CFP Championship Betting Action and Expert Danny Kanell Gives His Take

Here was the action for Monday night's CFP Championship game between Michigan and Washington with a -5 point line on the Wolverines at BetOnline.

Michigan vs Washington (-5, 56)

61.0% of $ on Michigan -5

58.1% of $ on Michigan -210

58.8% of $ on OVER

And here are some distributable thoughts from college football analyst, Danny Kanell:

BetOnline: Looking at this Huskies team, it was just two games ago where they were as high as 13-point dogs on a neutral field. Why do you think Washington/Pennix/etc. have been disrespected all season? Is it more than just a “Pac-12” perception thing?

Danny Kanell: I think it's because so many of the teams in the Top 10 this season were dominating their opponents and the nation wanted to see Washington do the same. Washington had eight one-possession wins! But what people underestimated was Washington's schedule was one of the toughest in the country.

BOL: In your eyes, what is the single biggest advantage each team has over the opponent coming into this game?

DK: Washington has the clear edge in the passing game. Behind the best offensive line in the country, Michael Penix has been phenomenal distributing the ball to his deep core of wide receivers. His 332 YPG finished #1 in the country.

Michigan has the clear edge with one of the best defenses in the country. They finished with the #1 scoring defense. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has been great at shutting down opposing offenses all season long but hasn't faced an offense as explosive as Washington!

BOL: You were pretty darn close with your CFP semis projections…one right, one wrong but both close games. What is your prediction for the national championship?

DK: I think Michigan wins and covers. The biggest mismatch tonight is Michigan's run game vs. Washington's rush defense. I think Jim Harbaugh knows this and it is the best way to slow down Michael Penix and company - keep them off the field! 

BOL: Whether or not Michigan wins or loses, is Harbaugh gone to the NFL this offseason?

DK: I am torn on this because nothing would surprise me. Harbaugh has always been incredibly unpredictable and I don't think anyone truly knows what he is thinking. But I'll say that since I believe Michigan wins the national title he will check that box and go try to win a Super Bowl in the NFL. 

BOL: Early thoughts on Heisman favorites and maybe a sleeper or two?

DK: Carson Beck and Will Howard would be my early favorites. Keep an eye on Connor Weigman as a darkhorse candidate. Also, Drew Allar at PSU has a new offensive coordinator and I think makes a big jump and could be a nice sleeper pick!

- BetOnline Press