Michigan 2018 Betting Preview: Brutal Schedule Will Doom Wolverines

Michigan 2018 Betting Odds

• To win the National Title: +2000
• To win the Big Ten: +475
• To win the Big Ten East: +280
• Win Total: 9

All lines taken from 5Dimes on July 9. Always shop for the best line.

Michigan 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds

The Action Network Projected Wins: 9

Bet To Watch

Michigan not selected for a New Year’s Six Bowl +105 (5Dimes)

The transfer of ex-Ole Miss quarterback Shea Patterson gives head coach Jim Harbaugh a legit talent under center. The main issue is the “under center” portion of that statement, as Patterson always lined up in shotgun during his time at Ole Miss. Harbaugh has mentioned not using Patterson in a play-action package, but rather doing something similar to the RPO scheme used by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Another missing piece to the puzzle is the offensive coordinator. The position will technically remain vacant, as the offensive line coach, wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator will collectively share OC duties this upcoming season. No matter what offense Michigan decides to run, it won't have time to figure things out, as the Wolverines open the season in South Bend against a very stout Notre Dame defense that ranks first in returning production.

Thanks to seven easy victories, my projections have Michigan winning nine games. But of those seven lighter games on their schedule, both Northwestern and Maryland get extra time to prepare for the Wolverines with a bye week. Michigan will also play five games against elite national defenses — and will host Wisconsin, which Ohio State avoids.

As a result of a tough schedule (starting in Week 1), I just don't envision Michigan making the Big Ten Championship Game. And with expected losses to Wisconsin and Ohio State, I don't see the Wolverines sweeping Notre Dame, Penn State and Michigan State. They should lose at least three games this season, which means no Rose Bowl for Michigan on New Year's Day.

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What else you need to know about Michigan

History shows that teams struggle the week after playing Wisconsin, as the physicality apparently takes a toll. Since 2007, teams are 45-66 (41%) ATS after playing the Badgers.

This year, the Wolverines travel to East Lansing after facing Wisconsin, which could provide a nice opportunity to back Sparty. The current game of the year line sits at Michigan State +2.5.

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