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The Michigan Wolverines look to bounce back from a disappointing 2020 season as they host in-star foe Western Michigan in the Big House to start the 2021 season. The Broncos (4-2 in 2020) finished second in the MAC West. Michigan has a 115-23-3 record in season openers. The Wolverines are looking to bounce back from a 2-4 campaign in 2020. 

Kickoff is set for noon ET. Caesars Sportsbook lists the Wolverines as 16.5-point favorites in the latest Michigan vs. Western Michigan odds. The over-under for total points is set at 66. Before locking in any Western Michigan vs. Michigan picks, check out the college football predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every FBS game 10,000 times. Over the past five-plus years, the proprietary computer model has generated a stunning profit of more than $3,600 for $100 players on its top-rated college football picks against the spread. It also enters Week 1 of the 2021 season on a 57-37 run on all top-rated college football picks. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Michigan vs. WMU. You can visit SportsLine now to see the picks. Here are the college football odds and trends for WMU vs. Michigan:

  • Western Michigan vs. Michigan spread: Michigan -16.5
  • Western Michigan vs. Michigan over-under: 66 points
  • Western Michigan vs. Michigan money line: Western Michigan +600, Michigan -900
  • WMU: The Broncos are 3-8 against the spread in their last 11 games
  • MICH: The Wolverines are 4-1 against the spread in their last 5 games as a home favorite 

Why Western Michigan can cover

The Broncos' rushing attack may be a point of emphasis. Junior running back La'Darius Jefferson had an outstanding season in 2020. He led the Broncos in rushing with 633 yards, averaging 5.6 yards a carry. Jefferson bulldozed his way through defenses in the MAC, averaging 104 yards a game. That ranked fifth in the MAC and 22nd in the FBS. 

Sophomore running back Sean Tyler made the most of his opportunities last season. Tyler averaged 65 yards a game to go along with 6.6 yards per carry. 

Why Michigan can cover

The Wolverines hold a 7-0 series advantage against the Broncos. Junior quarterback Cade McNamara is Michigan's new signal-caller. In limited action last season, McNamara completed 60 percent of his passes, threw for five touchdowns to zero interceptions. 

Junior wide receiver Ronnie Bell looks to take another step. Bell averaged 15.4 yards per catch while hauling in 26 passes for 401 yards. 

How to make Western Michigan vs. Michigan picks

SportsLine's model is leaning over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 74 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in over 50 percent of simulations. You can only get the pick at SportsLine. 

So who wins Michigan vs. Western Michigan? And which side of the spread hits in over 50 percent of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to find out which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its college football picks, and find out.