Big Ten champion Michigan is +180 favorite to win the natty, but they face stiff competition from Alabama (+190), and undefeated Washington is +750 to win it all.
Join me as I take a closer look at the betting odds with a free National Championship outright winner. Remember that sports betting in Texas is still prohibited for the time being. These picks are for entertainment purposes only.
Michigan Wolverines +180 (BetMGM)
Big Ten Champion Michigan is the favorite for a reason: They are 13-0 and shut out No. 16 Iowa 23-0 in the Big Ten Championship Game.
The Rose Bowl should be lit when Michigan plays Alabama on January 1. The Wolverines are a -1.5 favorite to defeat the Crimson Tide in what will be the third consecutive FBS Playoff appearance for Michigan but lost both semifinal appearances.
Michigan boasts the best-scoring defense in the land, but they have allowed 20+ in two of their last three. The offense is rolling behind quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Blake Corum, and the +180 at BetMGM is a good price for Michigan to win the natty, but they have to beat Alabama.
Alabama Crimson Tide +190 (BetMGM)
SEC Campion Alabama is the second favorite, as many feel their Rose Bowl matchup with Michigan will likely win the championship. The Crimson Tide are 12-1 with their only loss to Texas and defeated previously No. 1 and unbeaten Georgia in the SEC Championship game.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has thrown multiple TD passes in each of his last four, with seven rushing TDs over his past five matchups for the 19th-best offense. The Crimson Tide defense allows 18.4 points per game but 20+ in four of their last five. +190 is the best price you’ll get for Alabama, but their offense may struggle with Michigan, and the Crimson Tide did lose to Texas.
Texas Longhorns +280 (BetMGM)
Texas won the Big 12 Conference Championship in their final season in the conference. The Longhorns rolled over Texas Tech in the Big 12 Conference Championship and are riding a seven-game winning streak.
Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers threw four scoring strikes against Texas Tech and leads the nation’s 16th-best offense. Running back Jonathon Brooks boasts the 12th most rushing yards with four Longhorns with 400+ receiving yards.
The defense allowed the 16th-fewest points per game and held the nation’s leading rusher, Ollie Gordon II, to just 34 yards in the Big 12 Championship game. We know Texas can beat Alabama, but first, they must get past undefeated Washington.
Washington +750 (BetMGM)
The Washington Huskies are undefeated, having defeated Oregon twice, including a 34-31 victory over the Ducks in the Pac-12 Championship game.
Heisman hopeful Michael Penix Jr. leads the nation in passing yards for the 11th-best Huskies scoring offense. Running back Dillon Johnson has scampered for 1113 rushing yards while wideout Rome Odunze is third nationally in receiving yards.
Washington boasts the 50th-best scoring defense and is a +4.5 underdog when they meet Texas on January 1 at the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
Prediction: Michigan +180 at BetMGM
For more information on the status of online sportsbooks in Texas, follow us here at Betting TX.
