Following a Big Ten championship in 2021, the Michigan football team is hoping to carry that momentum into 2022.
Jim Harbaugh finally dialed up the right recipe for the Wolverines a year ago, earning a spot in the College Football Playoffs.
As we approach kickoff for the new season, what can Michigan sports bettors expect for Michigan’s 2022 football odds?
Michigan football 2022 season odds
Here’s where the oddsmakers stack up U-M when it comes to winning the National Championship, the Big Ten Conference and the Big Ten East in 2022.
Though Michigan’s odds for the national title seem long, it is firmly slotted in the top 10 of the odds race. The preseason college football odds have Alabama as the favorite, while Ohio State and Georgia are top contenders.
Michigan’s rival, Ohio State, also is the clear favorite to win the Big Ten and Big Ten East right now. However, Michigan is finding itself second to Ohio State in both markets despite the long odds.
Michigan football win total odds
Each year Michigan tends to have a lofty over/under for regular season wins. That’s no different in 2022.
Currently, Michigan’s win total is listed at an over/under of .
Here’s the schedule Michigan is looking at as it attempts to get to double-digit wins once again.
- Sept. 3: vs. Colorado State, Noon
- Sept. 10: vs. Hawaii, 8 p.m.
- Sept. 17: vs. Connecticut, Noon
- Sept. 24: vs. Maryland, Noon
- Oct. 1: at Iowa, TBA
- Oct. 8: at Indiana, Noon
- Oct. 15: vs. Penn State, TBA
- Oct. 22: vs. Michigan State, TBA
- Nov. 5: at Rutgers, TBA
- Nov. 12: vs. Nebraska, TBA
- Nov. 19: vs. Illinois, TBA
- Nov. 26: at Ohio State, Noon
At a quick glance, what stands out is another eight home games for Michigan in 2022. That includes four straight at home to open the season.
Home games with Michigan State and Penn State could be challenging, as could road trips to Iowa and Ohio State.
Who will lead Michigan’s potent offense?
Defense was the key for Michigan in 2021, but in 2022 it looks as if the Wolverines offense will lead the charge.
When it comes to the offense, Michigan is still dealing with the quarterback question: J.J. McCarthy or Cade McNamara?
McNamara led the Wolverines to their 12-2 record in 2022. As the starting QB, McNamara was a great game manager. He threw for 2,576 yards and 15 touchdowns with just six interceptions.
McCarthy is considered the stronger overall athlete with a higher ceiling, but less proven on the field. He threw for 516 yards and five scores in 2021 while also rushing for 124 yards and two scores.
Harbaugh has yet to declare a starter heading into the season opener. It’s entirely possible both could see significant time early in the season.
If odds tell us anything, it could be McCarthy being the featured option. DraftKings Sportsbook MI currently lists him at +9000 to win the Heisman Trophy this season, while McNamara sits at +15000.
Whomever is under center, they will have a great offense to work with. A strong, veteran offensive line will help protect the QB and open holes for their explosive running backs.
Blake Corum rushed for just under 1,000 yards in 2021 and had 11 rushing scores. Donovan Edwards is a dual-threat back that is in store for a larger load. He rushed for 174 yards and had 265 receiving yards last fall.
Corum is listed at +10000 to win the Heisman Trophy this season by DraftKings. Edwards is a +15000 longshot.
Michigan is deep at receiver as well with Cornelius Johnson, Ronnie Bell, Andrel Anthony and Roman Wilson all with big-play ability. Not to mention, senior tight end Erick All was second on the team in receptions and receiving yards last year.
How big of a step back will U-M’s defense take?
The offense will have to take on a bigger load this year, as the Michigan defense very likely will take a step back.
In 2021, the Wolverines allowed just 16.1 points (first in the Big Ten) and 316.2 yards per game (third in the Big Ten).
Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo combined for 25 sacks alone and are now both in the NFL. So is Daxton Hill, the team’s dynamic safety. Altogether, Michigan lost seven starters from its 2021 defense.
Linebacker Junior Colson is the leading returning tackler with 60. His presence will be key up front as Michigan tries to develop new pass rushers on the line.
In the secondary, DJ Turner and Gemon Green return at cornerback, while R.J. Moten returns at safety to provide the back end with some needed experience.
What to make of Michigan football odds
Michigan is expected to be in the mix for the Big Ten title and a playoff spot this year.
The college football rankings have U-M as a top-10 team. The AP poll lists Michigan at No. 8, while the AFCA Coaches Poll ranks Michigan No. 6 for the preseason.
Now, with Big Ten hardware back in Ann Arbor, it should boost the confidence of the Wolverines and coach Jim Harbaugh. Expect a little more swagger to start the year.
Michigan won’t be challenged until October when it goes on the road to Iowa. That’s when we should get a clearer picture of what the Wolverines can do this season.
Getting back on track against Michigan State will be key to a 10-win season. Harbaugh has still yet to beat MSU and Ohio State in the same season. A hiccup at home to the Spartans leaves no room for error the rest of the way.
As it usually does, the season is likely to come down to the finale with Ohio State. A Big Ten East title and potential playoff spot could once again be at stake.
After getting the Buckeye monkey off its back in 2021, Michigan shouldn’t feel intimidated by Ohio State any longer. On paper, the Buckeyes look to be the better team. However, OSU will be questioned about its toughness up front on defense. Michigan’s offensive line should be one of its strengths.
Now that Michigan got its taste of championship success once again, the fan base isn’t going to accept stepping back in a major way. Ten wins should be a basement expectation for the program.
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