Connecticut Huskies at Michigan Wolverines 2010 NCAA College Football Week 1 Odds, Preview, and Predictions: Michigan head football coach Rich Rodriguez is on the hot seat after not going to a bowl game for the second year in a row which ended a 37 year run. The Big House has finished being renovated and more than 112,000 strong will be in maize and blue looking for the turn around to begin against an up and coming Big East Connecticut Team that ended 2009 with four victories. UConn has never lost to a Big Ten team, although it has only played the Indiana Hoosiers twice. The string of victories to end the season is more impressive with wins against Notre Dame, Syracuse, South Florida and South Carolina. Playing in week one puts head football coach Randy Edsall’s team front and center on a national stage and with a win a chance to jump into the top 25 rankings. Vegas odds makers have the Michigan Wolverines a -3 point favorite at home against the Connecticut Huskies.
RichRod has three young quarterbacks that are all talented and can both run and pass from his spread offense. Last season true freshmen Tate Forcier took the most snaps with Denard Robinson taking rest. Robinson is the speedier of the two, but this year’s true freshman Devin Gardner has a strong arm, size and speed and could be an option as well. Big Blue needs a fast start and solid play from its offensive line to eleviate pressure from its evolving defense. If the Wolverines don’t start off well, coach Rodrigues won’t see the Ohio State Game in November. Vegas odds makers have Tate Forcier at 50/1 odds to win the Heisman Trophy.
Offensively the Huskies have an experience line that is strong and should provide good protection for returning quarterback Zack Frazer who had a good offseason. Transfer D.J. Shoemate joins Jordan Todman in which should be a productive backfield. Middle linebacker Greg Lloyd is back to anchor the defense which should be serviceable but not great. The total has gone OVER in 7 of Connecticut’s last 8 games and UConn was 10-2 against the spread in 2009. Odds makers at Bodog have the over/under for the total score at 54 points combined of the Connecticut Huskies and Michigan Wolverines.
Coach Rodriguez is as competitive as anyone and his third season has been the breakout in his past coaching endeavors. I predict a victory and cover for Michigan and a fast start for the wide open offense. The game can be seen regionally on ABC at 3:30 PM ET on Saturday. Note: Rich Fritz is a Blog Writer on NSAwins.com and not a pro handicapper. For expert College Football Picks against the vegas spreads please visit the NSAwins.com homepage for top predictions today from the National Sports Advisors.