2024 CFP National Championship Picks: Styles Clash in Washington-Michigan Matchup

Huskies QB Michael Penix Jr. may create more postseason magic in the air Monday, while J.J. McCarthy tries to lead the Wolverines beyond a run game reliance.

Monday’s College Football Playoff national championship game will pit the Washington Huskies and their aerial attack against the Michigan Wolverines and their run game. Michigan and Washington come into the matchup undefeated at 14–0, and both are led by dominant quarterbacks in J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr., respectively. 

Washington outlasted the Texas Longhorns, 37–31, in the Sugar Bowl to earn its spot in the title game. Michigan held off the Alabama Crimson Tide, 27–20, in overtime to win the Rose Bowl and advance.

All lines courtesy of SI Sportsbook. Season: Pat Forde 43-32-2, Richard Johnson 40-35-2. 

Washington vs. Michigan (-4.5)

Pat Forde: Washington 27, Michigan 24

Recent history shows that an elite pass-and-catch combination can and will win national championships. In 2018, it was Trevor Lawrence to Tee Higgins and Justyn Ross for Clemson. In ’19, it was Joe Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson for LSU. In ’20, it was Mac Jones to DeVonta Smith for Alabama. Now get ready for Penix to Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk for Washington, one more time.

There are concerns for Washington: the availability of banged-up running back Dillon Johnson, not just as a runner but a pass blocker; the ability of the defense to stand up to Michigan's smash-mouth running game; the constant flirting with disaster that has come with winning 10 straight games by 10 points or fewer. But ultimately, the bet here is that the Huskies start quickly once again and not only cover the 4.5-point spread, but also win the game to secure the school's first national championship since 1991.

Richard Johnson: Michigan 35, Washington 27

This is a game that wholly depends on who can assert their style of game on the proceedings. Can the Wolverines drag this game into the muck or can the Huskies make it a track meet? For my money, I think Michigan, with its exceptional line play, will be able to push Washington around. The Wolverines’ physicality will win out over the course of four quarters. While much has been made about the offenses Michigan hasn’t faced so far this year, I’m confident their defense can handle Washington’s unorthodox attack. I also have some growing confidence McCarthy actually can rise to the task if he must match scores with Washington’s Penix—he just hasn’t needed to all season thanks to Michigan’s dominance.