The Central Michigan Chippewas take on the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network.
Michigan is favored by 27.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -5000. The total is set at 42.5 points.
Here’s my Central Michigan vs. Michigan prediction and college football picks for Saturday, September 13.
Central Michigan vs Michigan Prediction
- Central Michigan vs. Michigan Pick: Over 42.5
My Michigan vs. Central Michigan best bet is Over 42.5. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Central Michigan vs Michigan Odds
| C. Michigan Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+27.5 -105 | 42.5 -110o / -110u | +1600 |
| Michigan Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-27.5 -115 | 42.5 -110o / -110u | -5000 |
- Central Michigan vs Michigan point spread: Michigan -27.5 (-115), Central Michigan +27.5 (-105)
- Central Michigan vs Michigan over/under: 42.5 (-110o / -110u)
- Central Michigan vs Michigan moneyline: Central Michigan +1600, Michigan -5000
Central Michigan vs Michigan Preview
Central Michigan Chippewas Betting Preview: Defense Getting Torched
After six seasons as an offensive assistant at Army, Matt Drinkall came to Mount Pleasant following Jim McElwain's retirement.
The Chippewas have split the first two games, including a 45-17 loss at Pittsburgh last week.
For Central Michigan, its trip to Michigan will be its third consecutive road game to begin a season, the first time since 1972 that it has started with three straight road games.
In the season opener against San Jose State, Nahree Biggins and Trey Cornist combined for over 200 yards as the Chippewas ran for 256 as a team. However, running room was hard to come by last week, as they averaged 40 yards on 41 carries as a team.
John Mateer found some space, but Michigan still held the Sooners to 3.5 yards because it essentially shut down Oklahoma's running backs.
Central Michigan has already used three running backs this season, with Angel Flores getting much of the work as a runner. However, he has mustered only 58 yards on 19 attempts, excluding sacks. I would expect CMU to struggle running the ball this week, and its passing game has been nonexistent thus far.
Central Michigan has been able to control time of possession in each of its first two games, but that has not stopped its pass defense from getting tormented. It has allowed over 300 passing yards in each of its first two games, including 340 to Pitt last week.
Central Michigan has been able to force four turnovers thus far, and it will look to continue taking the ball away, given Michigan's young quarterback.
Michigan Wolverines Betting Preview: Trying to Expand Their Offense
After an impressive debut for the nation's top recruit, Bryce Underwood faced a tough second act as the Wolverines went to Norman to take on a stingy Oklahoma defense. Following a hot start that included several impressive throws, Underwood finished 9-for-24 passing for 142 yards.
Defensively, Michigan held up as well as it could with the offense being outgained by over 100 yards, but Oklahoma did better in finishing drives as it won 24-13 at home.
Now, the Wolverines return home to take on the in-state Chippewas, but will do so without their head coach.
However, that may not be such a bad thing: the Wolverines have gone just 9-6 under Moore since winning the national championship.
As a heavy favorite this week, the Wolverines should be fine regardless; however, I will keep a close eye on the play calling, particularly next week against Nebraska.
Moore wants the Wolverines to play smashmouth football and leans on the conservative side. In an attempt to expand the passing game, he hired Chip Lindsey as offensive coordinator, who has more of a spread background, in an effort to merge the two systems.
However, against Oklahoma, Michigan continued to run into stacked boxes as the Sooners did not respect their threats on the perimeter at all.
One player who may change that perception is Donaven McCulley. The Indiana transfer had three catches for 91 yards against the Sooners, including a spectacular 44-yard catch.
This week, Michigan hopes to get Marlin Klein back in the lineup. He had six catches for 93 yards against New Mexico, but was unavailable last week.
Alabama transfer Justice Haynes has begun his Michigan career with consecutive 100-yard games and four touchdowns. Michigan believes it has one of the best running back tandems between Haynes and sophomore Jordan Marshall. However, Haynes has carried the production thus far.
Now in his third season at Michigan, senior linebacker and captain Ernest Hausmann leads the team with 19 tackles. Many in the program have been high on Cole Sullivan since he arrived in Ann Arbor. The sophomore is already turning that promise into production as he has two sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery in the first two games.
In the secondary, Michigan is still waiting on the return of senior leader Rod Moore as he recovers from a knee injury. However, safety is one of the team's deepest positions on the roster. Big hitter Brandyn Hillman and TJ Metcalf have interceptions already this season.
Central Michigan vs Michigan Pick, Betting Analysis
In Central Michigan's last seven games against ranked opponents, there have been at least 47 points scored in all seven games, averaging 60.7 points per game.
While six of the seven have been CMU losses, the Chippewas have scored at least 14 points six times.
If the Chippewas crack double digits again, I'll feel great about our chances of hitting the over because I am expecting more than 30 points from Michigan.
This is a great matchup to continue letting Underwood get comfortable under center with another road test ahead next week.
The over has hit in seven of Michigan's last eight home games. At 42.5, there may be tremendous value in this line, as it sits below the key number of 45.
Pick: Over 42.5 (Play to 44.5)
