Michigan feels like a team of destiny, but let's not overlook what Michael Penix Jr. and his offense have done for Washington. Kalen DeBoer is our CBS Sports Coach of the Year, and Penix has put together a Vince Young-like campaign in which he and the Huskies keep proving doubters wrong. The Wolverines will have success running, and their defense might be the best unit in the game, but Michgian has not faced an offense like what Washington brings. The Huskies are 5-0 outright as underdogs over the last two seasons, but we don't need them to win – just cover. Even if Michigan has a large lead, is it tough to believe Washington can back door? See if you can get +6 before kickoff.

The high-powered Huskies were held to 24 or fewer points three times this season, and none of those opponents had anywhere near the muscle of Michigan's top-ranked defensive unit. Coincidentally, 24 is the most the Wolverines yielded this season, to Maryland and Ohio State. This game should have some offense, but look for Michigan's ground-and-pound style to limit possession, shorten the game and send this Under the posted total.

There are two main reasons why I think the Wolverines win and cover. First, I trust them to get more consistent pressure on Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. than Texas did in the Sugar Bowl. Michigan, which leads in the country in both total and scoring defense, sacked Alabama's Jalen Milroe six times in the Rose Bowl, and, while I don't expect near that number against Penix, the Wolverines have the ability to make Penix uncomfortable. Second, Texas averaged 6.4 yards per rush against the Washington defense but didn't stick with the run enough. I expect Michigan to have similar success against the Huskies' defense on the ground but, unlike Texas, stick with the running game all the way to the national title.

Several times this season the Washington Huskies have side stepped the naysayers via the spread as underdogs, and on the field. Undefeated they have won their last two games outright. Today it ends as Michigan completes their task after a thrilling comeback win over Alabama. Grab the Wolverines.

The betting market and NFL prospect market continues to disrespect Michael Penix and he gets one last chance to prove everyone wrong. Michigan is a great all around team, but they have yet to face a quarterback who can sling it like Penix. While Michigan should be able to move the ball via the ground game, I question JJ McCarthy's ability to make big plays when it matters. Ultimately, I think Penix and this wide open offense keep this game close and I think this Washington team continues to surprise like they did against Oregon and Texas.

First and foremost, know that U-Dub enters on the heels of 21 straight wins. Moreover, the Huskies are not only 5-0 as an underdog since last year for Kalen DeBoer, they're 5-0 outright as a dog. We could drag on about the fundamentals, but in a nutshell, with a pair of wins over powerhouse Oregon, plus Texas, U-Dub has proven it can play with anyone. In this old-fashioned Rose Bowl-like matchup, and in the final breath of the Pac-12 as we know it as a football conference, it might be fitting for the league to go out on such a bittersweet note with the Huskies winning. For now, however, we'll just take the points and watch. Play Washington (at Houston)

The wrong team is favored here. Washington's offensive line is the best in the business, and it will slow down the pass rush that rattled Jalen Milroe last week. Plus, Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr is a stud eluding pressure while keeping his eyes downfield. That'll be enough for Washington to cover the spread and win its first national title since 1991.

I picked against both of these teams in the semifinals, but that's just a microcosm of how this bowl season has gone for me. Washington has been excellent this season, but I expect them to not be able to run at all against Michigan, turning their offense into a one-dimensional passing attack. On the other side, Michigan will likely try to run-run-run against the vulnerable Washington rush defense and also to keep the ball out of Michael Penix Jr.'s hands. It might be close for a half but the Wolverines pull away late. Michigan 34, Washington 20.

I'm jumping on this number early before it gets any higher. Washington continues to pass every test put in front of them, and I still believe Michael Penix Jr. got robbed by the Heisman Trophy voters. But, this just feels like Michigan's year. They are experienced and talented, and the Huskies haven't faced a defense on the Wolverine's level. I like Michigan to win by at least a touchdown here.

Something has got to give with Washington’s No. 1 passing team (357 ypg) against Michigan’s No. 2 defense (244 ypg) which is No. 1 in scoring defense (10.2 ppg). It seemed Michigan could confuse Alabama defensively in key situations and Texas had no clue how to slow Michael Penix Jr and the Huskies throwing game that hit 430 yards on New Year's Day. The Wolverines pass rush will be the driving force behind making Penix uncomfortable. But in the end, it’s got to be the Michigan offense that shines and stars against a Huskies team averaging 417 ypg. Michigan’s lowest margin of victory is 6-points against Ohio State. Michigan to cover the number.

Who needs the points? Michigan beat Alabama by getting pressure on Jalen Milroe. Even with the pressure they were able to make a fourth quarter comeback and win in overtime. However, the Huskies have the best offensive line in the country and it showed as Penix went untouched in the Sugar Bowl against a really good Texas defensive line. Michael Penix Jr made every throw necessary and looked perfect in the Sugar Bowl. Michigan hasn't faced a quarterback at this level. Even if star running back Dillon Johnson can't go, expect Penix to carry the Huskies the glory. Take Washington on the money line.

Washington will be a unique challenge for the Michigan defense in the same way it’s a unique challenge for every defense. There just aren’t many college football teams with three NFL-caliber receivers like Washington has. Still, if there's a defense in the country with a combination of pass rush and secondary strong enough to at least hold them in check, it’s Michigan. Although the Wolverines struggled moving the ball in the air against Alabama, the Crimson Tide have two future NFL cornerbacks. Washington doesn’t. It’ll be another close game, but one Michigan covers more often than not.