We kick off Week 1 with an in-state showdown between the Western Michigan Broncos and the Michigan Wolverines.
The Wolverines bring back 10 players on offense and seven on defense, but quarterback will be the biggest question mark while their defense is also unproven. Western Michigan will bring back a lot of experience on both sides of the ball as well, with nine starters on offense and 10 on defense returning.
Can the Broncos go into the Big House and cover the large spread? Read on for our free college football picks and predictions for Western Michigan vs. Michigan on September 4.
Western Michigan vs Michigan game info
• Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
• Date: Saturday, September 4, 2021
• Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN
Western Michigan vs Michigan odds
Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
Compare college football odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.
Check out the full line movement for this game
If you're signing up for a new sportsbook for college football Week 1, here are two of the best welcome bonuses available:
USA: Risk-free bet up to $5,000 at Caesars. Claim Now.
Canada: 100% matched free bet up to $400 at BetVictor. Claim Now.
Western Michigan vs Michigan betting preview
Weather
Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our NCAA football weather info.
Key injuries
Western Michigan: Brett Borske TE (Questionable).
Michigan: No injuries to report.
Find our latest NCAA football injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Wolverines are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games. Find more NCAA betting trends for Western Michigan vs. Michigan.
Against the spread (ATS) pick
The Michigan Wolverines have faced the Western Michigan Broncos three times since 2009. They have owned the Broncos and have covered double-digit spreads each time. This has typically been a David and Goliath matchup for years.
Michigan has not set the world on fire since Jim Harbaugh took over. Even during Cade McNamara’s 2020 run, he was very lackluster. Yes, he didn’t throw any interceptions, but in his two full starts against Penn State and Rutgers, he did not impress too much.
The Western Michigan Broncos can score in all sorts of ways. They can move the ball through the air and on the ground, based on this experienced offensive line. Kaleb Eleby gets two of his top three wide receivers back on offense this year. Eleby ranked second in the nation in adjusted net yards per pass attempts last year, behind Mac Jones. He can make big plays with his arm and I expect him to expand on that this year.
On the defensive side, the Broncos also have the upper hand on the Wolverines. While both defenses are not complete, the Broncos have a higher defensive rating than the Wolverines per Football Outsiders. I don’t expect Michigan to make big improvements on defense, either, after going with a defensive coordinator without prior experience coordinating a stop unit.
PREDICTION: Western Michigan +17.5 (-110)
Over/Under pick
The last three times these two teams played, the totals were around the mid-50s, and all three of these games all went Under. The total for this game opened at 67. Neither defense causes many turnovers, and both have secondaries which are the weak points of their defense.
On the Western Michigan side, I expect them to air it out and have tons of time in the pocket to make positive plays on offense that will produce points.
If Michigan wants to keep this competitive, Jim Harbaugh will have to figure out something on the offensive side for the Wolverines. They bring back 10 starters, so that is a positive for Wolverines. The run game will have to be the starting point for this offense to open up the passing game against the Broncos.
The Total is the highest it has ever been in this matchup. Sportsbooks feel this will be a high-scoring game and I believe these defenses, with suspect defensive backfields that don’t cause turnovers, will allow enough scoring by both teams to go over the Total.
PREDICTION: Over 67 (-110)
Western Michigan vs Michigan betting card
- Western Michigan +17.5 (-110)
- Over 67 (-110)
Picks made on 9/2/2021 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Did you know that if you parlayed today’s Western Michigan vs. Michigan picks, you could win $26.45 on a $10 bet?
Use our NCAA parlay calculator to create your own parlays and see their potential payouts.
Where can I bet on college football odds?
You can bet on college football odds at every online and casino sportsbook, including NCAA moneylines, spreads, Over/Under totals, and a ton of college football prop odds. Head over to our best football betting sites for the top spots to bet on college football odds in your area.
