Fresno State Bulldogs vs Michigan Wolverines NCAAF Betting Prediction

NCAAF Fresno State Bulldogs vs Michigan Prediction 8/31/2024

The Fresno State Bulldogs and Michigan Wolverines will each be playing their first game of the season on Saturday, August 31st. This game will be played at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor and televised on NBC.

At 7:30 ET, Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor will be the site for this week one non-conference matchup between the Fresno State Bulldogs and Michigan Wolverines. NBC will be handling the television broadcast as the Wolverines are favored by -21.5 points. The over/under line is currently at 46.5 points. This will be the first game of the season for both teams.

Fresno State Bulldogs vs Michigan Wolverines

Fresno State Records And Recent Play

Michigan Records And Recent Play

Fresno State Offense Breakdown

Last season, Fresno State’s passing game was a key part of their offense, ranking 21st in the country with an average of 281.3 passing yards per game. The Bulldogs were also efficient on third down, converting 47.6% of their chances (12th in the nation). Overall, Fresno State averaged 30.5 points per game, placing them 36th in the country. However, the Bulldogs struggled in the running game, finishing 111th in rushing yards per game.

Quarterback Mikey Keene returns after throwing for 2,976 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. He completed 67.3% of his passes but also threw 12 interceptions. Keene’s top target will be Jalen Moss, who had 706 receiving yards last season, and the Bulldogs have also added Chedon James from Idaho State. In the backfield, Fresno State returns Malik Sherrod, who rushed for 967 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

Michigan Offense Breakdown

Donovan Edwards, who rushed for 497 yards and five touchdowns last season, returns to the Michigan Wolverines’ backfield. Michigan was 7th in the country in scoring last season, averaging 35.9 points per game. The Wolverines were also 2nd in completion percentage at 72.2% and 10th in passing yards per attempt. Their passing game averaged 213.7 yards per game, while the rushing attack averaged 170.4 yards per game, placing them 19th in the nation.

Edwards enters the season with the 6th best odds to win the Doak Walker Trophy (+2000). Jack Tuttle, who threw for 130 yards last season, is the top returning quarterback for Michigan.

Fresno State Team Defense

Opposing offenses found some success on the ground against Fresno State last season, as the Bulldogs’ run defense allowed 167.5 rushing yards per game, ranking 121st in the nation. However, they were better against the pass, allowing 204.7 passing yards per game (56th). Overall, Fresno State’s defense allowed 23.5 points per game, placing them 36th in the country. Their run defense will be an area to watch heading into the new season.

Fresno State Team Defense

Michigan’s defense was one of the best in the country last season, allowing just 10.4 points per game, which was the 3rd best figure in college football. They were particularly strong against the pass, giving up only 157 passing yards per game (14th). The Wolverines were also tough against the run, allowing just 91.3 rushing yards per contest, which ranked 11th nationally.

Fresno State vs Michigan Trends

  • When looking at their past three road matchups, Fresno State has an ATS record of 0-3 while averaging 24 per game. The team went 1-2 overall in these games.
  • Through their last ten home contests, the Michigan Wolverines offense has averaged 38 points per game while allowing an average of 12. Michigan posted an overall record of 10-0 while going 8-2 ATS.
  • As the betting underdog, the Fresno State Bulldogs have an ATS record of 4-1 in their last five games. In these matchups their, straight up record was 4-1.
  • The Michigan Wolverines have played well in their last three games as the betting favorite, going 3-0 straight up and 3-0 against the spread.

Bulldogs vs Wolverines Prediction

Michigan is favored by -21.5 points in their week one matchup against Fresno State. We have the Bulldogs as the smart bet to cover the spread, with a projected final score of 32-12 in favor of the Wolverines.

For the over/under, with the line set at 46.5 points, our projection of 44 total points suggests taking the under as the best play.


All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!


* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.