Michigan Wolverines Overview | Expert Forecasts & Top Betting Picks
After a challenging 2020 season, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh vowed that the Wolverines would either defeat their fierce rival Ohio State or “die trying.” Since then, Michigan has not only survived but thrived. They have secured three consecutive victories over Ohio State, made three straight College Football Playoff appearances, and won their first National Title since 1997. This marked the end of an era, as the NCAA continues to investigate, and Harbaugh has moved to the NFL, with offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore now leading the team. The question is whether Moore can maintain Michigan’s elite status in college football.
Michigan Wolverines Overview
2023 Record: 15-0 (9-0); Big Ten Finish: 1st in B1G East (Big Ten Champs)
AP Poll:9 |Coaches Poll:8 |PFF:3 |SP+:7
Head Coach: Sherrone Moore (1st Year; 7th with UM) | Record: 4-0
Offensive Coordinator: Kirk Campbell (1st Year; 3rd with UM)
Defensive Coordinator:Wink Martindale (1st Year)
Michigan Wolverines Futures Odds (FanDuel)
– National Championship Odds: +3000
– CFB Playoff Odds: +150
– Big Ten Championship Odds: +850
– Exact Wins 9: +290
– Win 10+ Games: +150
– Undefeated Regular Season: +1650
– Regular Season Wins: OVER 8.5 -162 | UNDER 8.5 +132
Reasons to Be Optimistic
The Wolverines boasted the top defense in the country last season, ranking first in both scoring (10.4 PPG) and total defense (247 YPG). They are expected to be strong again in 2024, with standout players like Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant on the defensive line, and Derrick Moore and Josaiah Stewart on the edges. Linebacker Ernest Hausmann, who was third in tackles last season, and versatile transfer Jaishawn Barham, should enhance the defense further. CB Will Johnson is a top prospect, and the secondary depth should be solid with new additions Jaden Mangham and Wesley Walker. Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale is well-regarded and should continue the defensive excellence.
Reasons for Caution
The Wolverines lost a significant portion of their National Championship team, including 13 drafted players like quarterback J.J. McCarthy, star running back Blake Corum, and top receiver Roman Wilson. They must also replace the entire offensive line and adapt to the departure of coach Harbaugh and several key assistants. Sherrone Moore, now in his first year as head coach, faces the challenge of maintaining the program’s high standards.
Breakout Player: CB Jyaire Hill, Sophomore
With a lot of talent to replace, Michigan has several potential breakout players. Sophomore cornerback Jyaire Hill, a four-star recruit from Illinois, is a key player to watch. Although he didn’t contribute much as a freshman, reports indicate he has shown significant development. Hill has the potential to become a standout cornerback for Michigan.
X-Factor: Quarterback
While the loss of Harbaugh is significant, the most immediate concern for 2024 is the departure of quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Without him, Michigan is considered an underdog (+150) for the playoffs. Candidates to replace McCarthy include dynamic runner Alex Orji, experienced Jack Tuttle, and potentially true freshman Jadyn Davis. Orji is expected to be a key player, even if not the starter. Effective quarterback play could be crucial for Michigan’s success.
Schedule Analysis
Michigan faces a tough schedule with three top-four teams: No. 2 Ohio State (+9.5), No. 3 Oregon (+3.5), and No. 4 Texas (+3.5). They also play No. 23 USC (-8.5) at home and visit Washington (-9.5). The Wolverines will be favored in most of their other games, with eight home games on the slate.
Prediction: OVER/UNDER 8.5 Wins
Despite significant losses and a tougher schedule, Michigan can still surpass eight wins. Sherrone Moore, while a rookie head coach, has proven himself, and the defense remains strong. Even with the challenges, a ten-win season seems more likely than a seven-win season. Betting on the over appears to be a solid choice.
SP+ gives Michigan a 17 percent chance of winning the Big Ten (PFF at 14 percent), while their +850 odds imply a 10.53 percent chance. This represents good value.
Preseason Pick: OVER 8.5 (-162 @ Caesars Best Price)
Best Bet:+850 to win the Big Ten
