Colorado at Michigan NCAAF Week 3 Free Picks

So far, so good for Jim Harbaugh and 2016 college football betting lines darlings, the Michigan Wolverines. Through their first two games, the Wolverines have outscored their opponents 114-17, barely breaking a sweat in the process. Up next for the No. 4-ranked Wolverines is a test against the Colorado Buffaloes this coming Saturday. It’s hard to imagine that the Buffaloes will be upsetting the Wolverines at the Michigan Stadium, so the major bone of contention for NCAAF betting enthusiasts will most likely be on the team that will cover the spread in this matchup, as well as the best NCAAF pick for OVER/UNDER bettors. Below is a guide on how to wager on these lines.

Buffaloes at Wolverines NCAAF Week 3 Free Picks

Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan When: Saturday, September 17, 3:30 PM ET TV: BTN Radio: Michigan IMG Sports Network Live Stream: NCAA Live NCAAF Lines: Michigan (-20), OVER/UNDER 57    

Why Bet on Colorado

Of Michigan’s three non-conference opponents this season, the Colorado Buffaloes are expected to offer the toughest test to the U of M, and for good reasons. Through their first two games, the Buffaloes have been just as impressive as Michigan, beating Colorado State 44-7, and then following that with a 56-7 win over Idaho State. Both games were played in Colorado, but there is no denying the fact that the Buffs looked very formidable in those matchups. Quarterback Sefo Liufau has particularly been sensational in those two games, going 38-of-51 with 522 yards, three scores and zero picks, which is a big improvement on his game after he threw 15 interceptions in 2015. Besides being a good passer, Liufau also boasts of a good scrambling ability, as is affirmed by the 120 rushing yards and one rushing TD he’s tallied this season. Obviously, Liufau and his offensive weapons will be facing incessant pressure from Michigan’s stingy defense, but if Colorado can play with the same tenacity and focus the team has shown so far, the Buffaloes (2-0 U, 2-0 ATS this season) will certainly be a tough out this Saturday.

Why Bet on Michigan

Michigan owns a 3-1 series lead over the Buffaloes, including a 2-0 SU and ATS record in the last two meetings against Colorado, and with the Wolverines playing their best football in a very long time; it doesn’t look like the hosts will be having it any differently this weekend. I mean, Michigan’s QB Wilton Speight has been on top his game since throwing an interception on his first snap this season, completing 70 percent of his passes for 457 yards and seven touchdowns through the first two games. Meanwhile, Michigan’s defense has continued to develop from the solid unit it was in 2015, allowing just 18-of-45 passes for just 207 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions so far this season. That being said, the Wolverines (2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS this season) will need to avoid complacency, as Colorado is a much disciplined unit with good talents to make a game out of this encounter.

Expert NCAAF Picks and Predictions

Without any doubt, Michigan is the more proven and talented unit here, so you should expect nothing other than a win by the hosts. Even so, the Buffaloes have a strong secondary that features four returning starters—Ahkello Witherspoon, Chidobe Awuzie, Tedric Thompson and Ryan Moeller—who’ve ensured efficiency in the defense, with Colorado leading the nation in total defense (160.5 yards per game). Combine that with Liufau’s scrambling and passing skills, Colorado’s could be due for some value in the ATS lines. Plus, with Michigan opening Big Ten play next week, staying healthy will probably be the team’s priority rather than running up the score. A scrambled-out victory therefore looks most likely for Michigan as the team rests most of its starters late in the game.

Predicted Final Score: Michigan 35, Colorado 21

Writer’s Pick: Colorado (+20)