Kyle Whittingham is about to start his first season as the new head coach for the Michigan Wolverines, and he is being welcomed into the Big Ten with a tough schedule in Year 1. Not only will Michigan play one of the toughest conference schedules this season, but its non-conference schedule is no cakewalk either.
Of course, the first team anyone notices when looking at Michigan's non-conference schedule is No. 10 Oklahoma in Week 2. Sure, that game will be tough, even with it being played in Ann Arbor, but before the Wolverines can even think about the Sooners, they have to get through Western Michigan.
In 2025, the Broncos went 10-4 and 7-1 in conference play in the MAC. Three of Western Michigan's losses came in non-conference play, starting out 0-3 against Michigan State, North Texas, and Illinois. That means the Broncos went 7-1 in their final eight games, losing only to Miami (Ohio).
The Broncos are not a team that is just an easy cupcake, and even the early betting odds for this Week 1 matchup show that.
Early odds in Week 1 for Western Michigan vs. No. 16 Michigan
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Western Michigan: +27.5
- Michigan: -27.5
Moneyline
- Western Michigan: +2400
- Michigan: -10000
Total
- O/U: 47.5 (-118/-104)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Michigan is only a 27.5-point favorite in Week 1 over Western Michigan. Some of you are probably wondering why I said "only" in that statement, but typically, for Week 1 non-conference games not against other power conference opponents, Michigan and other P4 teams are a lot bigger favorites.
Looking around the Week 1 games, Florida State is a 31.5-point favorite over New Mexico State, Missouri is a 53.5-point favorite over Arkansas Pine Bluff, Purdue is a 36.5-point favorite over Indiana State, Ohio State is a 50.5-point favorite over Ball State, and so on.
The Wolverines will have to be ready for a fight from Western Michigan, and with a new coaching staff, lots of new faces on the field, and it simply being the first game of the season, this could be an early trap game for Michigan if it isn't careful.
Do I honestly believe Michigan will lose this game? No, but there is probably already a lot of emphasis on Oklahoma in Week 2, so things could get a little nerve-racking if Michigan comes out a little flat against the Broncos.
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