The No. 8 Michigan Wolverines welcome the'Fresno State Bulldogs to Michigan Stadium Saturday for the season-opening game for both programs. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook's lines around the'Fresno State vs. Michigan odds, and make our expert'college football picks and predictions.
The Bulldogs enter 2024 with a solid foundation despite changes in leadership following a 9-4 season and a New Mexico Bowl 37-10 victory vs. New Mexico State. Interim coach Tim Skipper takes over after Jeff Tedford’s departure in July, and the offense remains strong with QB Mikey Keene returning after throwing for 2,976 yards and 24 touchdowns his junior year. Key weapons include WRs Jalen Moss and'Josiah Freeman, and RB Malik Sherrod.
The Wolverines open defense of their national championship after going 15-0 last season. With coach Jim Harbaugh’s departure, Sherrone Moore takes over. Alex Orji steps in at QB, replacing J.J. McCarthy, who was the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Orji brings dual-threat potential, though he’s untested. The Wolverines lost RB Blake Corum to the NFL — drafted in the 3rd round by the Los Angeles Rams — but returning RBs Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings form a strong backfield duo. Despite a young receiving corps, TE Colston Loveland should be a standout.
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