Michigan versus Washington online live stream, watch live, channel, kickoff time for national championship game 2024

In a matter of hours, the final national champion of the 2023 college football season will be decided as the top-ranked Michigan and second-ranked Washington compete in the College Football Playoff National Championship at NRG Stadium in Houston. This championship game stands out as neither of these programs have clinched a national championship during the BCS/CFP era. Michigan’s last championship victory dates back to 1997, while Washington claims a national title from 1991. 

Michigan and Washington have approached Monday’s crucial clash in entirely different ways. The Wolverines are under the tutelage of coach Jim Harbaugh for the ninth year, marking their third consecutive College Football Playoff appearance. Michigan previously faltered in the semifinals in the last two years, enduring losses with a total score of 85-56. 

On the other hand, Washington under the leadership of coach Kalen DeBoer’s ascent feels almost immediate by comparison. In his first year with the program, he guided the Huskies to 11 wins in 2022, overseeing their first unbeaten regular season since 1991 and securing a playoff return with a Pac-12 championship. The Huskies last made it to the playoffs under former coach Chris Petersen in 2016. 

This is a rare national title matchup in that both teams are positioned outside the top 10 of the 247Sports Team Talent Composite. Michigan sits at 14th, while Washington lags 26 spots behind at 26th — a testimony to both coaching staffs’ ability to recognize and nurture talent through high school and transfer portal recruiting.  

Stay updated with live updates from the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday. CBS Sports will provide live highlights and analysis as Michigan takes on Washington. 

How to watch national championship 2024

Game: 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship
Date: Monday, Jan. 8 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: NRG Stadium — Houston
TV: ESPN | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)  
New subscribers can save $20 on Fubo’s Pro, Elite and Premier plans for a limited time.

Michigan versus Washington: Alternative viewing options

• Field Pass with Pat McAfee Show — ESPN2, fuboTV (Try for free)
• Command Center — ESPNU, fuboTV (Try for free)
• Skycast — ESPNEWS, fuboTV (Try for free)
• All-22, hometown radio feeds, halftime band performances and more available via ESPN’s app

Michigan versus Washington storylines

Michigan: It took Michigan quite some time to reach this point, enduring its fair share of challenges along the way. Harbaugh’s team struggled to consistently dominate in its own conference until 2021 when a pivotal victory against Ohio State set the stage for its current streak. This led UM to its first three consecutive Big Ten titles, each followed by College Football Playoff appearances. Yet, the Wolverines couldn’t quite reach the summit. They suffered a heavy defeat by Georgia in 2021 and a loss to TCU last year in what stands as the largest surprise in CFP history. 

However, as the program continued its steady progression, it seemed like it might fall apart this season. Michigan self-imposed a three-game suspension for Harbaugh in an effort to mitigate the impact of an NCAA probe into recruiting violations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortly after Harbaugh’s return, news surfaced of an alleged sign-stealing and advanced scouting scheme conducted by a now-former staff member, prompting the Big Ten to take action against Michigan and suspend Harbaugh for the final three games of the year. Throughout it all, the Wolverines remained united, a testament to the steadily-growing team culture. This culture could now lead Michigan to its first national championship since 1997.

Washington: There will be a lot of talk about “physicality” in the days leading up to Monday’s clash, with a focus on Michigan and its punishing football style. The Wolverines come from the Big Ten, where teams still implement a fullback and carry the ball from the I-formation. While Washington’s modernized offense exudes glamour, the Huskies are equipped to battle in the trenches. It starts with an award-winning offensive line. UW allowed just 11 sacks throughout the entire year, averaging less than one per game. For those skeptical about Pac-12 competition, Washington held a Texas defensive line featuring potential first-round NFL Draft picks Byron Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat without a single sack or quarterback hurry. 

Moreover, Washington’s defensive front dominated Texas with two sacks, five tackles for loss, and three quarterback hurries. Huskies EDGE Bralen Trice is arguably the most skilled pass rusher in Monday’s game. He has amassed 16 sacks in the last two years and secured back-to-back All-Pac 12 first-team honors. Behind him, run-stopper Edefuan Ulofoshio was named a Butkus Award finalist after tallying 90 total tackles, eight for a loss, and three sacks this season. There’s abundant evidence to suggest that Washington can hold its own at the line of engagement, despite prevailing narratives suggesting otherwise. 

Michigan versus Washington prediction and pick

Washington holds a significant advantage in this game in the form of Michael Penix Jr. While Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy shows promise, Penix is close to being the finished product. He can make throws at all levels of the field and is arguably a better tight-window passer than his counterparts. Penix has a stronger supporting cast with wideouts Rome Odunze, a CBS Sports All-American, Jalen McMillan, Ja’Lynn Polk, breakaway running back Dillon Johnson, and reliable tight end Jack Westover. The Huskies are also skilled enough to make defensive stops and secure the victory, though it will be a close contest. Pick: Washington +4.5 | Washington 35, Michigan 31

Curious about who will win the Michigan versus Washington showdown and which side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time in simulations? Visit SportsLine to find out — all thanks to a proven computer model that has generated nearly $2,000 in profit over the past seven-odd seasons.