Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Michigan Wolverines Preview
Where: Michigan Stadium – Ann Arbor, Michigan
When: Saturday, September 9, 2017 – 12:00 PM ET
Line: Cincinnati Bearcats (+34.5) vs. Michigan Wolverines (-34.5); total: 49.0 – view all NCAA Football odds and lines
TV Broadcast: ABC
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Betting on the Cincinnati Bearcats (+34.5)
The Bearcats put one on the win column by delivering a balanced performance against the Austin Peay Governors on Thursday. They raced to a 26-14 victory, and have now won seven-straight season debuts.
Although their numbers wouldn’t light anyone’s eyes up, there were quality outputs from everywhere on offense. Quarterback Hayden Moore was efficient, as he threw three touchdowns despite only gaining 151 yards in his 17 completions. He had Khalil Lewis, who was number two in receiving yards last season, and Thomas Geddis as his most reliable targets, with both catching four passes for 40-plus yards, along with scoring one TD each.
The two should remain at the top of Moore’s first reads moving forward, and expect Devin Gray to be there too – Gray, as you may remember, led Cincy in receptions, receiving yards, and TDs in 2016, but only had 18 yards on Thursday.
Over at the backfield, Mike Boone began his time as the number one back on a bright note. He rushed for a TD and gained 100 yards on 5.3 yards per carry.
As for the defense, it had a great start too. They only gave up nine completions and 3.7 yards per rushing attempt, while also tallying 10 tackles for loss.
Cincy ended 2016 losing their last four games on the road (1-3 ATS).
Betting on the Michigan Wolverines (-34.5)
Jim Harbaugh-coached teams have always been about defense, and Saturday’s opener was no different. They overwhelmed the Florida Gators, 33-17, using their suffocating defense and some solid offense.
The front seven, in particular, played like crazed dogs for the whole game. Along with getting to the quarterback 10 times (six were sacks), they also killed the running game like it was just a group of grade schoolers. Led by Devin Bush’s stat-stuffing day (two sacks and three tackles for loss), the Wolverines only allowed the Gators to run for 11 yards in 27 carries (0.4 YPC).
The offense was alright for the most part. Despite a quiet passing game, two receivers still had a catch that went for 40-plus yards, with another having a 28-yard gain. The ground attack, meanwhile, enjoyed Ty Isaac’s efficient running (104 yards on 10.4 yards per carry).
QB Wilton Speight, who underwhelmed with a 11-for-25, 181-yard, 1-2 TD-INT stat line, is the only Wolverine that would need a huge bounce-back for the next contest.
Nevertheless, Michigan should still have no problems dispatching Cincinnati, whether Speight plays well or not.
Michigan is 13-2 at home since 2015 (8-7 ATS).
Writer’s Prediction
The Wolverines (-34.5) win, but will fall short of covering the spread
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