The Western Michigan Broncos and Michigan Wolverines meet Saturday in college football action at Michigan Stadium. Here’s a Michigan vs Western Michigan Prediction. This article will include a Michigan vs Western Michigan Pick.
Western Michigan Broncos Betting Preview
Western Michigan surprised last season with 10 wins and enters the fourth season under coach Lance Taylor. Broc Lowry returns as the reigning MAC Offensive Player of the Year, and he brings 1,000-yard rusher Jalen Buckley with him. The offensive line looks strong, and receivers Aveion Chenault and Baylin Brooks are productive.
Western Michigan should be the best offense in the MAC, and it makes this team scary every week. Greer Martini takes over a defense that has more new faces, and that includes losing their top-three tacklers. Cornerback Jarvarius Sims will be the leader on this side of the ball. Regardless, Western Michigan is going to be a tough out given the offensive firepower.
Michigan Wolverines Betting Preview
Michigan won nine games last season and begins the Kyle Whittingham era. Michigan keeps making bowl appearances, but this is a program that wants to get back in the national title conversation.
The Wolverines hope quarterback Bryce Underwood can take that next step and become a superstar. Jordan Marshall is back after leading Michigan in rushing, while the receiver group that includes Andrew Marsh, JJ Buchanan, and Channing Goodwin is talented. There’s a new defensive coordinator in Jay Hill, and he has two building blocks in Rod Moore and Trey Pierce. Michigan is a team I’m looking at in the futures market as there’s potential with this group, and I do believe it is being undervalued. Don’t be surprised if Michigan gets off to a fast start and starts getting some playoff love.
Why the Michigan Wolverines will win
- Michigan has won each of its last 32 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Western Michigan has lost each of its last 11 games against opponents from the Big Ten Conference.
- Western Michigan has failed to cover the spread in each of its last seven games against AP-ranked teams.
- Michigan has covered the spread in each of its last four home games against teams from Michigan.
- Michigan has won the first quarter in each of its last nine games against opponents from the Mid-American Conference.
- Michigan has won the first half in each of its last 24 games as an AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team at Michigan Stadium.
Why the Western Michigan Broncos will win
- Western Michigan has won each of its last seven games in Michigan.
- The team ranked 16th in the AP Poll has lost three of its last four games.
- Michigan has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last eight games as an AP-ranked team.
- Western Michigan has covered the spread in eight of its last 10 games in Michigan.
- The underdog has won the first quarter in four of Western Michigan’s last six games.
- The team ranked 16th in the AP Poll has lost the first half in each of its last four games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Western Michigan’s last five road openers have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Michigan’s last four home games have gone UNDER the total points line.
Michigan Wolverines Player Prop Facts
- John Henry Daley ranked T7th amongst FBS players for sacks (11.5) last season.
Western Michigan Broncos Player Prop Facts
- Jalen Buckley was one of only 17 players in the FBS to record 1,000 rushing yards with fewer than 200 attempts last season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Michigan ranked T9th among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game last season (2.6).
- Michigan ranked 14th among FBS teams for rushing yards per game last season (210.2).
- Western Michigan recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of five points or less of any FBS team last season (3).
- Western Michigan ranked 6th among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game last season (3.4).
Michigan vs Western Michigan Prediction
I’m higher on Michigan than most and may or may not have a future bet on this team making the playoffs. There are a lot of highlights on this Michigan roster. However, Western Michigan is explosive offensively, and if it gets going early, the Wolverines could have a fight on their hands. This is also a big game for Western Michigan as it has a chance to stick it to the big boy of the state. We’re getting four free touchdowns with probably the best offense in the MAC. Give me the points.