The now 3rd ranked Michigan Wolverines will look to do some more stat padding this weekend when they take on Nebraska. The Cornhuskers have had a down year with a lot of adversity.
They fired their head coach Scott Frost three games into the season. Now their starting quarterback is hurt. This on top of a lot of not being very good to begin with.
Nebraska (3-6, 2-4) is currently on a three-game losing streak heading into Ann Arbor. While the Wolverines (9-0, 6-0) keep plowing through conference play.
This should be another lopsided victory for Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh as his team is a 31-point favorite. But the real question for the Wolverines is can they come out of the tunnel and dominate the first two quarters. Michigan has struggled in the first half this season. And that trend continued into last week, when they were down 17-14 at the half against Rutgers.
It’s easy to forget about that when you end up winning by 20 plus points. But you can’t expect it to be okay against teams like Ohio State and an elite SEC team. Especially away from the Big House. Michigan has two weeks to figure their first half woes out. And it would be nice to see them take control of this game from the opening kickoff.
Let’s Have Some Fun
I feel like researching stats and breaking down what might happen in this football game is a complete waste of time. Nebraska isn’t good. They’re starting a back-up quarterback. Or quarterbacks? They split time between two dudes last week.
Michigan is favored by four touchdowns. We know what’s going to happen. Running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards are going to dominate. Michigan’s defense will look great. Have you seen that story play out before?
So to freshen things up I thought I’d throw out some bold prop bets and see what you guys think.
Blake Corum over/under 2.5 touchdowns
He’s only had more than two touchdowns once this year and that was when he had five against Connecticut. Being at home and facing a team Michigan should jump from the start I like the chances here.
Verdict: Over
J.J. McCarthy over/under 17.5 completions
He averages just under 17 completions per game on the season. McCarthy only has one game where he had more than 18 – Indiana. I think this will be a bit of a maintenance day for J.J.
Verdict: Under
Any Michigan receiver over/under 60 receiving yards
It’s only happened once in the last three weeks so this isn’t an easy one. Obviously all it takes is one long pass play and the over can be hit. I’m still not sold.
Verdict: Under
Number of times they mention the Ohio State game on the broadcast over/under 4.5
What else are they going to talk about?
Verdict: Over
How many Michigan players get a carry over/under 8.5
Just a reminder this includes jet sweep plays and quarterbacks running pass the line of scrimmage on pass plays. Last week Michigan had nine players register a carry. That’s so many players though I can’t do it.
Verdict: Under
Final Thoughts
This won’t be a close game. The fact that it’s supposed to be colder this weekend should only help Michigan. It’s boring when your team is this good isn’t it?
Prediction:
Michigan 55-17
Betting Slip:
Michigan -31
Over 48.5
Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
