Fresno State vs Michigan picks, predictions, odds: Who wins Week 1 college football game? (2024)

Jeremy CluffArizona Republic

ESPN: Michigan has an 89.1% chance to beat Fresno State

The site gives the Bulldogs a 10.9% shot at defeating the Wolverines in Saturday's game.

Sporting News: Michigan 35, Fresno State 14

Bill Bender writes: "The Bulldogs might perk up as a trendy upset pick this week, and the first-half line could be close. They were a nine-win team that upset Purdue last season, and interim coach Tim Skipper has an experienced defensive coordinator in Kevin Coyle that will challenge first-time QB starter Alex Orji. Michigan still has a nasty defense, too, however, and the Sherrone Moore era will start off in style heading into the Week 2 showdown with Texas. Donovan Edwards puts the game away with two TDs in the second half. That hook makes it a little easier to take Fresno State against the spread."

Big Ten football championship odds 2024: Ohio State, Oregon favored to win conference

Sports Chat Place: Bet Fresno State with the points vs Michigan

Shane Mickle writes: "The defense for Michigan is going to be good, but I don’t think their offense is going to be all that good, and that will be the difference here. Even if Michigan State doesn’t run up the score with Mike Keene, he is going to lead the Bulldogs to at least 13 points and that will be enough to keep it close. Michigan will pull away a bit late, but it won’t be enough to cover the spread. Back Fresno State against the spread."

College Football News: Michigan 34, Fresno State 10

Pete Fiutak writes: "No, this isn’t the Michigan team of last year. There’s way too much turnover - the offensive line is all but starting over - and everything came together last season with a perfect mix that all worked. However, it’ll look like business as usual with the defense loading up on the Fresno State offense to overcome a mediocre day from the Michigan offense. The Wolverines will pull away late after Alex Orji settles in, and for one week, all will be right with the world."

College Football Playoff odds 2024-25: Ohio State, Georgia, Oregon, Texas favorites

Odds Checker: Take the under in Michigan vs Fresno State game

Peter Alexis writes: "Coming off of the National Championship high and with so many pieces departing, this will be a bigger test than expected for the ninth-ranked Wolverines. It doesn't look like a typical Power 5 tune-up game that we see the ranked squad as a 40+ point favorite. Fresno is going to give an inexperienced Michigan group the business early on, and should be able to keep pace through at least the first half. This is as much a bet on a veteran Fresno State group as it is on Michigan getting off to a slow start, so both sides play into a good offering on Fresno State +11.5 in the first half. Additionally, we are going to grab stock in the full game under and tail this line movement. Alex Orji and the Wolverines aren't going to be a well-oiled machine to start off the season, and will take some time to heat up. We are expecting a low-scoring first half that keeps this total low throughout. Both teams have impressive defenses that don't allow many points, which will further aid this pick."

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Reach Jeremy Cluffatjeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com.Follow him on X, formerly Twitter@Jeremy_Cluff.

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