Fresno State vs Michigan Prediction, Odds & Picks – 8/31/2024

The Fresno State Bulldogs will take on the defending champion Michigan Wolverines on August 31, 2024, with the Bulldogs starting as 21.5 point underdogs according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Currently, 70% of spread bets favor the Bulldogs, while 30% lean towards the Wolverines. The total of 45.5 has seen 19% of bets on the under and 81% on the over. Here, you will find our preview of Fresno State vs Michigan, including our best bet for this non-conference matchup from the Big House.

Can Fresno State Generate Offense Against Michigan?

Fresno State went 9-4 last season, though they were 4-4 in Mountain West play during the regular season. The Bulldogs were an exciting team offensively for much of last year and will look to be that way again this season under new head coach Tim Skipper. But generating offense against a team like the Michigan Wolverines is no easy task and it could be a tough night for the Bulldogs in their 2024 season opener.

For Fresno State to have a chance in this game, quarterback Mike Keene has to avoid making costly mistakes. In an environment like this one against an opponent this good, it is easy for the game to speed up in the mind of any quarterback. Keene has to avoid that and has to play within himself, knowing that offense will be hard enough to come by without putting the ball in harm's way.

Michigan Begins Title Defense Amid Many Changes

Last season, the Michigan Wolverines won the College Football Playoff despite being surrounded by controversy along the way. This year, the Wolverines are expected to be terrific once again. But they will have to navigate a ton of changes early this season, as they have a new head coach, starting quarterback, and starting running back with Jim Harbaugh, JJ McCarthy, and Blake Corum all plying their trade in the NFL moving forward.

Alex Orji is the anticipated starter at quarterback for Michigan this season. It's not as if the Wolverines asked McCarthy to do a ton with his arm last year, as the Wolverines relied primarily on their defense and running game to bend opponents to their will. Still, how Orji performs in this game will be something to monitor as Michigan looks to get on track in this game before they take on Texas in their second game of the year.

Fresno State vs Michigan Best Bet

Michigan may not be as good as they were a season ago when they won the national championship. But their defense should still perform well in this contest and do enough to choke the life out of this Fresno State team as this game wears on. We will lay the points with Michigan as they should run away with this game in the second half to set up next week's huge game against the Longhorns.

For more on today's game check out the comprehensive statistics, betting odds, and trends below. Be sure to check out all our free NCAAFB picks here.