Michigan vs Fresno State Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines

Anything interesting happening with Michigan lately?

A coaching change, a stern finger-wagging from the NCAA, a slew of lost parts, and a whole lot of disrespect with the assumption that the defending national champion can’t keep it all going - that’s been Michigan football this offseason.

Anything interesting happening with Fresno State lately?

Jeff Tedford had another great team returning, but he had to retire all of a sudden due to health concerns.

Assistant Tim Skipper is taking over, the schedule isn’t that bad, and a good performance - much less an upset win - would do wonders to get the Bulldogs into the College Football Playoff discussion before September starts.

Michigan vs Fresno State Preview

Michigan vs Fresno State How to Watch
Date: Saturday, August 31, 2024
Game Time: 7:30 pm ET
Venue: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
How to Watch: NBC
2023 Records: Michigan (15-0), Fresno State (9-4)
- Week 1 Schedule, Predictions

Why Fresno State Will Win

The offense is loaded with veterans.

What do you want going into a place like Michigan to start the season? A veteran quarterback, a slew of experienced parts, and a strong, quick passing game that should keep things moving.

There won’t be any sort of a ground game in this, but the Bulldogs can dink and dunk to keep things moving, the defensive back seven if full of talent, and …

Why Michigan Will Win

You don’t think there’s a weeeeeeeeeeeee bit of an attitude here?

Michigan can’t win without Jim Harbaugh. Michigan can’t win without all the stars it had last year.

Michigan can’t win without Stalions, the Netflix documentary will be a problem - people are still watching Netflix? Is this 2020? - and Ohio State should dominate and own the Big Ten now.

This is still a very, VERY good Michigan team.

The defense is still a rock - be shocked if Fresno State gets to 50 net rushing yards - and the offensive side should still be able to run well enough to produce at a consistent level.

However …

Michigan vs Fresno State: Who Will Win

No, this isn’t the Michigan team of last year.

There’s way too much turnover - the offensive line is all but starting over - and everything came together last season with a perfect mix that all worked.

However, it’ll look like business as usual with the defense loading up on the Fresno State offense to overcome a mediocre day from the Michigan offense.

The Wolverines will pull away late after Alex Orji settles in, and for one week, all will be right with the world.

Michigan vs Fresno State Prediction, Betting Lines

Michigan 34, Fresno State 10
Line: Michigan -21.5, o/u: 45.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5
Michigan vs Fresno State Must See Rating: 3