Michigan vs Fresno State Prediction 8-31-24 College Football Picks

The Michigan Wolverines and Fresno State Bulldogs meet in week 1 college football action from Michigan Stadium on Saturday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Michigan vs Fresno State Prediction.

Tim Skipper Era Starts for Fresno State

Former coach Jeff Tedford had to step down because of health concerns, and now it’s the Tim Skipper era for Fresno State. Mike Keene is under center for Fresno State, and last season he threw for 24 touchdowns. As good as the passing game was, the ground game could be a lot better. Malik Sheerer rushed for just under 1,000 yards, and he’s going to need to have an even bigger year.

On defense last year, Fresno State needed to be more consistent.  At times, they looked superb, but in other games they had some major issues. Fresno State knows they are going to have their hands full here, and the defense is going to need to step up in a big way. Malachi Langley is back on the defense and is going to need to have a huge game here. Fresno State will face Sacramento State, New Mexico State, and New Mexico following this one.

Why Fresno State Will Cover Against Michigan 

• Fresno State has won four of its last five games as an underdog.
• Fresno State has covered the spread in four of its last five road openers.
• Michigan has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents at Michigan Stadium.

Michigan Looks a Lot Different

Michigan is coming off a National Championship victory, but this team looks much different. Gone is head coach Jim Harbaugh and starting quarterback JJ McCarthy. Alex Orji is expected to be the starting quarterback this year, but we could see more than one quarterback here. Wide receiver Tyler Morris also came in, and he’s going to need to have a big game here. He is going to be a kick returner and should be a wide receiver also.

On defense, this Michigan team is still very talented, and it’s going to be the strength of the defense. Two of the best defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant are back, and both will be x-factors this year. The hope for Michigan is this will be an easy win, and they can get plenty of playing time for some of the young players. Michigan will meet Texas after this game.

Michigan vs Fresno State Prediction

The defense for Michigan is going to be good, but I don’t think their offense is going to be all that good, and that will be the difference here. Even if Michigan State doesn’t run up the score with Mike Keene, he is going to lead the Bulldogs to at least 13 points and that will be enough to keep it close. Michigan will pull away a bit late, but it won’t be enough to cover the spread. Back Fresno State against the spread.