Michigan Win Total Prediction
The Michigan Wolverines have been one of the more disappointing teams in the country when it comes to winning big games. Will the 2019 season finally see Michigan get the job done?
Odds
Jim Harbaugh enters his fifth season as coach of the Wolverines and he has posted a 38-14 record in his time at U-M, but has been unable to consistently beat his rivals and top-10 teams. Michigan was 10-3 last season and 8-1 in the Big Ten while losing in the Peach Bowl. According to oddsmakers, Michigan is listed with an over/under of 9.5 wins during the regular season in 2019. The over is listed at -170, while the under is listed at +150.
Bet on College Football Futures Odds
Offense
Michigan’s offense was disappointing last season, as the Wolverines couldn’t consistently throw the ball down the field. Michigan averaged 32.5 points and 419.5 yards per game, but were 80th nationally in passing. The Wolverines hope to improve on that this year with Shea Patterson returning for his senior season. Patterson threw for 2,364 yards and 21 touchdowns last year with just five interceptions. U-M has some playmakers at receiver, but the play calling was lacking. Both Nico Collins and Donovan People-Jones return at receiver while four starters are back on the offensive line. Michigan will need to find new capable backs, as they lose their top two rushers, but the Wolverines have recruited the position well.
Defense
The Michigan defense was among the best in the nation last year, allowing just 19.4 points and 275.2 yards per game. Their pass defense ranked second in the nation, allowing just 147.8 yards per game. The Wolverines lose six starters from the unit, including some talented players in the front seven. Josh Uche led the team with seven sacks and should see an expanded role this year while safety Josh Metellus had a team-high three interceptions in 2018 and is back to lead the secondary.
Schedule
Michigan will have non-conference home games with Middle Tennessee, Army and Notre Dame this year. The contest with the Irish takes place in the midst of Big Ten play. In conference games, Michigan will host Rutgers, Iowa, Michigan State and Ohio State. The Wolverines will travel to Wisconsin, Illinois, Penn State, Maryland and Indiana.
Prediction
It’s hard to say Harbaugh is on the hot seat considering Michigan has won 10 games in three of his four years with the team. However, he is being paid heavily to win championships and he hasn’t even managed to get Michigan to the Big Ten Championship Game. This year, with Urban Meyer gone and Michigan hosting rivals Ohio State, Notre Dame and Michigan State, there aren’t any excuses left for the coach. While trips to Wisconsin and Penn State could be tough, those are the games he’s paid to win. Michigan seems to have the talent. The defense should remain tough while the offense should be improved on last year. If the Wolverines can’t win the Big Ten this year, then Wolverine fans should really be concerned.
College Football Prediction: Michigan Over 9.5 Wins -170