The Washington Huskies dropped out of the Top 25 rankings after stepping on a landmine last week, but they could work their way back to it, starting with a non-conference game against the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines got out of Week 1 unscathed and will look to gain even more momentum, as they take on their first true test of the season in the form of Washington. Learn more about this game and our Washington-Michigan prediction in this preview of an interesting Pac-12-Big Ten showdown.
Here’s how the bookmakers have set the lines for Saturday’s game.
CFB Odds: Washington-Michigan Odds
Washington Huskies +7 (-110)
Michigan Wolverines -7 (-110)
Over 48.0 points (-110)
Under 48.0 points (-110)
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Why Washington Could Win
At this point, you have probably heard all about how embarrassing it was for Washington, which entered the season ranked 20th, to lose its season opener at home to FCS team Montana Grizzlies, 13-7. That’s an inexcusable loss, all things considered. However, that doesn’t mean the Huskies have been exposed. It could be just a case of a good team being caught on a bad night. Whatever the case was, Washington is a much better team than that.
Quarterback Dylan Morris went 27-for-46 against Montana for 226 passing yards and zero touchdowns, while also getting picked off thrice. He is expected to start against Michigan despite that ugly performance against the Grizzlies. There’s also got to be an increased sense of urgency on the part of the Huskies’ offensive line after allowing Montana to record three sacks. Expect that to be addressed heavily by the Huskies during preparation for the Michigan game. They should feel even more confident after seeing Michigan’s pass rush struggle to create pressure in Week 1 against the Western Michigan Broncos where the Wolverines only had a sack.
Since 2010, Washington has managed to cover the spread 24 out of 42 times (57.1%) in games following a straight-up loss.
Why Michigan Could Win
Unlike Washington, the Wolverines easily avoided a colossal upset in Week 1, as they took care of business in a 47-14 win over Western Michigan. They did not just win. They also covered the spread by miles as 16.5-point favorites at home. With that, the Wolverines are now 6-4 against the spread in their past 10 games as the chalk, dating back to 2019. Michigan’s win over the Broncos was certainly a fantastic way to kick off their season, but in the process, the Wolverines lost senior wide receiver Ronnie Bell to a season-ending injury.
While it’s a significant loss, Michigan’s passing game should still be fine. Bell’s absence should expand the roles of the talented trio of Cornelius Johnson, A.J. Henning, and Roman Wilson with Cade McNamara at the helm. The Wolverines could also just opt to rely heavily on their ground attack again after pumping out 335 rushing yards versus Western Michigan. There’s an opportunity for sophomore running back Blake Corum to shine again this week, considering that the Huskies let Montana tailback Xavier Harris generate 70 rushing yards on 15 carries.
Michigan enters Saturday’s game with a 5-1 record against the spread in its last six contests as the favorite at home.
Final Washington-Michigan Prediction & Pick
Don’t put too much stock on Washington’s stunning loss to Montana. Yes, that was a painful punch to the gut for the Huskies, but it’s also probably just one of those crazy losses that happen from time to time in college football. I expect Washington to be more stable and put up a fight in this game. Michigan will still come out on top here, but it’s going to be close.
FINAL PICK: Washington +7 (-110)
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