The Michigan Wolverines have a new head coach in former West Virginia front man Rich Rodriguez, but oddsmakers have still made them a 50/1 long shot to win the 2009 BCS National Championship.
The Wolverines return a slew of players on defense, including defensive tackle Terrance Taylor, cornerbacks Donovan Warren and Morgan Trent, linebacker Obi Ezeh and defensive ends Tim Jamison and Brandon Graham. Offensively, running back Brandon Minor and right tackle Stephen Shilling also return.
All the major online sports books agree that the Wolverines are long shots this season. Oddsmakers from online sports book Bodog and SBG Global have made Michigan a 55/1 long shot to win the BCS National Championship this season, while Sportsbook.com lists them at 75/1.
It’s going to take time for Rodriguez to put his stamp on things in Ann Arbor. Losing out on top recruit Terrell Pryor hurt the Wolverines, but the defense should be a bright spot this year after struggling a bit last season. While Michigan remains a long shot, they have a storied program and are used to winning so the Wolverines should never be counted out. Plus, with only Ohio State looking like a dominant team in the Big 10, UM might be a great value bet this season.
Michigan Wolverines 2009 BCS National Championship Odds to win
Bodog: 55/1
Sportsbook.com: 75/1
SBG Global: 55/1
Michigan Wolverines Big 10 Conference Odds to win
Bodog: 13/2
Sportsbook.com: 13/2
SBG Global: 13/2
Michigan Wolverines 2008 Season Win Over/Under Totals
Michigan Wolverines Over 7.5 Wins (-105)
Michigan Wolverines Under 7.5 Wins (-125)