SMU vs. Michigan Prediction
Can No. 19 Michigan cover another big spread at home against a struggling team when the Wolverines host SMU today at 3:30PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
Saturday, September 15, 2018
3:30PM ET – Michigan Stadium
TV: Big Ten Network
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Michigan is the clear favorite at home, as the Wolverines are getting odds of -35.5 points against SMU. The over/under total for the game is listed at 52.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 74 percent backing Michigan at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Football Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Wolverines roll Western Michigan
After the 24-17 loss at Notre Dame to start the year, Michigan got itself on track with a 49-3 win over Western Michigan at home last week. The Wolverines are 1-1 against the spread and 2-0 with the under this year. They are still just 2-3 against the spread in their last five games.
For the year, Michigan is averaging 33 points and 379 yards per game on offense. They had a lackluster showing at ND, but put up 451 total yards last week with 308 coming on the ground. Karan Higdon had a big game with 156 yards on 13 carries. He has 228 yards for the year with two scores. Transfer QB Shea Patterson has thrown for 352 yards and three touchdowns on the season. Defensively, Michigan is holding opponents to just 13.5 points and 255 yards per game.
SMU struggling on both sides
The SMU Mustangs haven’t been able to get much going this season, suffering a 46-23 loss at North Texas and a 42-12 loss at home to TCU so far. The Horned Frogs have failed to cover in both and have hit the under in both. SMU is just 1-9 against the spread in its last 10 games.
SMU’s offense is definitely struggling. The Mustangs are averaging just 17.5 points and 249 yards per game. On the ground, they are putting up just 67.5 yards per game. Quarterback Ben Hicks has thrown for 363 yards and two touchdowns to lead the offense while Braeden West has 104 rushing yards and two scores on 19 carries. Defensively, things aren’t much better. SMU is giving up 44 points and 461 yards per game, including over 300 passing yards per contest.
College Football Betting Trends
Michigan
Michigan is 4-1 ATS in its last five home games against a team with a losing road record, but just 1-4 ATS in its last five non-conference games.
SMU
SMU has failed to cover the spread in five straight road games but are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games in September.
Prediction:
This game should be similar to last week for Michigan. The Wolverines beat up on bad teams, especially at home. They should be able to run right over the SMU defense while completing some occasional passes. The Mustangs won’t have the speed to get outside the Michigan defense and the Wolverines will have covered by close to halftime. I like Michigan to roll.
College Football Prediction: Michigan -35.5
Related: SMU vs. Michigan Total Prediction