Natty Going Down Tonight

No matter what, the last ever four-team CFP field was destined to be met with significant backlash, given that there were more qualified teams than available spots. But while Georgia and FSU fans may still have a bone to pick, we at least gotta give some props to the committee after the action we got on New Years Day…the semifinal matchups were 🔥🔥

• To jog your memory, it took OT to settle the first game of the day between the top-overall seed Michigan and fourth-ranked Alabama, a Rose Bowl thriller out in Pasadena that was ultimately decided with a very questionable play call 🤔

The Sugar Bowl in New Orleans between #2 Washington and #3 Texas came down to the final play as well, with the Longhorns’ potential game-winning drive in the final minute ending just 13 yards short of the endzone 😳

Simply put, it was the incredible day of football we all needed as we recovered on the couch from NYE festivities. And when the dust had settled, we were left with a National Championship date between Michigan and Washington. Well, tonight is the night, ladies and gents…the Wolverines and Huskies are set to battle it out in Houston for a shot at immortality. Here’s how the lines are looking 👇

National Championship Betting Preview

• Spread: Michigan -5.5

• Moneyline: Michigan -194, Washington +160

• Over/Under: 56.5

• When: 7:30PM EST on ESPN

Both teams will be making their first appearance in a CFP Final, both teams currently boast an unblemished record, and to keep the similarities rolling, both teams also have the kind of star quarterback we so often see on title-winning teams 🤩

• For the Huskies, its Heisman finalist Michale Penix Jr., who we’ve talked about more than a few times already this season. But somehow, his stock is still rising in the eyes of many around the NFL…a night full of highlight-worthy throws against Texas certainly helped 👀

Michigan’s JJ McCarthy may not have been at the Heisman ceremony, but the greatest QB in school history (according to Harbaugh) should hear his name called in the first round as well (if he leaves)…especially after a three-TD performance against an always-tough Alabama defense last week 😤

The QB matchup is as high-end as it gets, but the offensive firepower doesn’t stop there for either team. Special shoutout to Michigan RB Blake Corum, who found pay dirt a whopping 26 times this season, and Washington WR Rome Odunze, a draft darling who’s racked up over 1500 yards and 14 TDs 💪

The Huskies have a star at running back as well in Dillon Johnson, although it’s worth noting he aggravated a leg injury in the final minutes of last weekend’s game and left the field in visible pain. He’s reportedly set to suit up tonight, but it remains to be seen if he’ll be hampered at all

• Washington could certainly use all the offensive firepower they can get tonight against the nation’s best defense. The Wolverines hold opposing teams to just 243 yards per game, they’ve yet to allow more than 24 points, and that unit is absolutely littered with elite NFL prospects 😤

You know what they say, defense wins championships. Just ask the Georgia Bulldogs from the past couple seasons. But if anyone has it in them to dissect Michigan’s talented secondary, it just might be Penix. We haven’t had a close title game since Alabama-Georgia’s OT thriller back in 2017, but I like the chances of that changing tonight 😎

Trivia Question: Who was the QB for Michigan when they won the National Championship in 1997?

For My Parlay Gurus

With Washington set to join the Big Ten next season, these teams will be seeing a lot more of each other moving forward. The Huskies have the chance to make a huge statement before taking the leap — I like them to at least keep it close tonight. Check out this parlay 👇

• Washington +5.5 vs. Michigan: -112

• Over 56.5 Total Points: -110

$100 on this bet would win you $247 — if we hit, make sure you email [email protected] for a chance to win an Overtime hoodie*. Many will enter, only some will win 😉

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Trivia Answer: Brian Griese was Michigan’s QB in 1997, leading them to a Rose Bowl win over Washington State

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