The Oregon State University Beavers head to Michigan Stadium to take on the University of Michigan Wolverines this week. The game starts at 8:00 a.m. ET on Saturday, Sep 12 and will be available on ABC.
In last week’s matchup, Michigan lost to Utah 24-17. Jake Butt had a huge game in the loss, pulling in eight receptions for 93 yards and one TD. Amara Darboh also had a great game with 101 yards and a TD on eight catches. Oregon State defeated Weber State 26-7 in its matchup. Jordan Villamin had a good performance for the Beavers, grabbing four receptions for 70 yards and one TD.
The Beavers are a 14-point underdog against the Wolverines and the Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at 48 points.
The Wolverines have performed below expectations so far this year. It’s still early, but a 0-1 record Straight Up (SU) and Against The Spread (ATS) could be improved. The Wolverines love to throw, ranking 14th in the country with 43 throwing attempts per game. As for the Michigan defense, a few key matchups could decide this game. There are very few in the country better than the Wolverines at defending the pass. Michigan only allows 8.7 yards per pass to its opponents. Penalties aren’t likely to cost Michigan this week’s game. They earn the 10th-fewest penalties among Division I teams, averaging only three per game.
In the other locker room, the Beavers are a terrible bet ATS so far this season with a record of 0-1 to go along with a 1-0 SU record. Chances are Oregon State will continue to rely on its run game, where its 281 rushing yards per game ranks 22nd in the nation. Moving on to the Oregon State defense, it has some favorable matchups that it may be able to take advantage of as well. The Oregon State defense has given opposing running backs nightmares this season. Opponents average just 58 rushing yards per game against this menacing unit. The Beavers defense might be able to pick off a few throws as the Wolverines rank 119th in interceptions with three thrown per game. It’ll be hard to get the ball out of the hands of Oregon State’s offense this week. The team’s average time of possession is 35:25, ranking them 20th in the country.
Predictions: SU Winner – OreSt, ATS Winner – OreSt, O/U – Over
Notes
Michigan is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games.
Michigan is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Michigan’s last 5 games.
Michigan is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Michigan’s last 6 games at home.
Oregon State is 1-0 SU when carrying a lead into the fourth quarter this season.
According to overall FBS team rankings, Oregon State is rated higher in the ground game on both sides of the ball. Its 22nd-ranked rushing attack will face the 59th-ranked run defense of Michigan, while its 24th-ranked rush defense will look to contain the 113th-ranked running game of the Wolverines.
