5 bold predictions for Michigan football against Arkansas State

Michigan football will look for a bounce-back win on Saturday over Arkansas State and here are five bold predictions, plus a score against the spread.

Michigan quarterback Alex Orji (10) hands the ball to Michigan running back Kalel Mullings (20) during the first half against Fresno State at Michigan Stadium at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. / Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK

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The defense has a day

One of the big questions marks going into Saturday is what will the Michigan defense look like? The Wolverines looked lost against Texas. There were a bunch of missed assignments and missed tackles.

The pass rush also struggled to maintain pass-rush lanes and Quinn Ewers made U-M pay. Jaylen Raynor is a dual-threat quarterback for Arkansas State and is the team's leading rusher. He's got 122 yards on the ground and two touchdowns, as well as three touchdown passes.

Raynor will make some plays. He will probably even manage a rushing touchdown, but I see Wink throwing a bunch at them. Unfortunately, I don't see him simplifying things. He's going to run his complex stuff and the problem is that it will work against Arkansas State.

Don Brown's defenses used to work against also-rans too. We saw what happened last week against Texas and while I'm begging Wink to adjust, we'll see if he can. On Saturday, I don't think he will and it will lead to around five sacks and a couple of takeaways, but it won't bode well for USC next week.

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