Wolverines on the Warpath Again? Betting Michigan Wolverines Odds for a Repeat Championship

Previous Betting News

Not long ago, the Michigan Wolverines were thinking of putting coach John Harbaugh out of a job. Following two consecutive Big Ten championships and wins over vaunted rival Ohio State, everyone is now ready to embrace wearing Harbaugh’s khaki pants year-round.

While Big Blue has made a lot of progress, the Wolverines are now ready to take the next step of the program and win in the College Football Playoffs after consecutive failures.

Here’s a look at what to expect from the Wolverines in 2023.

Let’s see if the Michigan Wolverines have what it takes to back the betting odds to win the National Championship.

Michigan Wolverines 2023 Season Betting Guide | MyBookie College Betting Preview

Michigan Wolverines | Big Ten Conference during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season
TCU Odds to Win Championship: +1025
School: University of Michigan
Head coach: Jim Harbaugh | 9th season
Home field: Michigan Stadium | Ann Arbor, Michigan

Great Expectations

Michigan will return starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy to the fold in 2023. McCarthy is a solid field general who is capable of making plays in a run-heavy attack. He passed for 2,739 yards with 22 touchdowns and five interceptions last season.

With McCarthy returning and another strong offensive line in front of him, the Wolverines’ over/under for wins was set at 10.5 games. Michigan was +900 to win the national championship.

Wolverines have a Soft Schedule

Michigan isn’t a team that will challenge itself out of Big Ten play this year. The Wolverines will open the season with four straight home games, three of which are out-of-conference games. Michigan will host East Carolina, UNLV, and Bowling Green to open the season.

If things play out as expected for Michigan, the Wolverines may be able to get out to a 6-0 start with little resistance.

Nebraska, Michigan State are Wild Cards

The Cornhuskers may be Michigan’s toughest game in the first six weeks. While Matt Rhule is attempting to rebuild the program, he has a history of success at the college level. Making a trip to Nebraska may not be the easiest of tasks.

Michigan State took a bit of a nose dive under Mel Tucker last season. The Spartans, who have tortured Harbaugh during his tenure at Michigan, didn’t provide much of a challenge during a 29-7 win over Michigan last season.

Veteran’s Day Collision

Michigan’s last big test before an end-of-the-season showdown with Ohio State will be a road battle with Penn State No. 11 in State College, Pa. 

Some people believe the Nittany Lions have the team that could challenge for the division title with Ohio State and Michigan. Losing this game wouldn’t be the end of the world, but it would eliminate the margin of error for winning the division.

Prediction and the Game

Michigan has beaten Ohio State for two consecutive seasons. Both teams will have high expectations again this season and hope to win the Big Ten again. The Wolverines will need to clean on their strong defense and veteran experience to win. This may be a year where Michigan gets tripped up once or twice.

The Wolverines will go just under the total, being doomed by losses to Ohio State and Penn State.

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Previous Betting News

When the Michigan Wolverines lured beloved former star Jim Harbaugh away from the San Francisco 49ers prior to the 2015 college football season, they had visions of routinely competing for national championships among the likes of perennial powerhouses like Clemson and Alabama. Unfortunately, that hasn’t quite materialized despite the fact that Harbaugh has managed to record double-digit winning seasons in three of the four years he’s been at his Alma mater.

Now, as they get set for the upcoming 2019 regular season, the hopes in Ann Arbor are high again and whether you believe in the Big Ten championship hopefuls or not, there are a bunch of things you need to know about Michigan before they take to the gridiron this coming season. Let’s find out everything there is to know in my expert college football betting guide centered on the Wolverines.

Michigan Wolverines 2019 College Football Season Betting Guide

2020 National Championship Odds: +1600
2019 Win Total Odds: 9½

Betting Statistics

ATS: 10-3 (W-L) / 6-7-0 (ATS) / 5-3-0 (Home) / 1-4-0 (Away) /  1-2-0 (Grass) /  5-5-0 (Turf)
O/U: 8-5-0 (W-L) / 6-2-0 (Home) / 2-3-0 (Away) / 1-2-0 (Grass) / 7-3-0 (Turf) / 54.5 (Total)

While Michigan posted a nice, 10-3 record a year ago, the Wolverines couldn’t be counted on to cover the chalk consistently as they went an uninspiring 6-7 ATS, including a dismal 1-4 ATS on the road. Michigan played Over their O/U total odds eight times, while going 6-2 O/U at home.

