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Rece Davis and Pete Thamel made their picks for the last college football game of the season on a recent episode of the College GameDay Podcast.
Davis noted how both teams claim national titles in years where it was also claimed by another team. Washington claims a title from 1991 and so does Miami. Michigan and Nebraska did the same thing in 1997.
The College GameDay host believes that if the running game has success for Michigan that the Wolverines will ultimately win. Davis believes it will be decided by 1 point when it’s all said and done.
“I’m not convicted that Michigan is going to win the game. I don’t believe in the whole team of destiny thing, but I believe in momentum, chemistry, and vibes of a team. … Here’s the opportunity,” said Davis. “They’re going to have a big turnover. They’re still gonna be good, but there is a big turnover for Michigan, whether Jim stays or goes. This feels like the moment for Michigan, so I’m going to say that, assuming they can run the ball on early downs against the Washington defense, that’s my key factor. If they do, I say that they’re going to win the game. I’m going to say 28-27.”
Thamel decided to also ride with Michigan. He wanted to see more out of Michigan’s special teams after its blunders almost lost the Rose Bowl. Thamel favored the Wolverines in a 3-point win.
“I’m convicted we’re gonna have a great game, Rece. I really feel that way. Last year, I was pretty convicted that Georgia was gonna win. I didn’t think they’d win the way they did, but I thought if it was 3 touchdowns that wouldn’t have surprised me,” said Thamel. “I think that Michigan is gonna win and I’m say 34-31. They need they’re special teams to show up because they were a wire-to-wire no show in the Rose Bowl, and that’s the reason why the game was so close.”
With a national title on the line, the teams meet up in Houston. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Grant Bricker was a former freelancer for The News TN in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. He now freelances for Saturday Football. Follow on Twitter @GrantBricker.