A couple of programs that posted winning seasons a year ago, the No. 7 Wolverines are set to welcome the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders to Michigan. BTN will broadcast the action and kickoff will take place at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Betting Preview: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs. Michigan Wolverines
Michigan has been tabbed as heavily favored in this one and is currently giving up 34 points to Middle Tennessee. If the Blue Raiders get ahead early it will create a reasonable betting opportunity in-game. Oddsmakers have placed the over/under (O/U) at 54 points.
Odds have moved a hair from where they initially opened. The opening line was -30 while the game’s O/U was originally placed at 53.5.
Against the spread (ATS) last season, the Blue Raiders went 8-6. The over hit in seven of those games while the under cashed seven times. The Wolverines compiled a record of 6-7 ATS with an O/U record of 7-5-1.
Overall, the Wolverines were 10-3 straight up (SU) in 2018 while the Blue Raiders were 8-6 last year. Against conference competition, the Blue Raiders finished 7-1 SU while the Wolverines were 8-1 SU against Big Ten schools. The Blue Raiders finished 1-3 SU against teams out of conference and the Wolverines were 2-1 SU against non-conference competition.
The Blue Raiders produced 243.8 passing yards per game and 148.3 rushing yards per game versus their eight CUSA opponents last year. The team managed to put up 32.0 points per game against those opponents and gave up 18.4 per contest. When playing out-of-conference schools, they averaged 24.5 points and 38.8 points-allowed, in addition to 252.0 pass yards per game and 112.5 rush yards per contest.
Against non-conference competition in 2018, the Wolverines passed for 209.7 yards per game and rushed for 187.7 per game on their way to 37.0 points per outing. When playing only Big 10 opponents, the offensive unit managed 36.8 points per game by averaging 214.0 passing yards and 223.2 rushing yards. The Wolverines defense allowed 15.7 PPG to non-conference foes and 18.2 to Big 10 teams
It appears that the Wolverines could have the edge when it comes to effectiveness in the ground game, as their running backs logged 4.8 yards per carry last season while their defense limited the opposition to a YPC of 3.7. The Blue Raiders tallied 3.6 yards per carry last year while allowing 4.3 YPC to opponents.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs. Michigan Wolverines Free Pick
SU Winner: Michigan, ATS Winner: Middle Tennessee, O/U: Over
Team Betting Notes
- The Blue Raiders O-line gave up 41 sacks last season. Their defense created 35 sacks.
- The Wolverines offensive line gave up 23 sacks last season. Their defense sacked opposing QBs on 34 occasions.
