Central Michigan vs. Michigan Odds
ANN ARBOR, MI (The Spread) – No. 17 Michigan hosts an in-state foe on Saturday at 3:30PM ET, as the Wolverines face Central Michigan on the Big Ten Network.
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Central Michigan was 7-6 last season and 6-7 against the spread while Michigan went 8-5 overall and 6-7 against the spread. These two last met in 2006, with Michigan picking up a 41-17 win, but the Chippewas covering a 27-point spread.
Trends show that Michigan is just 1-4 against the spread in its last 5 games in August, but 5-1 ATS in its last 6 against Mid-American Conference opponents. Central Michigan is just 3-10 ATS in its last 13 road games but 6-2 ATS in its last 8 against the Big Ten.
According to oddsmakers from Bovada.lv, Michigan is the clear favorite at home, as the Wolverines have odds of -31.5 points against Central Michigan. The over/under total for the game has been set at 52 points. (View Matchup) The opening odds for this game had Michigan favored by 34.5 points. The spread was never higher than that. The odds hit a low of 31 points before adding the hook to get to 31.5. The over/under total opened at 53.5 points but has since dipped down to 52.
Michigan enters its third season with Brady Hoke as head coach and the team will have a different look than previous years now that Devin Gardner is firmly planted as starting quarterback. Gardner has the passing ability that Denard Robinson lacked and gives the team more of pro-style offense. Despite averaging 184 rushing yards per game last season, Michigan needs more from its backs, as it failed to have any of them rush for over 515 yards. Gardner will have some talented receivers and tight ends to throw to, but the team has young starters in the middle of the offensive line. Defensively, Michigan only allowed 19.8 points and 320 yards per game in 2012. The team needs to do a better job of pressuring the QB, as it had just 22 sacks last season.
Central Michigan had a winning record for the first time under coach Dan Enos in 2012. The Chippewas are in the fourth year under Enos this season and have hopes for another winning record. The offense is breaking in a new starting quarterback, but have a stud running back in Zurlon Tipton. Tipton had 1,429 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. The team also returns four of its top five receivers from 2012. The key will be an offensive line that has to replace three starters, including the left tackle. On defense, CMU has been poor under Enos, allowing more than 32 points and 425 yards per game the last two seasons. Despite returning seven starters this year, the team lacks playmakers, especially up front. The Chippewas have amassed just 31 sacks the last two seasons combined.
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In terms of Injuries, Central Michigan defensive lineman Jabari Dean is listed as probable despite a hip injury. Michigan linebacker Jake Ryan is out until October with a leg injury while receiver Amara Darboh recently suffered a season-ending foot injury.
The Public Bets for this game are currently backing Central Michigan, as the Chippewas are getting 67% of the wagers with odds of -31.5 points against Michigan.
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