Online betting players have watched Michigan fall far down the college football pecking order, and if you would have ever thought you’d see Connecticut’s football program ranked about the Wolverines, you would have went to see a doctor. But the Huskies are on the rise, and they’ll kick the season off with a bang by winning in the “Big House”.
What: NCAA football betting
When: Saturday, September 4th, 3:30 PM ET
Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
Pick: UConn +3>/
What’s On The Line
The Huskies are a legitimate NCAA football betting to take the Big East after a strong finish to 2009, which was dedicated to cornerback Jasper Howard, who was murdered after their homecoming game. The Huskies won eight games and finished with a 20-7 win over South Carolina in the PapaJohns.com Bowl. The Wolverines haven’t been to a bowl since 2008, and it doesn’t look good after a five-win season. Less than .500, and coach Rich Rodriguez may be looking for a new job.
Offensive Matchups: UConn Michigan Betting
UConn’s rushing attack was a beast in 2009, with Jordan Todman and Andre Dixon splitting time and ending up with over 1,000 yards in rushing each. Dixon is gone, but Todman is still there, and D.J. Shoemate joins the backfield from USC. Michael Smith looks to step into the receiving spot left by Marcus Easley, and Zach Frazer seems to have the starter’s role wrapped under center. The line will have to be good to make Frazer comfortable, but he has plenty of help.
The Michigan offense improved a bit as they’re still shifting to Rodriguez’s spread attack, and they got off to a good start before falling off later in the year. Tate Forcier struggled against the best teams, and may not even be the starting quarterback in 2010 as Rodriguez gives Denard Robinson a look. Three of their top six receivers from last year are back, but Mike Cox is going to have to step up in the backfield to take the pressure off the quarterback.
Free sports picks: UConn
Defensive Matchups: UConn Michigan Betting
UConn’s defense took a beating for the first part of 2009, and the loss of Howard hurt them, not just in the secondary where he may have been their best player, but obviously mentally as well. But they pulled up their sleeves late in the season and that’s why the Huskies were improved. The Huskies will also have a couple of important linebackers in action, hopefully, as Scott Lutrus is back, but Greg Lloyd may not be ready yet. Replacing pass-rush specialist Lindsey Witten is a must as well.
The Wolverines were 82nd in the country last year on this side of the ball, and like Rodriguez, coordinator Greg Robinson needs results, and now. Safety Cam Gordon switched from receiver last year and played very well, but what does it say about your defense when a former offensive player was one of your top two players? End Brendan Graham left for the NFL, so they need to replace him as well, and the Wolverines missed out on a few top recruits because of academics. The Wolverines’ offense has a better chance at improving.
Free picks: Draw
Notable Injuries: UConn Michigan Betting
Lloyd (knee) is doing everything he can to be ready for the Huskies’ season opener.
Defensive lineman Will Heininger (knee) is out for the season, and while fellow lineman Mike Martin (unknown), center David Molk (multiple) and running back Vincent Smith (knee) should all be ready for this game, how healthy are they really?
Sports picks: UConn
Outlook and Pick: UConn Michigan Betting
The Wolverines are a 3-point NCAA football betting favorite at the “Big House”, which will open as the biggest stadium in college football after two years of renovations. Maybe they should have been spending more time on the football team, which doesn’t figure to get miuch better in 2010. We’re taking the Huskies for the upset on the road as they have momentum from last year, which is something Michigan hasn’t had in a couple seasons, the Wolverines have too many questions about their quarterback, and while neither defense is great, UConn’s weakness is against the pass, which is something Michigan can’t do. Take UConn in your sports betting book.
Blake’s Pick: UConn +3