The Washington Huskies welcome the Michigan Wolverines this Saturday in a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s College Football Playoff National Championship game. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best college football odds from the top sportsbooks.
NCAAF Pick: Washington ML (-150) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Michigan vs. Washington
Saturday, October 05, 2024 – 07:30 PM ET at Husky Stadium
Michigan Prevails in Thriller vs. Minnesota
Kalel Mullings put the Wolverines on his back, grinding out 111 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries to help Michigan escape with a 27-24 win against Minnesota. The Wolverines appeared to have the game well in hand with a 24-3 lead entering the fourth quarter, but a late surge by the Gophers brought the game down to the wire.
Minnesota mounted a furious comeback, scoring three consecutive touchdowns to close the gap to 27-24 with 1:37 remaining. After an offsides call nullified the Gophers’ recovery on an onside kick,
Mullings secured the second attempt, allowing Michigan to run out the clock and extend its Big Ten winning streak to 27 games. The Wolverines have not lost in conference play since falling to Michigan State in 2021.
Mullings’ ground game made up for a lackluster performance through the air. Alex Orji struggled, completing just 10 of 18 passes for 86 yards, with one touchdown and an interception that helped Minnesota’s comeback attempt.
Michigan’s offense chewed up 6:32 on the clock before settling for Tommy Zvada’s 42-yard field goal to build a 27-17 lead late in the fourth. However, Minnesota responded with Brosmer’s 12-yard strike to Daniel Jackson, keeping the pressure on until the final moments.
Washington Falls Short Against Rutgers
On the West Coast, Washington fell in a heartbreaker, 21-18, to Rutgers on Friday night. The Huskies had a chance to send the game into overtime, but Grady Gross’s 55-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left as time expired.
Will Rogers III did his part to keep Washington in the game, completing 26 of 36 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns. His late-game heroics included a 12-yard touchdown pass to Denzel Boston and a successful two-point conversion to Keleki Latu, cutting the deficit to three points with 1:40 to play.
Despite the offense’s 521 total yards—outgaining Rutgers by 222 yards—the Huskies were plagued by mistakes. They missed three field goals, committed six penalties for 69 yards, and converted just 2 of 12 on third-down opportunities.
Rogers, the active FBS leader in completions and completion percentage, continues to add to his impressive career totals, ranking second in passing yards and touchdowns. Despite the loss, Washington showed they can compete against quality opponents. Their ability to move the ball efficiently and their quick-strike capability make them a threat to any defense, especially with Rogers under center.
NCAAF Pick
Washington’s offensive firepower and home-field advantage make them an appealing option to win this game. The Huskies’ 521-yard performance against Rutgers highlighted their potential to keep pace with high-scoring teams, while their defense, ranked 13th nationally by allowing just 12.4 points per game, can disrupt opponents’ game plans.
Although Washington has struggled with penalties and special teams, cleaning up those mistakes could easily swing the margin in their favor. With a savvy veteran quarterback in Rogers, they can keep the game close, even if Michigan pulls ahead early, and eventually prevail. In a matchup where big plays can shift momentum, the Huskies have the tools to compete, making them an enticing pick.
Michigan’s narrow win against Minnesota exposed some vulnerabilities, particularly on the defensive side, where they struggled to contain the Gophers’ late-game surge. If Washington can capitalize on similar opportunities, the Huskies could push the Wolverines to the brink once again.
NCAAF Pick: Washington ML (-150) at Bet365
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