Middle Tennessee vs. Michigan Prediction
Is No. 7 Michigan set to make a statement tonight and run up the score on Middle Tennessee when the two collide at 7:30PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
195 Middle Tennessee vs. 196 Michigan
Saturday, August 31, 2019
7:30PM ET – Michigan Stadium
TV: Big Ten Network
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Michigan is favored heavily in this game, as the Wolverines are getting odds of -35 points against Middle Tennessee. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 54.5 points. The public betting currently has 73 percent going on Michigan as the favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Michigan needs a title
The Michigan Wolverines are coming into a big season as they are a preseason favorite in the Big Ten and haven’t been able to get the job done under Jim Harbaugh. He enters his 5th season as coach of Michigan and is coming off a 10-3 record in 2018 where it went 8-1 in the Big East. The Wolverines were 6-7 against the spread last year and 8-5 with the over.
Michigan’s defense was really strong last year, allowing just 19.4 points and 275.2 yards per game. Their pass defense ranked second nationally, allowing just 147.8 yards per game. The defense has five starters back this year, including two in the secondary. Offensively, Michigan put up 35.2 points and 419.5 yards per game. Shea Patterson is leading the offense this year after throwing for 2,600 yards and 22 touchdowns. He has some talented receivers back this year as well as Nico Collins and Donovan Peoples-Jones combined for 85 receptions and over 1,200 yards. Michigan will have to address its run game after losing Karan Higdon, who rushed for nearly 1,200 yards. Michigan has four starters back on the offensive line, though, so it should be an easy transition to a new starter.
Blue Raiders no slouch
Middle Tennessee is a strong Conference USA team. The Blue Raiders were 8-6 last season and 7-1 in the conference, losing in the title game to UAB. Rick Stockstill enters his 14th season as head coach of Middle Tennessee. The Blue Raiders were 8-6 against the spread last season while going 7-7 with the over/under total.
Middle Tennessee has an offense that averaged 28 points and 393.4 yards per game last season. However, the team has just three starters back on offense. Ty Lee is the only skill-position player of note back. He led the team in receiving with 71 catches for 883 yards and seven touchdowns. At QB, Asher O’Hara and Chase Cunningham have battled for the new starting QB position. Both saw very limited action last season. Defensively, Middle Tennessee gave up 26.7 points and 377.9 yards per game last season. The Raiders have five starters back on defense, including four in the front seven.
College Football Betting Trends
Michigan
Michigan is 7-3 against the spread in its last 10 home games, but just 1-6 ATS in its last seven non-conference games.
Middle Tennessee
The Blue Raiders were just 1-4 against the spread in their last five games in August and 8-18-1 ATS in their last 27 games on fieldturf.
Prediction:
This is a big spread for any team to cover, but I think Michigan is out to make a statement tonight. The Wolverines have a new OC and Jim Harbaugh is saying the offense will have a different feel and style this year and many fans feel the play calling is what held Michigan back. The Michigan defense has been strong under Harbaugh and should be able to keep the Blue Raiders in check. From there, it’s up to the offense to put on a show and I think the Wolverines will be able to do that.
College Football Week 1 Prediction: Michigan -35
Related: Middle Tennessee vs. Michigan Total Prediction