Michigan Football vs Fresno State Preview: How to Watch, Odds and Predictions

Michigan football begins today with a night game in Ann Arbor.

Our staff has over a decade of experience covering the Wolverines with daily articles, comprehensive coverage, and insider information.

Below, we break down everything you need to know before Michigan vs Fresno State kicks off.

Michigan vs Fresno State: Everything You Need to Know

Michigan vs Fresno State Odds: Spread, Total, and Best Bets

Michigan vs Fresno State Preview

Check out our preview for Michigan vs Fresno State in the section below. 👇

What to Know About the Wolverines

➤ This Michigan defense is otherworldly. As much as the Wolverines lost to the NFL Draft, they will have a more top-heavy 2025 class, including projected top-five picks CB Will Johnson & DT Mason Graham. They don’t have a weakness, with key transfer Jaishawn Barham solving the only potential red flag at linebacker. Most experts believe it’s the best defense in college football. Plus, Wink Martindale makes his debut at coordinator – are you not entertained?

➤ The quarterback battle is a mess to figure out. Word on the street is former walk-on Davis Warren will beat out Alex Orji for starting reps in Week 1. However, it’s widely believed to be a two-QB system in Week 1 … and (maybe) beyond? Love it or hate it, it’s a huge difference from last year’s confidence in J.J. McCarthy. Now, they get one week to have a plan for Texas.

➤ Trust the offensive line. Despite the loss of four starters to the league, the standard is the standard when it comes to the Michigan offensive line.

What to Know About the Bulldogs

➤ They’re legit, coming off a 9-4 season. This is no cakewalk for the Wolverines, especially considering how many teams around the country have struggled against lesser opponents (see: Colorado, Wisconsin, NC State, etc.)

➤ Their head coach resigned in July due to health concerns, creating an unorthodox fall camp for Fresno State. Can interim head coach Tim Skipper handle the reigns with little preparation? As the assistant head coach prior, he should be fine, but starting under the lights in Ann Arbor is a tall task for an interim coach – something Michigan knows all too well.

➤ Fresno State might have the best QB on the field Saturday. Mikey Keene was a star for the Bulldogs last season, going 31/39 for 380 yards in the team’s bowl game. Entering 2024 with a ton of momentum, Keene will have to fearlessly let it loose if the Bulldogs have any chance to win.

Keys to Victory for Michigan

➤ Rely on man defense. The Wolverines will have elite defensive back play in 2024 supported by a fearsome pass rush, including highly athletic edge defenders Derrick Moore & Josiah Stewart. The pass rush should give the corners an easy day and allow the safeties to roam.

➤ Put pressure on Keene. Fresno State can’t win this game without throwing the ball. They needed their QB to go for over 230 yards to win last year, losing only once when he surpassed that number in a game he left early due to injury. Martindale will certainly dial up a mixed bag of pressures in this consistently productive Michigan defensive scheme. With Keene’s 24:10 touchdown-to-interception ratio, the pressure will translate to turnovers.

➤ Do what you do. Possess the ball, run the ball, and win the clock. That’s what the Wolverines always do best these days. Despite a QB battle, take the pressure off them making mistakes that could put this team in a bind during Week 1. They need a comfortable win to roll into a massive matchup next week.

Michigan vs Fresno State Predictions

Check out our staff & expert predictions below. 👇

Writer Predictions:

Tanner Wooten: Michigan 41 Fresno State 0
Nolan Shelby: Michigan 31 Fresno State 10
Jack Scheel: Michigan 42 Fresno State 13
Kailen McKay: Michigan 41 Fresno State 6
Tyler Ray: Michigan 35 Fresno State 0
Justin Roh: Michigan 31 Fresno State 10

Expert predictions:

Blue By Ninety Expert: Michigan 30 Fresno State 10
Rivals Expert: Michigan 34 Fresno State 13
Fresno State Expert: Michigan 27 Fresno State 17

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