Western Michigan takes on Michigan at 12:00 ET Saturday 4th September at Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor. In the article below, we’ll be discussing each team’s current state before the start of the season, the oddsmaker’s odds for the game, and the best ways for you to get involved in the fun of online and mobile gambling.

The Western Michigan Broncos

Western Michigan continued their period of stability under Head coach Tim Lester with a 4-2 season in 2020. After such a season, there are no massive changes expected for the Broncos, and with both sides of the ball working well, fans can expect another good season. The offense might be an area to watch with the 2021 draft taking WR D’Wayne Eskridge and OT Jaylon Moore into the NFL. However, with Jaylen Hall and Skyy Moore returning (And tipped for big things by Athlon Sport), no one will be betting against this offense to put together big numbers again.

While keeping four starting offensive linemen and most of their defense, Lester has been casting his eye over to the Wolverines. He has picked out Defensive End Aiden Hutchison and Safety Dax Hill as particular threats. Western Michigan is +700 to win the MAC West, which could be a big opportunity for returns in your mobile sportsbook based on past performance.

A big QB Season?

Sophomore QB Kaleb Eleby could be in for a big year and hoping to take this Western Michigan team one step further and win the MAC West this year. Last year Eleby had the third-highest FBS passer rating, only behind Heisman trophy finalist Mac Jones and Zach Wilson. Both were drafted high in the first round of the 2021 draft. So many fans will be betting on Eleby to put together a great season. Of course, he has lost his main target in Eskridge, but with plenty of weapons still on the offense, everyone associated with Western Michigan will be hoping for a huge season.

The Michigan Wolverines

Last season was decimated by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which led to a tough season for the Wolverines. In a shortened season in which they could only play six games, Michigan fell to a 2-4 record. Losses to the Wisconsin Badgers, Penn State, and most painfully, Michigan State meant the Wolverines went a season without winning a game at home for the first time in their history.

Obvious caveats need to be added to this record, but such a disappointing season is something Head Coach Jim Harbaugh will be eager to avoid. Indeed, as Yahoo reports, he has been talking about the quality of the weekend opponents and urges his team not to be complacent against their less favored opposition.

At QB Cade McNamara is the favorite to start the game despite fan interest around true freshman J.J McCarthy, and the odds reflect this with McNamara at -300 favorite. Harbaugh’s comments in recent times would support this, but he has also spoken very encouragingly about McCarthy, the 5th ranked 2021 college quarterback recruit. McCarthy could get time on the field in the future, especially if McNamara struggles.

Odds

Looking at the odds for the game, it is clear that oddsmakers think the Wolverines will come out on top. For example, the moneyline has Michigan standing at -850 from DraftKings (Which is legal in Michigan). The company has Western Michigan at +575. Odds may vary between different sportsbook apps, so make sure to check the odds before you bet.

In terms of the point spread, most sportsbooks are offering a -17 spread for Michigan. Fanduel has this at -105 for Michigan Wolverines and -115 for Western Michigan.

Game Predictions

The last time these two sides met, the Wolverines came out with a huge 49-3 victory over Western Michigan, and in fact, Michigan has beaten their rivals by at least 17 points in the last six meetings between these teams.

It is no surprise then to see that Michigan are favorites over Western Michigan in the eyes of both oddsmakers and fans, even after losing key players such as Kwity Paye in the 2021 Draft. However, it is worth noting that Western Michigan is a much tougher prospect under Head Coach Tim Lester, with a 24-20 record and finishing 2nd in the MAC West the past three seasons.

Summary

Along with 11 other states, Michigan now offers legal online gambling. What does that mean for you? that you can download a sportsbook app this weekend and be assured that you can take part in the fun in a safe way. Just download any one of the many sportsbook apps available in your state to your phone and take full advantage of the bonuses, whether that be special offers for the game or first-time bonuses. The return of the NCAAF means a lot of different things to many different fans, but for fans in Michigan, it means the return of betting – A safe way to have fun and hopefully make some money. But always gamble responsibly!