s interception was reversed. For Michigan, every 50/50 play and bounce went the Wolverines’ way. There’s nothing wrong with that because a team has to put themselves in that position to begin with. The point being, will that happen again on the grandest stage of them all? It doesn’t always happen. It was a red flag for me seeing Michigan celebrate as if the Rose Bowl was the National Championship. There is still one more game to go. Michigan will need to lean heavily on their excellent run blocking and running backs. Washington is very vulnerable in the running game. We discussed that ahead of the Texas game, and the Longhorns refused to ride the running game, and we saw what happened to them. The Wolverines will want to try and take the air out of the ball and keep it away from the Huskies’ offense. The problem is, if Washington starts packing the box and forces Michigan into third down, the Wolverines could struggle. Michigan was 2-11 on third down vs. Alabama. How will JJ McCarthy do this time around on third and longs? How will the pass rush hold up? Michigan will be running the ball heavily, and if they are able to convert their third downs, they will be successful, but that is much harder to do than say. The Michigan receivers, who dropped too many passes against Alabama, will need to step up against these Washington corners.

Washington played a perfect game offensively against Texas, but defensively, they were just good enough. The score was much closer than it should have been, in my opinion. Texas made too many mistakes, but Washington was the side that capitalized. Texas had one of the best defenses and pass rushes in the country, and they could not lay a finger on Michael Penix Jr. What makes Penix so good is his pocket presence, quick release, and accuracy. I was beyond impressed with Washington’s pass blocking and WR play. The Huskies will have the best offense the Wolverines have seen this season. So, how will the Huskies’ defense fare against the Wolverines’ rushing attack? Texas feasted on the ground, and Michigan will look to do the same. I feel like it will only take one possession for Washington to get a stop and flip the game to force Michigan to handle their passing attack. That is why I like this game to go over the total. Like it or not, each team will get their points in. It will come down to who makes the stops. Washington cashed in when Texas turned the ball over. Michigan didn’t always cash in when Bama turned it over, but it was enough to get them the win. The Washington defense is underrated, and the offense will be relying on them to get some stops to put pressure on the Michigan offense.

Both special teams struggled in their CFP games. Michigan and Washington each had a muffed punt turnover. Michigan’s kicker was 0/1 but Washington’s was 4/4 with the longest FG being 40 yards. I give Washington the edge here.

This game will come down to third-down conversions and turnovers. Both teams did a great job when their offense was in rhythm, avoiding third downs, but they were awful in third-down scenarios. Michigan had 15 first downs - 2/11 (18%) on 3rd down and 2/2 on 4th down. Washington had 25 first downs - 3/11 (27%) on 3rd down and 1/2 on 4th down. I feel like these offenses are going to get their points in, but the game will come down to the defense that can get the ball back via punt or turnover and give their offense additional chances. When Texas forced a turnover, they did not take advantage, but when they turned the ball over, Washington scored every time. Michigan did the same, except they played an amazing first half and a bad second half until the last drive. Washington was precise and consistent the whole game until their last drive, where Kalen DeBoer’s game management almost cost them the game.

As of 3:00pm cst Circa Sports has moved this line to Michigan -6 (-103).

I like Washington in this game. Michael Penix Jr. has been flawless against some of the best teams in the country (Oregon & Texas) in pressure situations. If this offensive line was able to keep Penix clean against Texas, I expect them to do it against Michigan. Jalen Milroe played his second-worst (Texas) game of the season against Michigan, and the Wolverines went to OT to win. Michigan got every single break against Bama, and I don’t think it happens again. These Washington corners are very underrated and will be ready to show out like they did against Texas. The linebackers will need to be ready because JJ McCarthy torched Alabama’s LBs in coverage. As we discussed, the game will come down to the defense that makes the first stop and forces the first punt or turnover. The offense that takes advantage will win. 10/10, I would rather trust Penix Jr. over JJ McCarthy. I do not like how Michigan celebrated as if they won the National Championship after defeating Alabama in the Rose Bowl. Washington has been calm, cool, and collected all season, and I see tonight being no different. Also, it is important to note this game will be played indoors. This should help the best and fastest offense in the country. Give me U-Dub plus whatever number, on the moneyline, and this total to go over! These Huskies continue to get disrespected.

Enjoy the game however you play it. Good luck to us!

Pick: Washington +5 (-110) [via DraftKings]

Pick: Washington ML (+170) [via DraftKings]

Pick: OVER 56 (-110) [via DraftKings]