2018 Team Leaders

Touchdowns: Karan Higdon (10)
Rushing: Karan Higdon (1178)
Passing: Shea Patterson (2600)
Receiving: Nico Collins (632)
Interceptions: Josh Metellus (3)

Senior running back Karan Higdon led the team in touchdowns scored and rushing yards a year ago while now, senior quarterback Shea Patterson passed for a modest 2,600 yards with 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Now, junior wide receiver Nico Collins put up a team-high 632 rushing yards while now, senior safety Josh Metellus recorded a team-high three interceptions. All of Michigan’s 2018 team leaders will be back in 2019 except Higdon.

Offense

Total Yards: 419.5 / Rank 50
Passing Yards: 215.7 / Rank 80
Rushing Yards: 203.8 /Rank 30
Points Scored: 35.2 / Rank 21
Field Goal %: 77.8 / Rank 39

Michigan’s normally underachieving offense during the Harbaugh era was a bit better than they usually are, having finished the 2018 season ranked 50th overall, 80th in passing, 30th in rushing and 21st in scoring (35.2 ppg).

Defense

Total Yards: 275.2 / Rank 2
Passing Yards: 147.8 / Rank 2
Rushing Yards: 127.5 /Rank 23
Points Allowed: 19.4 / Rank 16
Field Goal %: 100 / Rank 130

As has been the case since Harbaugh arrived in Ann Arbor, the Wolverines were ‘beastly’ on defense in ranking second overall, an identical second against the pass, 23rd against the run and 16th in points allowed (19.4 ppg).

Outlook

Michigan has gone an identical 10-3 in three of the four years Harbaugh has led the program and I think they’re looking at another 10-win season in the making college football betting buffs. I know the Wolverines hired a new offensive coordinator in former Alabama offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach Josh Gattis who is reportedly set to install a new, spread offense in 2019, but I’m not real high on Shea Patterson and I’m not sure Harbaugh is really going to cede control of his ‘old-timey’ offensive schemes, particularly if Michigan stumbles early on.

I know Shea Patterson will be in his second season under Harbaugh and that he’s reportedly quite familiar with a spread offense, but there are question marks and a lack of experience at running back. The good news is that Patterson will be operating behind a veteran offensive line that returns four starters from last season and he’ll have some experienced receivers to throw to, but there’s a big question mark on the defensive side of the ball with the Wolverines losing some serious star power in defensive linemen Rashan Gary and Chase Winovich and linebacker Devin Bush Jr., not to mention the fact that  defensive line coach Greg Mattison bolted to take the job arch-rival Ohio State.

Michigan lost to Notre Dame in their 2018 regular season opener before getting completely blown away by longtime conference rival Ohio State in their regular season finale and then getting smacked around again in their 41-15 Peach Bowl loss to Florida.

Michigan has a pair of tricky road matchups against Wisconsin and Penn State and a trio of other tough home dates against Notre Dame, Michigan State and Ohio State in their regular season finale. While the Wolverines have just five road games and seven home dates in 2019, I still don’t see Jim Harbaugh getting his beloved Alma mater to reach the 11-win mark for the first time since he took over.

Previous Betting News

It’s impossible to fully predict how the Michigan Wolverines will play this season, given that this team has a number of question marks in the offense, especially at quarterback. Still, after doubling their 2014 win total in Jim Harbaugh’s first season with the team in 2015, it’s a popular belief across the nation that the Wolverines could be in for even bigger things in the 2016 NCAA Football lines. And looking at their 2106 schedule, you can’t help but agree with the high expectations on the Wolverines. Even so, the unforgiving competition in the world of college football can lead to shocking upsets from the most unexpected quarters, so Michigan’s hyped expectations should be taken with a grain of salt. That being said, here’s a brief game-by- game breakdown of Michigan’s games in 2016, complete with free NCAAF betting predictions.

Taking a Closer Look at 2016 Michigan Wolverines Betting Predictions for Every Game

Sept. 3 vs. Hawaii

Don’t expect this one to be close… Hawaii has got nothing on either side of the football to give a competitive show against Michigan Oh, and the Rainbow Warriors were 0-6 on the road last season, so winning at Michigan will be a very, very tall order for them.

