There was a lot of doubt that Michigan would be 2-0 heading into Week 3 based on how the Wolverines looked through most of the matchup against Western Michigan. Not only did Michigan come back and win in Week 1, but completed the upset over No. 11 Oklahoma in Week 2.
Heading into Week 3, the Wolverines will face UTEP, their final non-conference opponent before Big Ten play. The hope is that the Wolverines will come out and finally get the blowout win, unlike in Week 1, when Michigan was nearly a four-touchdown favorite and only won by one point.
With conference play coming up, this is the best time for Michigan to fine-tune the problems that have plagued them so far this season and gain confidence going forward. The offense needs to get going against UTEP, especially after Oklahoma, whom the Wolverines just beat, dropped 51 points.
Going into the UTEP matchup, Michigan has picked up steam is a nealry a six-touchdown favorite.
Final odds for UTEP vs. No. 19 Michigan in Week 3
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- UTEP: +34.5 (+100)
- No. 19 Michigan: -34.5 (-122)
Moneyline
- UTEP: +7000
- No. 19 Michigan:
Total
- O/U: 48.5 (-110/-110)
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.
Bryce Underwood will finally look like QB Michigan has been hoping to see
Michigan's defense has looked like the powerhouse it tends to be, with Jay Hill taking over as the defensive coordinator this season. The offense, on the other hand, has gone through a lot of growing pains so far.
It felt like the offense was greatly improved with how good the first drive of the season looked, but it's been anything but since then. Quarterback Bryce Underwood has shown flashes of greatness and growth, but still struggles with getting through reads, keeping his footwork clean, and protecting the football.
Underwood has been used in the run game quite a lot so far, leading the team with 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns. With the talent in the wide receiver room, though, there is an itch to get the passing game going too.
UTEP is the perfect opponent to try to open up that pass game for Underwood, especially now that he is comfortable using his legs when necessary. Obviously, the running backs need to be better in the run game, but the Wolverines can't be one-dimensional and need to force defenses to defend the entire field.
Andrew Marsh, who returned after leading Michigan in receiving yards last season, has had an incredibly slow start to the season. The addition of JJ Buchanan, who has opened up as Underwood's favorite target so far, has been great, but Marsh needs to become relevant in the offense as well.
I predict that Michigan will walk away with the win in Week 3 and go into Big Ten play undefeated behind a stellar performance from the offense. This should hopefully build momentum before the Wolverines face a tough Iowa defense in Week 4.
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