For the first time in 17 years, the 2021 Michigan Wolverines won the Big Ten Conference championship. At the onset of head coach Jim Harbaugh’s arrival, national championships were expected with the college football odds. Harbaugh dramatically improved the Michigan program in his first six seasons on the job. But the Wolverines could not surpass hated arch-rival Ohio State for league supremacy. Until the 2021 campaign, that is. Michigan mauled the Buckeyes, won the Big Ten, and made its first College Football Playoff appearance. Now the question is if the Wolverines go back or stay?
Michigan Wolverines Future Odds at SBG
| Prop | Odds |
|---|---|
| To win the National Championship | +4900 |
| Win the Big Ten Championship | +600 |
| Over/Under Win Total | 9.5 |
Maize and Blue Review – SBG Odds Analysis
At the onset of any sportsbook conversation about Michigan is its popularity. Michigan is one of the biggest brands on the board in any sport. As a result of winning the Big Ten and routing Ohio State, that popularity has never been higher. Gamblers always have to be prudent about wagering value for Michigan. The Wolverines’ public popularity makes them a potential overlay in any wagering situation.
Quarterback Controversy for Harbaugh?
Last year Cade McNamara quarterbacked the Wolverines to the Big Ten championship. But McNamara will be challenged by JJ McCarthy for the number one gig in 2022. It is possible that Harbaugh will play both QBs. Regardless of who is under center, Michigan will have new offensive coordinators. Matt Weiss and Sherrone Moore replace the departed Josh Gattis. The offense will surround its quarterback with exceptionally strong 5-star talent.
Key Elements Leave for Potential Defensive Drop
Overall, the 2021 Wolverines had one of the best defenses in college football. But this year, the unit will undergo significant changes. Former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald has returned to Harbaugh’s brother John and the NFL Baltimore Ravens. Jesse Minter is the third defensive coordinator in three years at Michigan. Although Minter vows to run the Macdonald system. Minter finds his unit with two huge holes to fill. Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo are gone after terrorizing the Big Ten in 2021.
Harbaugh’s NFL Desire Harms Recruiting
So far, the Wolverines are off to an alarmingly bad College football betting odds start on the recruiting trail. Much of that is in reaction to Harbaugh trying to leave for the NFL Minnesota Vikings. Indeed, Harbaugh acted as if it were a done deal. But it was not. Thus, the Michigan coach had to limp back to his old job with plenty of embarrassment.
As a result of his NFL flirting, opposing coaches are pointing it out to prospective recruits. The Michigan administration is tired of Harbaugh but could not do much about it after his strong 2021 performance. Still, there is the sense that Harbaugh will always have a distracted eye on the NFL.
2022 Michigan Wolverines Schedule
- September 3: Colorado State Rams
- Sep 10: Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
- September 17: UConn Huskies
- Sep 24: Maryland Terrapins
- October 1: at Iowa Hawkeyes
- Oct 8: at Indiana Hoosiers
- October 15: Penn State Nittany Lions
- Oct 22: OFF
- Oct 29: Michigan State Spartans
- November 5: at Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- Nov 12: Nebraska Cornhuskers
- November 19: Illinois Fighting Illini
- Nov 26: at Ohio State Buckeyes
- December 3: Big Ten Championship (Indianapolis, IN)