Moving on from the Denard Robinson days, the Michigan Wolverines open up their college football season on Saturday. The 2013 College Football Predictions have Michigan listed at 65/1 to win the BCS Title game this season. However, oddsmakers are listing them as one of the favorites in the Big Ten Conference for this year.
Brady Hoke enters his third year as the head coach of Michigan, having won 19 games in his previous two seasons, including a Sugar Bowl. A major strength this season will be Devin Gardner at quarterback with Al Borges' pro-style system. In the two previous years Robinson wasn't the type of QB that Borges needed. With Gardner, Michigan will put up a lot of points. Michigan has the benefit of having several guys at wide receiver that are athletic. There isn't a whole lot of size out at that position, but all of Michigan's receivers have great speed.
This year's schedule will see three tough road games against Penn State, Michigan State and Northwestern. Don't forget about playing at Iowa either — Michigan has only won there once since 2001. This year's defense will be critical to the overall success of the Wolverines. Greg Mattison is known for having a hard-nosed style of the defensive end and the Wolverines held opponents to less than 20 points per game last season, ranking in the Top 20 nationally.
There is some turnover on that defense and Jake Ryan won't play until October. Blake Countess returns from an ACL injury last year and he's their best overall corner. Both Frank Clark and Jibreel Black weren't starters the entire season in 2012 but both were significant contributors and will start on the defensive line.
Michigan's recruiting class coming in was huge — especially on the offensive line, where senior All-American Taylor Lewan will be able to help the youngsters. Michigan will also look to Derrick Green, the nation's No. 1 running back recruit, for some time this season. He's a big bruiser and the type of running back you need in the Big Ten.
The Wolverines could easily win 10 games this season. Those three tough road games will ultimately determine where their overall record falls.
2013 Michigan Wolverines College Football Predictions:
Michigan Odds to win the 2014 BCS National Championship 65/1
Michigan Odds to win the 2013 Big Ten Championship 5.2/1
Michigan Odds to win the 2013 Big Ten Legends Division +220
Michigan Regular Season Wins: Over 8.5 (+115), Under 8.5 (-145)
Michigan Wolverines Schedule:
8/31 vs. Central Michigan
9/7 vs. Notre Dame
9/14 vs. Akron
9//21 at Connecticut
10/5 vs. Minnesota
10/12 at Penn State
10/19 vs. Indiana
11/2 at Michigan State
11/9 vs. Nebraska
11/16 at Northwestern
11/23 at Iowa
11/30 vs. Ohio State
-$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free
March Marco Contest is back. FREE to Enter!!! CLICK TO ENTER
Stay on top of the latest odds and line moves for NBA Season with our real-time odds from Las Vegas and offshore!