Indeed, it has been a tumultuous offseason for the defending national champion Michigan Wolverines. Head coach Jim Harbaugh left the team shortly after winning the natty and being suspended for six games during the 2023 regular season. In addition to Harbaugh, Michigan lost most of its key players, assistant coaches, and support staff. Sherrone Moore takes over as HC after serving as Harbaugh’s offensive coordinator. Also, he was the fill-in head coach during the Harbaugh suspensions. Michigan is a College Football Betting mega brand that will always have its share of top-flight talent. But there is plenty of uncertainty.
Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Michigan Wolverines NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, August 31, 2024, 7:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI |
| TV Coverage: | NBC |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno State | +21½ -110 | 45½ -110 | +950 |  |
| Michigan | -21½ -110 | 45½ -110 | -1700 | |
| ||||
Fresno State Bulldogs Team Overview
Following an 8-1 start, the Bulldogs seemed on pace for a trip to the Mountain West title game. But coach Jeff Tedford’s team stumbled down the stretch with three consecutive losses in November. However, Fresno State rebounded in a big way to close out ’23 by defeating New Mexico State in the New Mexico Bowl. Now, the Bulldogs are navigating a late coaching transition. To show, Tedford stepped down from the team in July to address health concerns. Assistant Tim Skipper will work as the interim coach for ’24.
All of the online betting pieces are in place for the offense to rank as one of the best in the Group of 5 ranks. First, quarterback Mikey Keene (2,976 yards and 24 TDs) is back. So, too, are running back Malik Sherrod (966 yards) and receivers Jalen Moss, Mac Dalena, and Josiah Freeman. Also, the line returns four starters after allowing just 19 sacks in Mountain West play in ’23.
Michigan Wolverines Team Overview
While Michigan maintains much of what made its defensive unit so elite, first-year head coach Sherrone Moore must settle on a quarterback. Also, he must hand the offense to a new coordinator (Kirk Campbell). Additionally, he must help bring along a new offensive line. Despite having fewer options at running back and receiver. The Wolverines’ three-year run as Big Ten champions could be in serious jeopardy.
Consider that Michigan is looking to replace its starting quarterback (J.J. McCarthy). Also gone is the running back (Blake Corum), the entire offensive line, and the two most productive receivers from a season ago. All of them lost to the NFL.
Big-play back Donovan Edwards will take the reins on the ground. Up front, transfer tackle Myles Hinton (Stanford) and guard Josh Priebe (Northwestern) will help anchor a less experienced, less polished offensive line. Meanwhile, returning tight end Colston Loveland, an All-Big Ten selection last season could vie for All-America honors.
The Wolverines’ offense is currently designed to stick with its ground-and-pound formula. They are looking to eat away at the time of possession and wear down opposing defenses. But lacking a proven quarterback and every downback could mean a step back in efficiency.
The nation’s No. 1-ranked unit has a new coordinator. Long-time NFL assistant Don “Wink” Martindale. Previously he was the architect of the disguise-heavy defense introduced at Michigan in 2021. Martindale will look to carry that over while mixing in some additional blitzing and pressure.
Fresno State at Michigan SBG Free Picks
On this occasion, Fresno State has the potential to be a strong College Football Betting value. Michigan will be overpriced and not the same team as 2023.
Fresno State at Michigan SBG Best Bet: Fresno State Bulldogs.