First Take has spent considerable time discussing Michigan this season. Perhaps that extra attention has the panelists picking the Wolverines to defeat the Washington Huskies in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Shannon Sharpe hoped for a more competitive title bout than Georgia’s 65-7 domination over TCU last year. While he’s not rooting for Jim Harbaugh’s team, the Hall of Famer expects them to prevail at Houston.
“I would like to see Washington win, but I don’t know if they have enough firepower on the offensive and defensive line to compete with Michigan,” Sharpe said. “I think Michigan wins a close one.”
Stephen A. Smith thinks Washington’s stout offensive line will protect Michael Penix Jr. enough to generate points against Michigan’s top-ranked scoring defense. However, he believes Michigan’s offense will exceed expectations in a narrow victory.
“I think it’s gonna be a tight game, but I’m picking Michigan to squeeze this one out,” Smith said. “I think Michigan wins this game, 31-27, and they win a national championship.”
The crew is rolling with Michigan to win the CFP National Championship 🏆@ShannonSharpe | @stephenasmith | @MollyQerim pic.twitter.com/OAQRJWdpIe
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 8, 2024
After Smith gave a score, Sharpe guessed a 33-31 triumph for the Wolverines. Molly Qerim then put on an oversized Michigan cap to side with the Big Ten champions.
None of the First Take crew is taking a bold stance. Michigan is a 5.5-point favorite to conclude an undefeated season with Harbaugh’s first national championship. ESPN Analytics gives the Wolverines a 74.3 percent win probability.
However, not everyone at ESPN shares the same perspective.
In a survey of 48 reporters, analysts, and announcers, 32 predicted Washington to pull off an upset. Five of them mirrored Smith’s final score, only in the Huskies’ favor.
ESPN will air Monday’s National Championship Game at 7:30 p.m. ET.