Prediction: Michigan 49, Hawaii 3

Sept. 10 vs. UCF

The Knights have made enough upgrades in the team to compete better than Hawaii, especially if quarterback Justin Holman can get his game up and running. But then again, Michigan beat Oregon State, UNLV and BYU by a combined score of 94-14, and that was when the Wolverines’ offense wasn’t even playing well. With the Wolverines bringing back plenty of experience in the offense and an absolutely loaded defense, another big win should be due for Michigan here.

Prediction: Michigan 39, UCF 14

Sept. 17 vs. Colorado

Again, there’s really nothing here for you people hoping for a close game. This one will be all about Michigan from the get-go, and the Wolverine onslaught won’t end until the final whistle.

Prediction: Michigan 37, Colorado 7

Sept. 24 vs. Penn State

Okay, now expect Michigan to get tested here. QB Christian Hackenberg is in the NFL now, but he did leave some decent pieces behind, with the likes of star running back Saquon Barkley capable of combining for a few decent number of scores against Michigan. The Wolverines should still win, but it won’t be anything in the region of a one-sided dominance.

Prediction: Michigan 27, Penn State 22

Oct. 1 vs. Wisconsin

If you love ugly games, then this one should pretty much fit right in your alley. Both Wisconsin and Michigan are good in defense and barely trusting in offense, so this game is likely to be riddled with many stops and turnovers, as both teams play conservative football. I like Michigan to win because Harbaugh is a master at making calls in such defense-minded contests, but I also like the Badgers’ solid front seven to ensure that this game stays very close.

Prediction: Michigan 21, Wisconsin 17

Oct. 8 at Rutgers

Will the Rutgers’ secret society hex on Michigan work here? I doubt it. But the presence of Robert Martin and Josh Hicks in this game should see the Wolverine run defense tested quite strongly. Add to the fact that this will be Michigan’s first road game, some jitters are likely to affect the players’ performance, with UM most probably starting the game slow and making it look like the Scarlet Knights Order of the Bull’s Blood curse is working. Things should, however, be better as the Wolverines pick up tempo in the second half, leading to another rather comfy win for the Wolverines.

Prediction: Michigan 29, Rutgers 14

Oct. 22 vs. Illinois

At 6-0, the Wolverines should be very confident in their abilities, with the team benefitting from having more experience together on the field. It won’t, however, be easy for Harbaugh, who will be facing former Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith, a familiar foe from Harbaugh’s days in the NFL. That, along with the availability of talented players like Wes Lunt and Dawuane Smoot, will ensure that the Illini give a very resolute performance. But with the advantage of playing at home and having a better crop of experienced players, Michigan will most likely claim its seventh straight win of the season here.

Prediction: Michigan 28, Illinois 17

Oct. 29 at Michigan State

If wishes were horses, I’d really wish for a repeat of last year’s epic back and forth encounter between these two Michigan teams. Sadly, Michigan State’s 2016 offense is big step down from what it had last year, so the Spartans won’t have that attacking edge that made them so scary in 2015. Nevertheless, we should have a good defensive matchup, with both sides bringing a lot of quality to the game. In the end, I expect Michigan to have the last laugh, with Harbaugh and his boys doing everything humanly possible to avenge last season’s painful loss at Ann Harbor.

Prediction: Michigan 26, Michigan State 24

Nov. 5 vs. Maryland

Back at home after the predicted win at Michigan State, there is a high chance for a letdown performance from the drained Wolverines. But with Harbaugh backing orders from the touchline and dropping F-Bombs to players that are sleeping on his chance at the college football playoffs, the Wolverines should do just enough to get the win. Still, former UM defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin should be able to stay true to his clamping football reputation by helping the Terps to keep the game low-scoring.

Prediction: Michigan 21, Maryland 15

Nov. 12 at Iowa

2016’s most underrated Big Ten team Iowa and star quarterback C.J. Beathard would love nothing more than to ruin Michigan’s chances of winning the Big Ten title, and fortunately for the Hawkeyes, they have sufficient talent to pull the feat. Beathard, son of pop song writer Casey C.J. Beathard, is surrounded with solid tools in the offense to make a symphony of his own this game, while the advantage of playing at home (the Hawkeyes were 7-0 at home last season) should motivate the team to stick it to Michigan.

