SEATTLE — In two matchups with the University of Oregon this season as well as in the Sugar Bowl against the University of Texas, the Washington Huskies were the underdog despite being the higher-ranked team.
The Huskies, the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff, will once again be the underdogs in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the No. 1 seed Michigan Wolverines on Monday in Houston at NRG Stadium.
Washington will be a 4.5-point underdog to the Wolverines in Monday's game, per DraftKings Sportsbook. Although Michigan is the higher-ranked team, the Huskies have won every other matchup played this season against teams perceived to be better based on betting lines.
Although online sports betting remains illegal in Washington state, western Washington residents can still drive to one of the state's casinos on Tribal land and wager there through physical sportsbooks.
Michigan defeated the University of Alabama in a thrilling Rose Bowl on Jan. 1. The Wolverines are quarterbacked by J.J. McCarthy, a former four-star recruit who played his high school football in Florida. Running back Blake Corum has been the star of the Michigan team for the past few seasons, finishing seventh in Heisman Trophy voting in 2022 and ninth in 2023.
The Huskies held off the Longhorns in the Sugar Bowl to cement the team's first trip to the CFP National Championship Game. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. won the game's MVP trophy after throwing for over 400 yards in the winning effort.
CBS Sports had 10 experts submit their straight-up picks for the CFP National Championship Game. Four out of the 10 surveyed put their name on the Huskies to win.
Prediction: A tight game throughout, the Huskies will once again keep their fans anxious for four quarters. In a physical matchup, Washington will make just enough plays on offense and defense to edge out a 24-21 victory, capturing the school's first undisputed national championship.