Fresno State vs. Michigan College Football Week 1 Betting Preview and Pick

Fresno State Has Plenty of Playmakers

Fresno State made it to a bowl game for the third consecutive year in 2023, dominating New Mexico State 37-10 in the New Mexico Bowl. Following Jeff Tedford’s departure due to health concerns, Tim Skipper stepped in as head coach, leading the Bulldogs in that bowl victory.

Skipper inherits an offense with plenty of experience, boasting eight returning starters. However, the defense returns only five starters, leaving some concerns, particularly in the back seven. While the defensive line looks strong, the secondary and linebackers will need to elevate their play.

Improving the ground game is crucial for Fresno State. While the team isn’t a pure passing offense, the balance has tilted too heavily toward the air attack. The offensive line, however, is a bright spot.

Mose Vavao, who primarily played guard last season, is set to shine at center. Toreon Penlight and Kingsley Ugwu form a formidable duo at left tackle, with Braylen Nelson anchoring the right side. This line could be one of the best in the Mountain West.

In the backfield, there’s plenty of talent. Malik Sherrod averaged 5.6 yards per carry, totaling 966 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s the quick, elusive back, while Elijah Gilliam, who tallied 397 yards and five scores, brings power to the running game. Depth is also solid behind these two.

Adding former USC standout Korey Foreman to complement top pass rusher Devo Bridges should cause headaches for opposing offenses. The defensive line is anchored by Jacob Holmes, who led the team with five sacks last season, and the unit has enough depth to form a strong rotation against the run.

In the linebacking corps, Malachi Langley, who led the team with 84 tackles, is back, and Tuasivi Nomura is expected to fill the shoes of Lavelle Bailey in the middle.

The secondary is filled with playmakers, even if it lacks a true star. Al’zillion Hamilton, who broke up eight passes and intercepted two more, is set at one corner, while JUCO transfer Jakari Embry and Julian Neal should provide solid coverage on the opposite side.

Dean Clark, who was second on the team with 83 tackles, and Camryn Bracha, who will see more action at free safety, round out the unit.

A New Era in Michigan

Michigan, fresh off winning the National Championship, faces significant changes in 2024. Coach Jim Harbaugh departed for the Chargers, leaving Sherrone Moore, who led the team during Harbaugh’s suspension, to take over full-time.

The Wolverines also brought in NFL veteran Wink Martindale as defensive coordinator, while Kyle Campbell steps in as offensive coordinator. Michigan is practically starting from scratch, with only one returning starter on offense and three on defense. Moore will need to quickly bring his young talent up to speed.

The offensive line is being rebuilt, but there’s potential. Greg Crippen is expected to make an impact at center, while Myles Hinton, who started at tackle in nearly half the games last season, should secure the left tackle spot. Michigan also brought in Josh Priebe from Northwestern to fill one of the guard positions, continuing their trend of finding key portal players.

The running game remains a strength. Donovan Edwards averaged 4.2 yards per carry last season and can contribute as a receiver. Backing him up is Kalel Mullings, a 6-foot-2, 239-pound power back who averaged 6.2 yards per carry. The ground game will help alleviate pressure, and the receiving corps, despite being inexperienced, is packed with talent.

Colston Loveland, who tallied 649 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 45 catches last season, is one of the top tight ends in the nation. The wide receivers, though new to starting roles, are promising.

Semaj Morgan, who caught 22 passes last season, brings speed, while Fredrick Moore and Tyler Morris add dangerous options on the outside. However, depth could be an issue, with the starters still getting comfortable in their roles.

The Pick

Michigan’s quarterback situation remains a mystery heading into the 2024 season. Alex Orji has attempted just one pass in his college career (in 2022), while Davis Warren, a former walk-on, has completed 5 of 14 passes with an interception in eight career games.

Moore has been tight-lipped about the quarterback competition, and it’s unclear if either player has taken control of the position. This could be a concern against a defense featuring returning standouts like Devo Bridges and Malachi Langley.

This game will provide a clearer picture of the reigning national champions. While the 2024 Wolverines may not match the team that won the title earlier this year, they are still loaded with talent. Michigan should win, but Fresno State has the potential to cover the spread.

College Football Pick: Fresno State +21 (-108) at Heritage Sports

Fresno State +21 (-108)

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