After being trounced by No. 16 Notre Dame 31-0, the Michigan Wolverines rebounded with a blowout of their own with a 34-10 win over Miami. The Wolverines now face a stern test at home when they host the Utah Utes on Saturday. Will the Wolverines put on a show in front of their home fans? Or will the Utes spoil the party? Read on for everything you’ll need to know about this matchup.
It’s a stacked week for college football. Check out our best games to watch in Week 4 of the 2014 NCAA season. Meanwhile, you can also read our preview for the pivotal ACC showdown between the Florida State Seminoles and the Clemson Tigers.
[sc:NCAAFArticles ]Utah Utes vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Preview
Where: Michigan Stadium, Michigan
When: Saturday, September 20, 3:30 PM ET
Line: Utah Utes (+6) at Michigan Wolverines (-6) – view all NCAA Football lines
Betting on the Utah Utes
The Utah Utes’ up-tempo offense has been firing on all cylinders early in the season, which has led to 57.5 points per game and more importantly, two wins out of two. Quarterback Travis Wilson has orchestrated head coach Kyle Whittingham’s fast-paced offense very impressively thus far. The junior has gone 24-for-38 on pass attempts for 446 yards and six touchdowns in two games.
[sc:NCAA240banner ]Wilson has opened up the passing game by utilizing the Utes’ collection of highly-capable receivers. Wideouts Dres Anderson, Kenneth Scott, Andre Lewis and tight end Westlee Tonga all have touchdown catches to their names. Scott, in particular, displayed his dynamic playmaking in their last game against Fresno State with six receptions for 77 yards and two scores, one of them a 36-yard touchdown catch.
Wilson and Utah’s wide array of receivers will be studying Michigan’s loss to Notre Dame closely. The Wolverines surrendered 226 yards in the air along with three passing touchdowns in a blowout loss. While the Wolverines expect an aerial attack, the Utes can mix in their solid rushing offense. The Utes have run for 496 yards and seven touchdowns on 100 carries in their two games.
This will be the Utes’ first game against a team from the Power 5 conferences. They’ll need to be at the top of their game as they have only won once outside their home state in the past two years.
Betting on the Michigan Wolverines
The Michigan Wolverines don’t have much going for them so far this season. They were stomped by Notre Dame 31-0 on September 6 and struggled against Miami before pulling away late last weekend. Their passing game is ranked 101st in the nation having averaged just 194.3 yards per game, while starting quarterback Devin Gardner has thrown four interceptions in his last two games.
Still, they manage to move the chains on the ground with running backs Derrick Green and De’Veon Smith. The two combine for 521 yards on 74 carries and five scores in their first three games. However, rushing against Utah may pose quite a challenge. The Utes have limited their opponents to just 2.79 rushing yards per game.
Establishing the run against the Utes will be vital for Michigan, both in order to keep the Utes’ offense off the field as long as possible and to open up routes for Michigan’s wide receivers. The Wolverines’ leading wide receiver Devin Funchess (16 receptions for 202 yards and three touchdowns) is injured, but fellow WR Amara Darboh should still be able to shoulder the loss. Darboh has averaged 15.2 yards per catch so far this year.
The Michigan Wolverines are 0-4 ATS in their last four games in September, but are 3-1-1 ATS in their last five games as six-point favorites or less.
Writer’s Prediction
Utah’s (+6) speed proves to be a problem for Michigan. Take the Utes to win outright as 6-point underdogs. Create a betting account now and back your favorite college football teams for some profit.
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