2024 CFP National Championship Preview - Michigan vs. Washington: Which undefeated team will be crowned as the National Champions? January 4, 2024 by Marc Jerbs

On January 8 (Monday), the top ranked Michigan Wolverines will face the 2nd ranked Washington Huskies in the 2024 CFP National Championship game. Kick-off is set 7:30PM ET at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.

In the CFB era, this is the first time that two undefeated team will go up against each other in a title game. The Michigan Wolverines were hounded by uncertainties during this season. They were hounded by sign stealing allegations, wins over lower tier teams and previous CFP failures. Coach Jim Harbaugh and his team did not mind any of these distractions as they finally reached the National Championship on a three-year journey.

The Washington Huskies as a different story this season. They were often overlooked by sports analyst and fans as a possible contender in the title game. Under second-year coach Kalen DeBoer, he slowly but surely led Washington to build up confidence and strength to remain undefeated this season. They served notice after beating the high-flying Oregon Ducks twice this season.

Injury Report

Michigan Wolverines

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Leon Franklin	RB	Out
CJ Stokes	RB	Out
Logan Forbes	WR	Out
Karmello English	WR	Out
Zak Zinter	OL	Out
Dylan Warren	QB	Out

Washington Huskies

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Vincent Nunley	S	Out
James Smith	CB	Out
Dylan Morris	QB	Out
Giles Jackson	WR	Out
Gaard Memmelaar	OL	Out
Cameron Davis	RB	Out

Sports Bet Odds

The Wolverines are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest 2024 CFP National Championship odds:

• The Wolverines are favored by 4.5 points, with a money line of -190.
• The Jets are the underdogs by 4.5 points, with a money line of +165.
• The over/under is set at 56 points, with the over at -112 and the under at -108.

Michigan is known for their solid and vaunted defense. It was on full display against Alabama in the Rose Bowl. The Wolverines sacked Alabama QB Jalen Milroe six times and delivered a game-clinching defensive stop on 4th down against him to seal Michigan's win. Washington is well-known for its high-octance offense led by Heisman Trophy runner-up Michael Penix Jr. This has catapulted the Huskies as the leader in passing offense this season.

This year's CFP National Championship game will be pitting Michigan's defense against Washington's offense. It may not be a high scoring game as both teams may neutralize each other. But this would be a close game wherein every possession counts. Whoever blinks first, defeat is just around the corner.

Team Stats

Michigan Wolverines 1st PAC-12 (9-0) | Overall (14-0)		Washington Huskies 1st Big 10 (9-0) | Overall (14-0)
36.0	Point Per Game	37.6
9.5	Points Allowed	23.6
3,065	Net Passing Yards	4,900
2,233	Rushing Yards	1,730