Michigan football: Vegas Insider releases updated Big Ten win totals
With July 4th in the rearview mirror, we have another batch of Big Ten win totals for all 14 teams in the conference. Ohio State and Michigan once again lead the way in the top tier of the conference.
The Buckeyes and Wolverines come in at 10.5 and 9.5 wins, respectively. Ohio State is the conference favorite at -230 to win the Big Ten, while Michigan sits at +1000 (Barstool Sportsbook).
Penn State and Wisconsin are next closest with 8.5. The third tier of the conference rolls five teams deep with Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska and Purdue all set for 7.5 wins.
The bottom of the Big Ten is led by Maryland sitting at 5.5, while Illinois, Indiana, Northwestern and Rutgers are pegged for 4.5.
Below are the full totals for the conference, via Vegas Insider.
- Ohio State: 10.5
- Michigan: 9.5
- Penn State: 8.5
- Wisconsin: 8.5
- Iowa: 7.5
- Michigan State: 7.5
- Minnesota: 7.5
- Nebraska: 7.5
- Purdue: 7.5
- Maryland: 5.5
- Illinois: 4.5
- Indiana: 4.5
- Northwestern: 4.5
- Rutgers: 4.5
Lindy’s, Athlon previews weigh in on Michigan
Both the Athlon Sports and Lindy’s previews feature scouting reports from anonymous sources. Athlon’s featured a bright outlook for what could lie ahead for Michigan.
“This was a changed program in 2021, and the results reflect that,” the anonymous source said. “Even before they beat OSU or won the conference, I think the coaches in the league knew it could happen. You saw different energy here; they had more speed than in recent years, and they were still just as physical. They were violent on film. It was Michigan football.”
Lindy’s was a little more pessimistic about the Wolverines.
“That was a historic 2021 season but making the college football playoff again will be a stretch,” Lindy’s preview said of Michigan. “They won’t be able to beat Ohio State with their roster this season. … As was the case last year, the run game will need to dominate for the Wolverines to even have a chance. It’s going to be interesting to see if Donovan Edwards can emerge as a difference maker. Physically ready. Can help you in the passing game. If he breaks out in a big way, that’s a helluva one-two punch with [Blake] Corum. As good as anybodys.
“Nobody should underestimate the loss of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald [to the Baltimore Ravens]. … At quarterback, of course, the best player should play. Still a number of questions there. You want to let them compete. Jim [Harbaugh] knows what’s best, but how that plays out will be fascinating.”
Both magazines have Michigan finishing behind Ohio State in the Big Ten and have the team pegged as the No. 6 program in the country. Athlon’s preview has the Wolverines finishing with a 10-2 record and 7-2 mark in Big Ten play, including a trip to the Rose Bowl.
