Michigan vs. Northwestern Prediction
Can Northwestern shock the Big Ten and hold strong at home when it plays host to No. 14 Michigan at 4:30PM ET today?
Game Snapshot & Odds
209 Michigan at 210 Northwestern
Saturday, September 29, 2018
4:30PM ET – Ryan Field
TV: FOX
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Michigan is favored on the road, as the Wolverines are getting odds of -14.5 points against Northwestern. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 46.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 73 percent going on Michigan on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Football Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Northwestern struggling
Northwestern opened the season with a big 31-27 win at Purdue, but suffered back-to-back home losses to Duke and Akron prior to going on a bye. The Wildcats are 1-0 in the Big Ten, 1-2 against the spread and 2-1 with the over. Including their bowl game from last season, they have failed to cover in three of their last four games.
The Wildcats have some big concerns offensively. Despite averaging 424.3 yards per game, Northwestern is putting up only 24 points per contest. They took a big blow this week as well when running back Jeremy Larkin was forced to retire due to a spinal injury. He was the leading rusher with 346 yards on 72 carries with five touchdowns. Quarterback Clayton Thorson has thrown for 753 yards and three touchdowns, but also has three interceptions. Defensively, Northwestern is giving up 29 points and 380 yards per contest.
Michigan returns to the road
After a 24-17 loss at Notre Dame to open the season, Michigan has won three straight at home in dominant fashion. The Wolverines are 1-0 in the Big Ten, 2-2 against the spread and 2-2 with the over/under total. Michigan is just 2-3 against the spread in its last five as a program.
The Wolverines have been dominant on defense so far, allowing just 14.3 points and 240.3 yards per game this season. On offense, Michigan is producing 41.8 points and 420.8 yards per game. Shea Patterson has thrown for 709 yards with seven touchdowns this season while Karan Higdon is the leading rusher with 364 yards and three scores.
College Football Betting Trends
Northwestern
The Wildcats are 20-7 against the spread in their last 27 conference games, but just 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games in September.
Michigan
Michigan is 4-1 against the spread in its last five conference games bust just 1-4-1 ATS in its last six road games.
Prediction:
Michigan has sure looked good at home against some lesser competition, but now it has to do it on the road against a Northwestern team that can be tough at home. The Wildcats haven’t looked great, but they have taken Michigan to OT in two of the last four meetings and won one of the others. However, the loss of Larkin is going to really make it tough for the Wildcats to move the ball on Michigan. While I don’t see the Michigan offense running wild like they have in past weeks, the Wolverines should still be able to score somewhat consistently. The spread is just a couple of touchdowns, so I will take Michigan to cover.
College Football Prediction: Michigan -14.5
Related: Michigan vs. Northwestern Total Prediction