The New Mexico Lobos take on the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor, MI. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
Michigan is favored by 34.5 points on the spread. The total is set at 49.5 points.
Here’s my New Mexico vs. Michigan prediction and college football picks for Saturday, August 30, 2025.
New Mexico vs Michigan Prediction
- New Mexico vs. Michigan Pick: Michigan 1Q -7.5 (+100, ESPNBET)
My Michigan vs. New Mexico best bet is on Michigan to cover the first-quarter spread. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
New Mexico vs Michigan Odds
| New Mexico Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+34.5 -112 | 48.5 -115o / -105u | |
| Michigan Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-34.5 -108 | 48.5 -115o / -105u | |
- New Mexico vs Michigan point spread: Michigan -34.5 (-108), New Mexico +34.5 (-112).
- New Mexico vs Michigan over/under: 49.5 (-115o / -105u)
New Mexico vs Michigan Preview
New Mexico Preview
It's safe to say that New Mexico enters the 2025 season with low expectations, and this opening matchup is a prime example of that.
Not only are the Lobos massive underdogs, but their offense is being given no chance against Michigan's defense.
The Lobos team total for this matchup sits at 6.5, and their first-half team total is 0.5 on DraftKings.
While those totals may seem disrespectful to a program that went 5-7 last season, it's because this team is a massive question mark.
New head coach Jason Eck comes in from Idaho and has brought plenty of FCS transfers with him. These FCS transfers are highlighted by new quarterback Jack Layne, two running backs in Scottre Humphrey and Damon Bankston, and the majority of the offensive line.
On the other side of the ball, the defense has also undergone a complete overhaul and is now under a new coordinator.
With low expectations and massive question marks on both sides, it's hard to trust New Mexico in this opener.
Michigan Preview
While punishments from the 2023 National Championship season hang over this team, there's not much that should keep this Michigan team from looking impressive in its season opener at The Big House.
The Wolverines enter 2025 with an impressive combination of experience and upside, having benefited greatly from the transfer portal on both sides of the ball.
However, it will be fun to see what this team looks like on the offensive side of the ball.
The No. 1 prospect in the country, Bryce Underwood, is the new starting quarterback in Ann Arbor and is a great dual-threat that should only improve with experience.
New offensive coordinator Chip Linsey is a key part of sharpening Underwood's passing, as his scheme will allow Underwood to push the ball down the field while also featuring a dominant power run game to support him.
On the defensive side of the ball, this Michigan team is expected to shut down the Lobos and can do it with their talented linebacker corps.
New Mexico vs Michigan Pick
Michigan is a five-touchdown favorite in this matchup, and while that's a considerable number, it's completely warranted.
The Wolverines have massive advantages on both sides of the ball, and New Mexico's offense is likely to be nonexistent.
However, with that in mind, I'm expecting Michigan to come out with its hair on fire in front of its home crowd.
Look for the Wolverines to get the Lobos offense off the field quickly and find the end zone early and often as they cover the first-quarter spread.
