Michigan vs. East Carolina Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Michigan Dominate ECU in Season Opener?
There are not many seasons of the year that compare to Week 1 of college football. Michigan will be taking on Eastern Carolina to begin their revenge tour after an upsetting end to last season. Kade Kimble breaks down the game.
Kade Kimble - August 28, 2023, 9:34 AM EDT
5 minMichigan vs. East Carolina Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Michigan Dominate ECU in Season Opener?
There are not many seasons of the year that compare to Week 1 of college football. Around the country, programs will be able to set the tone for their entire seasons.
For Michigan, they get to take on East Carolina, who they’re heavy favorites over, to set the tone for the football season.
Coming in at No. 2 in the country in the preseason AP Poll, the Wolverines have expectations to live up to, and they must do so early.
Michigan vs. East Carolina Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
- Date: September 2, 2023
- Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: Peacock
Michigan vs. East Carolina Odds
- Spread: Michigan -36 (-110), East Carolina +36 (-110)
- Total Odds: Over 51.5 (-109), Under 51.5 (-110)
Michigan vs. East Carolina Prediction
Again, this matchup is the No. 2 program in the country, taking on East Carolina. However, the Pirates were a bowl team last season, and they will be no rollover team.
East Carolina finished last season with an 8-5 record, including a victory in the Birmingham Bowl. They downed Coastal Carolina in the 53-29 victory that turned things around. The team wasn’t exactly going through a pleasant time, going 1-2 in their three games leading up to the bowl performance.
They are taking on a giant, though. As the rankings would indicate, Michigan is coming off a 13-1 season, including a Big Ten championship and Fiesta Bowl appearance. All things considered, it was a remarkable season.
Now, leading into this season, Michigan has bigger aspirations. The 51-45 loss to TCU in the College Football Playoffs and the sting surrounding it doesn’t go away after beating down a team in a game they’re expected to win. However, it does make the approach to these games easier – Michigan has to come out ready to dominate.
Something unique about Michigan’s season last year was their elite offensive line, which helped run-game. They averaged 238.9 yards per game on the ground out of their 458.8 total offensive yards per game. They’re going to run the ball much more than they pass it.
However, Michigan’s elite run-game will blow this game open. They’ll then be able to thrive in the pass-game, which is going to be the final reason that Michigan will be able to build a big enough lead to cover the spread. JJ McCarthy, the Wolverines’ quarterback, is experienced and will provide exactly what’s needed for Michigan’s offense.
Again, Coastal Carolina is not a bad team by any means. A team with a sour taste in their mouths from last season combined with an elite run game complemented by a solid, experienced quarterback is a force to be reckoned with. Coastal Carolina is just the first team in Michigan’s revenge tour, and it’s unfair that they have to start off against a team that is bringing plenty of motivation into Week 1.
Of course, for Michigan to cover this spread, the defense will have to back up the offense, which will seemingly have no issue stringing points on the board. In specific, the pass game will be a key for the Wolverines to secure a blowout victory, covering the deep spread.
Michigan vs. East Carolina Pick
- Pick: Michigan -36 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
College Football Odds
