Central Michigan vs. Michigan 2013 College Football Week 1 Pick
By Drew Sharper
ANN ARBOR, MI (The Spread) – No. 17 Michigan welcomes in-state opponent Central Michigan to Michigan Stadium on Saturday at 3:30PM ET on the Big Ten Network.
Central Michigan was 7-6 last season and 6-7 against the spread while Michigan went 8-5 overall and 6-7 against the spread. These two last met in 2006, with Michigan picking up a 41-17 win, but the Chippewas covering a 27-point spread.
Odds: The oddsmakers from Bovada.lv have Michigan as the heavy favorite at home, as the Wolverines have odds of -31.5 points against Central Michigan. The over/under total for the game has been set at 52 points
Line Movement: The opening odds for this game had Michigan favored by 34.5 points. The spread was never higher than that. The odds hit a low of 31 points before adding the hook to get to 31.5. The over/under total opened at 53.5 points but has since dipped down to 52.
Public Betting: Of the wagers that have been placed on this game, 64% are going on Central Michigan with a point spread of +31.5 at Michigan on Saturday. Be sure to click on the public betting link to get the latest odds and betting percentages.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL FREE PICK: Take Central Michigan plus the points. According to latest college football trends, the Chippewas are 6-2 against the spread in their last 8 games against Big Ten opponents and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games on fieldturf. Michigan is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games in August. 31.5 points is a lot for Michigan to cover when it has some new pieces in key places. Central Michigan is working in a new quarterback, but it has a solid running game with a senior tailback and a veteran defense. Michigan will need a defensive score or a touchdown on special teams in order to cover this spread, and even that might not do it.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 1 FREE PICK: CENTRAL MICHIGAN +31.5