Top-ranked Michigan is the oddsmakers’ favorite to win the national championship, and the 56.5 point total suggests we’re in for a high-scoring affair tonight when the two programs meet at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Please join me as I share my best three prop bets for tonight’s Washington vs. Michigan CFP National Championship matchup.
Best Prop Bets for Monday, January 8
Blake Corum touchdown prop: 2+ touchdowns (+125) at DraftKings
Michigan Wolverines senior running back Blake Corum is the heart and soul of the Wolverines offense. He scored two touchdowns against Alabama and has multiple touchdown games in his last six tilts. He also has ten matchups this season with 2+ touchdowns, and the likelihood that he will do so again is strong and makes +125 for this prop at DraftKings KY seem like a gift.
Washington ranked 125th in defensive success rate against the rush but, more importantly, allowed 35 red zone touchdowns and 21 rushing touchdowns this season. The Huskies also allowed three rushing TDs in their semifinal victory over Texas, and I like Corum to score at least two touchdowns tonight.
Donovan Edwards prop: Over 27.5 rushing yards (-114) at FanDuel
Michigan backup running back Donovan Edwards has eclipsed this rushing prop mark seven times this season and has a tasty matchup with a leaky Washington rushing defense, allowing 4.4 yards per rushing attempt on the season and 6.1 yards against Texas.
There isn’t a way in the world Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to get into an offensive shootout with Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Look for Michigan to do what it does best, and that’s run the football down the Huskies’ throats.
Corum won’t be expected to carry the entire load. Edwards has big play capability with four rushing plays of 11+, and I expect him to end the day with over 27.5 rushing yards, perfect for this prop at FanDuel KY.
J.J. McCarthy prop: Under 25.5 rushing yards (-114) at FanDuel
Finally, Wolverines signal-caller J.J. McCarthy has been solid with his arm and feet, but rushing for 26 yards tonight isn’t likely to happen.
McCarthy has scampered for 26+ rushing yards five times this season but just once in his last seven. Michigan will likely pound the ball down the Huskies’ throats, but that doesn’t mean McCarthy will be the one doing the pounding.
Washington has one of the weakest pass-rushing defenses in FBS ball, while Michigan has one of the most efficient offensive lines, and I don’t see McCarthy calling his number enough times to clear this rushing prop.
