Western Michigan vs. Michigan odds heading into game week

The Wolverines are heavy favorites against their in-state foes from Kalamazoo.

By Nick Simon@Nick_JSimon Aug 30, 2021, 11:23am PDT

NCAA Football: Big Ten Conference Media Days

The Michigan Wolverines are hoping to erase the awful taste of 2020 when welcoming the Western Michigan Broncos to the Big House to start a new year. The game will be held on Saturday, September 4 at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Last fall was a disaster for the Wolverines as a tepid 2-4 mark left several questions about the viability of Jim Harbaugh as the head coach. This season, the Maize and Blue will hope to take a leap forward and will do so with returning starting quarterback Cade McNamara leading the offense, and future first-rounder Aidan Hutchinson anchoring the defense at defensive end.

Tim Lester’s Western Michigan squad was in a prime position to play for a MAC Championship last season, starting the year 4-0 before dropping their final two ballgames of the schedule. Preseason All-MAC QB Kaleb Eleby will have a chance to make a name for himself this season as well as WR Skyy Moore.

Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook

Spread: Michigan -17
Total: 68
Moneyline: Western Michigan +575, Michigan -850

Line Movement

Opening Spread: Michigan -17.5
Opening Total: 66

Key Injuries