The first Big Ten meeting between Michigan (4-1) and Washington (3-2) will take on additional meaning as the two programs square off Saturday at Husky Stadium for the first time since the 2024 CFP National Championship.
Running back Donovan Edwards sent the Wolverines on their way to their first national title since 1997 with two first-quarter touchdown runs, and the defense handled its business in a 34-13 victory.
Ahead of this weekend’s highly anticipated rematch, let’s examine the latest betting odds and dig into my Michigan vs Washington prediction and best bets.
Michigan vs Washington Odds
College football odds are current as of Monday, Sept. 30, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Michigan (+120) vs Washington (-142)
- Spread: Michigan +3 (-115) vs Washington -3 (-105)
- Over/Under: Over 41 (-108) / Under 41 (-112)
Michigan vs Washington Prediction
Washington 24, Michigan 20
It’s only been nine months since these two programs met for the National Championship, but a lot has changed on both sides.
Both programs have new head coaches, new coordinators, and new quarterbacks. Washington even has a new conference.
Still, some things remain the same. The Wolverines play old-school football, relying on a run-first offense and a strong defense. The Huskies aren’t afraid to air it out and make explosive plays down the field.
My biggest concern for No. 10 Michigan heading into this matchup is its lack of balance on offense. Critics often piled on J.J. McCarthy last season, but at least the now-Minnesota Viking could make plays in the passing game when required.
That hasn’t been the case so far with Alex Orji, who has completed 17 of 30 passes for 118 yards with one touchdown and one interception in two games since taking over as the starter. Of course, Orji is also a threat on the ground, but the Wolverines are essentially relying on Kalel Mullings and Edwards to either break big runs or methodically move the ball down the field.
While stopping that ground attack has proven easier said than done for USC and Minnesota in recent weeks, Michigan still barely won those games at home after jumping out to early double-digit leads.
As we saw against Texas, Sherrone Moore’s squad can’t play from behind, so it will need a lot to go right early to take care of business in a hostile environment.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Michigan vs Washington Best Bets
Washington ML (-142)
Many bettors may be put off by Washington’s 21-18 loss at Rutgers on Friday night, but if you dig deeper, you can see why HC Jedd Fisch was encouraged by the performance in his team’s first Big Ten road game.
Will Rogers threw for 306 yards and a pair of touchdowns, both of which went to Denzel Boston, as the Huskies outgained the Scarlet Knights 521-299. Unfortunately, kicker Grady Gross missed three field-goal attempts, and Washington turned the ball over on downs at the Rutgers two-yard line early in the second half.
That aggressive decision-making will help the Huskies win a game like this, as long as the kicking woes don’t pop up again. Given those concerns, I like the idea of taking the moneyline in a game with a low total that could easily be decided by three points.
Regardless, I’m backing Washington to get its revenge as one of my best college football bets today.
Over 41 Points (-108)
Despite operating like a service academy, the Wolverines scored 27 points in their last two games. Mullings and Edwards likely will break off a few big runs against a Huskies defense allowing 121.8 rushing yards per game.
Washington will also contribute to this total, as it has scored at least 18 points in every game this season. Plus, Michigan’s defense is often put in bad spots by the offense’s inability to sustain drives, giving Rogers and the passing attack more chances to take advantage.
Both teams should get to 20, so I’m taking the Over.
