College GameDay will descend on Ann Arbor this weekend for the highly anticipated clash between No. 3 Texas and No. 10 Michigan.
This will be the second-ever meeting between the two prestigious programs, who navigated Week 1 matchups against inferior opposition with relatively little trouble.
Let’s prepare for one of the college football season’s marquee matchups by digging into the Texas vs Michigan odds and making some best bets.
Texas vs Michigan Odds
College football odds are current as of Tuesday, Sept. 3, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Texas (-285) vs Michigan (+230)
- Spread: Texas -7.5 (-108) vs Michigan +7.5 (-112)
- Over/Under: Over 44 (-110) / Under 44 (-110)
Texas vs Michigan Prediction
Texas 24, Michigan 17
Michigan enters this matchup with a 23-game winning streak at “The Big House,” but that mark feels very much in jeopardy this week.
The Wolverines began their National Championship defense with a 30-10 home victory over Fresno State. However, that scoreline flattered Sherrone Moore’s squad, which scored two late touchdowns (including a pick-six) to make the game look more comfortable than it was.
Michigan’s offense struggled to move the ball effectively, amassing just 269 total yards, more than half of which came on the ground. New QB Carter Warren (15-25, 118 passing yards, one TD, one INT) wasn’t particularly impressive, and star RB Donovan Edwards gained just 27 yards on 11 rushes.
Those are worrying signs heading into Saturday’s showdown with Texas, which wiped Colorado State 52-0. QB Quinn Ewers, a favorite in our Heisman Trophy odds, started the campaign strong, throwing for 260 yards and three touchdowns (one INT) in less than three quarters before making way for Arch Manning.
The Longhorns defense also made its presence felt, allowing 192 total yards and forcing a pair of turnovers in the rout.
Given the strength of both defenses, this game figures to be a low-scoring, physical slugfest that the Longhorns ultimately win due to their cohesion on offense.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Texas vs Michigan Best Bets
Under 44 Points (-110)
Michigan has scored 30-plus points in 16 of its last 19 games, but I don’t foresee the Wolverines getting near that number on Saturday.
This offense lost most of its starters from last year’s National Championship team, especially in the trenches, which limits the unit’s ability to grind down opposing defenses using the run game.
On the other side of the ball, Wink Martindale’s blitz-heavy defense has plenty of talent on the back end and should be able to limit Ewers and take away some explosive plays.
While I’d prefer the key number of 45, the Under is one my best college football bets today.
Michigan +7.5 (-112)
This number feels disrespectful to the Wolverines, especially since they’re playing at home.
Michigan’s offense may have some concerns, but its defense should keep this contest close. In what I expect to be a low-scoring environment, I’m taking the points and the hook with the home dog.
