Prediction, odds, spread and over/under

On Saturday night, the Michigan football team finally returns to the field, hosting Fresno State at the Big House for its first game since winning the national title.

There's a lot of noise about sign stealing and the NCAA, but we're finally getting back to football. There's a lot to talk about on that front. Sherrone Moore hasn't named a starting quarterback as of this writing, but that could happen this week, although it may have to wait until Saturday.

Alex Orji is expected to be the starter, although I wouldn't rule out Davis Warren. Warren has done enough to keep things interesting, and Moore said Michigan football is “comfortable” with the quarterback room. He even talked about Jadyn Davis and the freshman's fall camp.

Fresno State won nine games last season and eight of their first nine. They have an interim coach after Jeff Tedford resigned (Tim Skipper is interim coach), but there are plenty of weapons on offense.

The defense allowed over 30 points per game last season and will need to play better to surprise Michigan football, but here's a look at the odds, where to watch and a prediction.

According to DraftKings, the Wolverines are 21-point favorites to beat Fresno State. The over/under is 46 and the moneyline for UM is -1600 and for the Bulldogs +900.

Michigan: Donovan Edwards

Edwards is one of the cover players for EA Sports College Football 25 and gets his first chance to become the best running back.

With Blake Corum out in 2022, Edwards was dynamic, running 70 times for 520 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 7.4 yards per attempt against Ohio State, Purdue in the Big Ten title game and TCU in the College Football Playoff.

Edwards averaged 173 yards per game. Some people don't believe he can be an elite running back for an entire season, but he never had the chance and I can't wait to see what he does in 2024.

Group of Five teams with talented quarterbacks are always a concern, and Keene completed 67 percent of his passes for 2,976 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. He was responsible for 26 total touchdowns.

The Bulldogs also have one of the best running backs in the Mountain West in Malik Sherrod, who averaged 5.6 yards per attempt and had 966 rushing yards last season, as well as another 260 yards through the air.

These two, along with a group of talented pass receivers, will be the linchpins of Michigan's defense.

Date: 31 August
Playing time: 7:30 p.m. EST
Venue: The big house
How to watch: NBC Sports | Fubo TV

Sherrone Moore has overseen four other games as the incumbent head coach, including top-10 wins over Ohio State and Penn State. I don't think he's nervous. Michigan football will be ready.

I believe Alex Orji will be the starting quarterback. There will be ups and downs, but Orji will run and throw well enough to earn the starting spot. Donovan Edwards will run for over 100 yards, and the defense will remind everyone why it may be the best in college football.