Fresno State Bulldogs (9-4 Last season) vs. Michigan Wolverines (15-0 Last season)
The upcoming clash at Michigan Stadium on a serene Saturday evening is set to deliver a spectacle as the Fresno State Bulldogs, after a commendable 9-4 finish last season, face the undefeated Michigan Wolverines from the previous season. This inaugural game for the 2024 NCAAF season promises intense action and strategic gameplay. As fans and bettors align their expectations, our NCAAF top free picks and insights will delve into the intricacies of both teams, offering a detailed preview of this high-stakes matchup.
Fresno State participates in the contest along with Malik Sherrod and Jalen Moss. In the previous season, Sherrod achieved 966 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, illustrating his quickness and ability to identify weaknesses within a defensive line. As for Jalen Moss, he received footballs that got him 706 yards in total and an impressive six scores, making him appear as someone who can be counted on while having a promising average of 12.8 yards per reception. Therefore, their input this season will be critical in going through Michigan’s strong defense.
However, Michigan Wolverines has strong players such as Donovan Edwards and Colston Loveland. In the past season, Edward led the team in rushing with 497 yards on the ground. It is possible that his agility will be necessary when dealing with a tight line of defense for Bulldogs. The tactical receiver who gained 649 receiving yards last season is accustomed to playing in this style and will be very important if he wants to exploit Fresno State’s secondary.
Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Michigan Wolverines Game Info
| When: | Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Michigan Stadium |
| TV: | NBC |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Mikey Keene QB vs. Jack Tuttle QB
Fresno State’s Mikey Keene had a remarkable season with 2,976 yards and 24 touchdowns passing although he was sacked 19 times. Michigan’s defense will test his ability to remain calm under pressure and make accurate throws. His performance, especially in decision-making when he is under pressure, has a huge effect on the offensive dynamics of the Bulldogs.
Although he played lesser games last season, Jack Tuttle earned an 88.2% completion rate and a 171.9 passer rating which is remarkable. On the other hand, Tuttle’s low playtime in the most recent season indicates that he may have talent, but his effectiveness as a starting quarterback in high-pressure games will be vital. It will take a lot from him when navigating safely through Bulldogs’ defense to apply his pocket presence smoothly and calmly.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Michigan Wolverines -1600, Total Odds: 47.5
The betting odds starkly favor the Michigan Wolverines with a -21 point spread, reflecting confidence in their ability to secure a decisive victory. The total for the game is set at 47.5, indicating expectations of a moderately high-scoring game, which aligns with both teams’ offensive capabilities and defensive challenges.
Fresno State Betting Trends
A mixed bag of betting trends has been exhibited by Fresno State. While they have an unfavorable 2-7 against the spread in their last nine games played overall, they hold a more friendly 6-1 ATS record during week one games. These figures therefore indicate that while Fresno may find it hard against top teams, this is not always true at the beginning of the season hence bettors need to take note.
Michigan Wolverines Betting Trends
Michigan has been strong especially when playing at home, winning all of their last 20 straight games there and recording a 5-1 ATS in their last six matches. Their consistent ability to beat odds mainly in front of the home fans underscores their dominance and tactical execution.
Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Michigan Wolverines 8/31/24 Betting Picks
Despite the in-depth research and current wave of bets, I believe that Michigan will win overwhelmingly, but we should not forget about Fresno State’s strong opening week. It is possible to expect a convincing victory by Michigan and the game to go under for a low scoring affair.
Those into prop bets and individual player yardage and touchdowns will find it beneficial to concentrate on Malik Sherrod’s and Colston Loveland’s performances. Looking at Michigan’s impressive home record and Fresno State’s week 1 trends, a good bet may be to back Michigan for the win, but expect something different from Fresno State with a lesser margin than they are supposed to get through. Besides, anyone using top bookie software should monitor real-time changes in betting market as this will present chances to derive more benefits.
