Fresno State vs. Michigan (Week 1): Odds, Predictions & How to Watch

The college football season is here, and Week 1 features an intriguing matchup as the Michigan Wolverines host the Fresno State Bulldogs. This game marks the beginning of the Chiron Moore era at Michigan, as the Wolverines look to build on their success from last season. Fresno State, under interim head coach Tim Skipper, will aim to prove themselves against one of the top teams in the nation. Here’s everything you need to know about the game, including how to watch, the latest betting odds, injury updates, and a detailed game analysis.

---

How to Watch Fresno State vs. Michigan

The Fresno State vs. Michigan game will be broadcast live on NBC at 7:30 PM Eastern Time. Make sure to tune in for what promises to be an exciting game as Michigan opens their season at home. With both teams eager to make a strong start, this game is a must-watch for college football fans.

Betting Odds: Spread, Total, and Moneyline

For those interested in betting on this game, understanding the betting lines is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the current odds and what they mean:

• Point Spread: Michigan is currently a 21-point favorite. This means that for a bet on Michigan to win, they must win the game by more than 21 points. If you bet on Fresno State with the spread, they would need to either win the game outright or lose by fewer than 21 points for the bet to pay off.
• Total (Over/Under): The total for this game is set at 45.5 points. Betting the “over” means you’re predicting that the combined score of both teams will exceed 45.5 points. Betting the “under” means you expect the total score to be 45 points or fewer.
• Moneyline: Michigan’s moneyline is set at -1100, meaning a $1100 bet would win you $100 if Michigan wins. Fresno State’s moneyline is +700, which means a $100 bet on the Bulldogs would win $700 if they pull off the upset.

The current betting odds suggest an implied score of around 33-12 in favor of Michigan, reflecting their status as heavy favorites at home.

Injury Report

Fresno State will be without their starting left tackle and wide receiver Josiah Freeman, who is listed as doubtful for this game. These absences could significantly impact Fresno State’s ability to protect their quarterback and move the ball against a stout Michigan defense. On the Michigan side, there are no major injuries reported, allowing them to enter the game at full strength.

Game Analysis

Michigan Overview:

The Michigan Wolverines come into this game with high expectations under new head coach Chiron Moore. After a successful 2023 season, Michigan is looking to make a statement in their season opener. The Wolverines are known for their strong defense, which is considered one of the best in the country. With several NFL-caliber players on the defensive line, Michigan is expected to dominate in the trenches and make life difficult for Fresno State’s offense.

Offensively, Michigan will be breaking in a new quarterback, Alex Orji, who is seen as a potential star for the Wolverines. However, there are questions about his ability to lead the team to a playoff berth, especially against tougher competition. Michigan’s run game is expected to be a strength, with a solid offensive line paving the way for their talented running backs. The key for Michigan will be to establish the run early and control the clock, keeping Fresno State’s offense off the field.

Fresno State Overview:

The Fresno State Bulldogs enter this game under interim head coach Tim Skipper, following the departure of Jeff Tedford due to health reasons. The Bulldogs are coming off a season where they showed flashes of potential, but consistency remains a question mark. Fresno State will rely heavily on their quarterback, Keene, who has shown the ability to make plays under pressure. However, the loss of their starting left tackle could make it difficult for Keene to find time in the pocket against a fierce Michigan pass rush.

Defensively, Fresno State has some talent, particularly in the secondary. They will need to play a near-perfect game to slow down Michigan’s offense and keep the game within reach. The Bulldogs’ ability to generate turnovers and capitalize on mistakes will be crucial if they hope to pull off the upset.

Matchup Strengths and Weaknesses:

In this Fresno State vs. Michigan matchup, the Wolverines have a clear edge in talent and depth, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Michigan’s ability to dominate the line of scrimmage and pressure Fresno State’s quarterback could make it a long night for the Bulldogs. The Wolverines’ strong run game should allow them to control the clock and wear down Fresno State’s defense over the course of the game.

On the other hand, Fresno State’s best chance for success lies in their ability to protect the football and avoid costly turnovers. If Keene can find time to make plays and connect with his receivers, the Bulldogs could keep the game closer than the spread suggests. However, without their starting left tackle, protecting the quarterback against Michigan’s pass rush will be a significant challenge.

Prediction:

Given the talent disparity and Michigan’s defensive strength, the Wolverines are expected to win this game comfortably. Expect Michigan to cover the spread with a final score prediction of Michigan 35, Fresno State 10.

Pick: Take Michigan to cover the 21-point spread.

Conclusion

This matchup between Fresno State and Michigan is a great opportunity for both teams to set the tone for their seasons. With Michigan looking to solidify their standing under Chiron Moore and Fresno State aiming to show improvement under Tim Skipper, this game has plenty of intrigue for college football fans.

Remember to:

• Subscribe to the Winning Cures Everything podcast for the latest college football news, analysis, and betting tips. Click here to listen.
• Follow the Winning Cures Everything YouTube page for video content and more. Subscribe here.
• Subscribe to the BetUS College Football Show on YouTube for expert picks and predictions. Subscribe here.
• Become a member at BettingCFB.com for bonus content, stats, picks, and more!
• Check the latest College Football Odds. View Odds.

Blog generated by AI