Utah Michigan Spread, Line & Football Predictions
August 28, 2008
The excitement of the Rich Rodriquez era has begun and memories of the 2007 season opening loss to Appalachian State has not been forgotten. You can bet the Wolverines will be more prepared for their season opener this year against the Utah Utes. The Info Plays team gives their Michigan Utah Predictions absolutely free of charge with this article to give you a better feel of what to expect when making your wagers this weekend.
Bet this Utah/Michigan game at Bodog where the line is currently +3.5/-3.5!
The visitors, Utah, are loaded on offense. Michigan has a ton of talent, but could face an adjustment period as it moves to the spread-option and might not yet have the players in place for Rodriquez’ system to shine. Utah is the more experienced team, and this game will likely be close from start to finish, putting more pressure on the Wolverines. A Utah victory wouldn’t be far-fetched at all.
The Utes compiled seven straight wins when QB Brian Johnson returned as a starter last season. He played through a knee injury last year, but is expected to be fully recovered in 2008 after having offseason shoulder surgery. This will be the first time Johnson has been healthy since 2005, where he was No. 4 in the nation in total offense before suffering a torn ACL and he’s battle injuries ever since. He’ll have WR Brent Casteel back from injury. Casteel was the team’s biggest playmaker in 2006. If he can return to form, the Utes should have no problem moving the ball.
On the defense Utah features two standout ends in Koa Misi and Paul Kruger. Misi was third on the team in tackles with 67 and he had eight tackles for a loss last year. Kruger ranked fourth on the team with 63 tackles as a red shirt freshman, with 7.5 coming for a loss. CB Sean Smith is another player to watch Saturday. He led the Utes with four interceptions last year. This defensive unit should have ample opportunities to make plays against the Wolverines’ spread-option.
After Michigan’s debacle in the season opener last year, nothing is a given anymore, especially against a Utah Utes team picked by many to win the MWC and contend for a BCS berth. Still, the Wolverines are playing at home in front of thousands of home fans cheering on the new head coach Rich Rodriquez. Once with Nick Sheridan or Steven Threet settle in at quarterback, the Wolverines won’t be as bad as expected. But if either struggles, it could be another long season for Michigan fans.
Both Threet and Sheridan will play, although which one will start is yet to be determined. DE Tim Jamison is the team’s active career leader in tackles for a loss and sacks. Jamison will again be the anchor of the defense this year. WR Gary Mathews has to fight for his starting job, but he’s one of the few returning receivers with any experience. Mathews has snatched 46 balls in 26 career contest, with eight games started under his belt.
Having RB Kevin Grady suspended for the season opener against Utah won’t make things any easier for the Wolverines. Grady was arrested on DUI charges on July 2nd. Now the tailback situation appears to be just as foggy as the quarterbacks. As of now, freshmen Sam McGuffie and Michael Shaw are listed ahead of juniors Brandon Minor and Carlos Brown, but Rodriquez hasn’t named a starter. You’ll see two tailbacks on the field at one time, and plenty of carries to go around against Utah.
With this information, the smart bet would be to take the points on a much more experienced Utah team. Get your best odds on Utah +3.5 at BetUs Sportbook here! But with Michigan playing at home and Rodriquez’ winning guidance, it would be tough to bet against the Wolverines here. Wager on the Michigan Wolverins -3 at Sportsbooks.com here! Going off of proven talent and experience alone, If we were to bet this game we’d take the points on Utah. But on Info Plays Premium Card this weekend, we’ll stay away from it because there are still too many question marks that have gone unanswered prior to this week 1 college football clash.