Michigan football is just hours away from kicking off its 2025 season against the New Mexico Lobos. Bryce Underwood will be making his first career start.
It's what Michigan football fans have been waiting for since the day he flipped his commitment from LSU. Everyone assumed that Underwood was going to be the game-one starter. But Sherrone Moore made him earn the job in fall camp.
Now, we will get a chance to see what everyone else sees. New Mexico won four games a year ago, but it doesn't even matter. The Lobos have a new head coach in Jason Eck, as well as 79 new players, most of them from the transfer portal.
New Mexico has five starters back and 31 others who have started for other programs. This is an experienced team with more talent than people realize. They simply don't have much experience playing together.
Michigan has the majority of its starters back, even on defense, despite some heavy losses to the NFL draft. The Wolverines return three starters on the offensive line, plus a new running back and a No. 1 wide receiver.
Underwood is the biggest newcomer, though. How will he play in his debut? That will likely determine whether or not the Wolverines can cover the spread. Here's a look at the final odds, along with a last prediction against the spread.
Michigan vs. New Mexico odds and prediction
There hasn't been any movement on the line, which isn't surprising in a game like this. According to Vegas Oddsmakers, Michigan is a 34.5-point favorite. The over/under is 48.5 points, and the moneyline for Michigan is -20000 and +3500 for the Lobos.
Final prediction
It will be fascinating to see how Michigan handles Underwood in this first game. Will he air it out? Will he act as sort of a game manager?
You can bet that New Mexico is going to test the true freshman. Five-star or not, you have to see what the kid can do in his first college football game, so I expected a loaded box early.
If Underwood can make New Mexico pay, the offense should have a field day. I don't see New Mexico scoring much. Their runing back, Scottre Humphrey is legit but the Michigan front might be the best in college football.
The Wolverines will win and they will cover.
Michigan 38, New Mexico 3