Week 1: Mountaineers vs Wolverines Prediction
College Football Week 1 betting action sees the Michigan Wolverines taking on the Appalachian State Mountaineers on Saturday, Aug. 30 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Cappers Picks provides free NCAAF handicapping tips all season long.
The first thought on everyone’s mind when observing this matchup is certainly 2007’s stunning 34-32 upset, in which the Mountaineers shocked the college football world and all but put the final nail in Lloyd Carr’s tenure in Ann Arbor.
College Football Odds
Who: Appalachian State Mountaineers (0-0) at Michigan Wolverines (0-0)
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2014
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Michigan Stadium
City: Ann Arbor, Michigan
NCAA O/U Betting Lines: 53.5
NCAA Point Spread: Michigan -34
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The program in Michigan is enduring some tough times once again, with the team just eking out wins in what should have been cupcake matchups a year ago, then losing four of its final five games to end a disappointing season, including a 31-14 defeat in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl.
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The difference between the 2007 meeting and this one is that Appalachian State was an elite FCS school back then, going on to win the FCS national title that year, while this year’s squad isn’t up to that level.
This year’s edition of the Mountaineers has some quality players on defense, though, but none of them play up front, and that’s going to mean they won’t be getting into the backfield all that often. Without a pass rush, Brady Hoke’s offense should be able to move the ball at will.
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Senior quarterback Devin Gardner is down to his final year to live up to the promise he showed upon his arrival in Ann Arbor. An uptick in performance from the team’s ground game would certainly help in that department, though the offensive line wasn’t good last year and now needs to replace first-round talent Taylor Lewan.
On the other side of the ball, the Wolverines need to be sure to contain Mountaineers running back Marcus Cox to avoid another Armanti Edwards situation. Cox generated 1,809 yards and 21 scores on 288 touches for Appalachian State a year ago. The Mountaineers have a solid offensive line for him to work behind as well.
With that said, it is unlikely Michigan overlooks Appalachian State again. The team’s offense should be firing on all cylinders from the get-go, with Gardner doing what needs to be done.
FREE Appalachian State vs. Michigan Pick:
The Wolverines have Notre Dame on deck, so the lookahead factor is very real, but this is a matchup Michigan fans have been wanting another crack at for seven years, so they will be loud and into the game from the hop.
There is a major discrepancy in talent between the programs, and with a motivated Michigan squad more than happy to run up the score, this one could get ugly in a hurry.
The Wolverines are 7-2 ATS in their last nine home games.
The over is 8-2 in the Wolverines’ last 10 home games.
The play: Michigan -34, Over 53.5
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