Hawaii vs. Michigan Pick
No. 7 Michigan Wolverines is a heavy favorite against Hawaii today, but will U-M find a way to hit the over when they play at Noon ET on ESPN?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Michigan is the overwhelming favorite to win, as the Wolverines are getting odds of -40 points against the Warriors. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 54.5 points. These two haven’t met since the 1998 season when Michigan picked up a 48-17 win on the road.
Michigan comes into this season with plenty of hype, largely due to Jim Harbaugh grabbing the headlines in the offseason. Now the team actually has to play on the field. Harbaugh has yet to name a starting QB, but the new arm has plenty of offensive tools to work with. Jehu Chesson, Amara Daboh and Jake Butt each caught over 50 passes last season. De’Veon Smith and a number of backs also return in the backfield, but scoring points ultimately comes down to the arm of the QB. Jake Rudock did some decent things last year and Michigan was 8-5 with the over.
Hawaii is already coming off a 51-31 loss to Cal last week in Australia and has a quick turnaround in Ann Arbor this week. The Warriors were 7-6 with the over last season, due in part to giving up a whole lot of points. Hawaii allowed at least 38 points in six games a year ago and has done it again against Cal. The Warriors allowed 630 total yards to the Golden Bears last weekend.
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Michigan has a much better defense than Cal, but isn’t as potent an offense. The Wolverines should score, but they should also hold Hawaii in check. Finding 55 points in this game seems tough. Michigan is more of a ball-control, pro-style offense. They will look to sustain drives while making things manageable for the new QB. Hawaii isn’t likely to put up a lot of points against Michigan’s solid defense, so look for the Wolverines to win big, but hit the under in the process.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 1 PICK: HAWAII/MICHIGAN UNDER 54.5