Prediction: Iowa 22, Michigan 19

Nov. 19 vs. Indiana

The Hoosiers nearly upset Michigan last season and things should more-or- less the same when they play the Wolverines this season. JUCO signing Richard Lagow is heralded as a talented player and he will be inheriting an experienced group of targets (see Devine Redding, Mitchell Paige and Simmie Cobbs Jr.), which will make life difficult for the Wolverines. Plus, the Wolves may fail to concentrate on this game, focusing more on the Ohio State season finale. Even so, this will be Michigan’s last home game and I expect the fans and players to be rallied up, something that will almost definitely see the Wolverines take care of business quite handily here.

Prediction: Michigan 40, Indiana 24

Nov. 26 at Ohio State

The Buckeyes have dominated the Wolverines in the recent past, including that blowout win last season, and it will be interesting to see what happens this year. The Bucks lost a lot of talent to the NFL draft, but Urban Meyer loaded the team with some solid talent that could keep things in check. More importantly, the Bucks have the best quarterback in the Big Ten in J.T. Barrett, and that will be tough to deal with. Obviously, the Wolverines are very improved in the defense, but with Barrett’s dual-threat abilities, there’s just so much Michigan will be able to do in this classic showdown. An upset is possible, I agree, but as things stand, I’ll go with Ohio State’s proven success against Michigan to continue here.

Prediction: Ohio State 27, Michigan 20
2016 Michigan Big Ten Season Total Prediction: 6-2
2016 Michigan Overall Season Total Prediction: 10-2

Previous Betting News

Polarizing head coach Jim Harbaugh has quickly improved his beloved Michigan gridiron program in virtually no time at all, making them one of the top contenders to cash in against their online college football odds this coming season.

Now, the title hopeful Wolverines are hoping to reach the four-team College Football Playoff in 2016, but Harbaugh and his staff have some questions to answer, starting at the game’s most important position.

Let’s find out how the Wolverines (9-3 SU, 6-6 ATS) are going to make out in 2016.

Inside Scoop on the Michigan Wolverines 2016 College Football Betting Report

Offense

Michigan will have a strong offensive line with four returning starters from last year’s squad and has a trio of gifted receivers in All-America tight end Jake Butt, All-Big Ten wideout Jehu Chesson and fifth-year senior Amara Darboh. The trio combined for 159 catches for 2,145 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2015 and will again play a prominent role in Michigan’s offense this coming season.

However, the Wolverines have questions to answer at running back – and more importantly – quarterback after the graduation of former starter Jake Rudock.

Houston transfer John O’Korn will duke it out against sophomore Wilton Speight and junior Shane Morris in preseason camp, though O’Korn is by far, the most experienced of the three.

No matter who starts under center for Harbaugh in 2016, the Wolverines will need to improve on their modest offense which ranked 69th overall and 50th in scoring a year ago (31.3 ppg).

Defense

New coordinator Don Brown inherits six starters from a defense that routinely put the clamps on their opponents a year ago by limiting them to a paltry 16.3 points a game (sixth).

Brown was the leader of the nation’s top-ranked defense at Boston College in 2015 and has a ton of talent at his disposal in the forms of All-America cornerback Jourdan Lewis and All-America rover Jabrill Peppers.

Senior defensive ends Taco Charlton and Chris Wormley combined for a dozen sacks last season and starting tackles Ryan Glasgow and Maurice Hurst also return. Oh, did I forget to mention that Michigan will also have the nation’s No. 1 high school on their roster in 2015 in athletically-gifted defensive lineman Rashan Gary?

By the Numbers

Michigan is 18-7 SU in its last 25 home games.

The Wolverines went 2-4 ATS over their last six games in 2015.

The Over is a perfect 5-0 in Michigan’s last 5 games.

The total has gone Over in 4 of Michigan’s last 5 games at home

2016 Prediction

I know a lot of college football experts are really high on Michigan heading into 2016, but I’m a lot more reserved seeing a how the Wolverines still haven’t decided on a starting quarterback and reside in the super-competitive Big Ten.

Ultimately, a pair or road dates against Ohio State and Michigan State will determine if the Wolverines reach the four-team playoff this coming season. I personally expect to see Michigan lose at least one – and possibly both – games while finishing with 10 or possibly 11 wins at best.

Michigan will have a shot, but I don’t see tem cashing in on their 2016 NCAA Championship futures odds as a +700 pick.