Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Wolverines Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 11/23/2024 3:30 PM EST

We have your Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Wolverines prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Northwestern Wildcats hit the road to face the Michigan Wolverines.

Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Wolverines Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Northwestern Wildcats +328 (Caesars) / Michigan Wolverines -430 (Caesars)
Best Spread Odds: -10.5 - Northwestern Wildcats -110 (BetMGM) / Michigan Wolverines -108 (DraftKings)
Best Total Odds: 36.5 - Under -108 (DraftKings) / Over -112 (DraftKings)

Game Info

Date: 11/23/2024
Time: 3:30 PM EST
Location: Michigan Stadium (Ann Arbor, MI)
TV: FS1

Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Wolverines Preview

The Michigan Wolverines, under the guidance of first-year head coach Sherrone Moore, find themselves in a precarious position as they prepare to host the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. With a 5-5 record, the Wolverines are in desperate need of a victory to secure bowl eligibility, especially with a daunting matchup against the second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes looming next week. Despite being the defending national champions, Michigan has struggled this season, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, where they rank among the bottom 25 in scoring, averaging just 20.4 points per game.

Michigan's offensive woes are largely attributed to their passing game, which has been one of the least effective in college football. Quarterback Davis Warren has been inconsistent, as evidenced by his 137-yard performance in a narrow 20-15 loss to Indiana. The Wolverines have leaned heavily on their running game, with Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings shouldering much of the load. They average 155.5 rushing yards per game, but will face a stiff challenge against Northwestern's defense, which ranks 28th in the FBS, allowing just 114.6 rushing yards per contest.

On the other side, the Northwestern Wildcats, led by coach David Braun, enter the game with a 4-6 record and a similar urgency to win. A victory in Ann Arbor, followed by a win against Illinois, could propel them into postseason play for the second consecutive year. The Wildcats' offense has struggled mightily, ranking fifth-worst in total offense in the FBS with just 284.3 yards per game. Quarterback Jack Lausch has shown flashes of potential, but the team has been plagued by inconsistency, losing three of their last four games.

One intriguing storyline is the return of Northwestern wide receiver A.J. Henning to Michigan Stadium. Henning, who transferred from Michigan, has been a bright spot for the Wildcats, matching his career high with 45 receptions this season. Meanwhile, Michigan's Colston Loveland has been a standout performer, leading the team with 53 catches and 560 receiving yards, tying the single-season record for catches by a tight end.

As both teams vie for bowl eligibility, the stakes are high in this Big Ten showdown. Michigan's recent dominance over Northwestern, winning 12 of the last 13 meetings, adds an extra layer of intrigue to this pivotal matchup.

Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Wolverines Pick: Michigan Wolverines Moneyline

The Michigan Wolverines are poised to secure a crucial victory against the Northwestern Wildcats, and the moneyline pick for Michigan is well-supported by several key factors. Despite their struggles this season, the Wolverines have a strong historical advantage over Northwestern, having won 12 of their last 13 meetings. This dominance is a testament to Michigan's ability to perform under pressure, especially in critical matchups like this one where bowl eligibility is on the line.

Michigan's defense has shown resilience, ranking 55th in the FBS by allowing 23 points per game, which should be sufficient to contain a Northwestern offense that ranks fifth-worst in total offense, averaging just 284.3 yards per game. The Wildcats have been inconsistent, losing three of their last four games, and their offensive struggles are likely to continue against a Michigan team that has had a bye week to regroup and prepare.

Offensively, while Michigan has faced challenges, their running game remains a strength. The Wolverines average 155.5 rushing yards per game, and with Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings leading the charge, they have the potential to exploit any weaknesses in Northwestern's defense. Although Northwestern's run defense is ranked 28th in the FBS, allowing 114.6 rushing yards per game, Michigan's ground attack is capable of breaking through, especially with the added motivation of playing at home in the Big House.

Furthermore, the Wolverines have a standout performer in tight end Colston Loveland, who leads the team with 53 catches and 560 receiving yards. His ability to make key plays could be a decisive factor in Michigan's favor. With the stakes high and the Wolverines' track record against Northwestern, the moneyline pick for Michigan is a sound choice as they aim to secure bowl eligibility and build momentum heading into their challenging matchup against Ohio State.

Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Wolverines Top Player Prop Picks

Colston Loveland Over 63.5 Receiving Yards -114 (FanDuel)

Colston Loveland has been a standout performer for the Michigan Wolverines this season, leading the team with 53 receptions and 560 receiving yards. As the Wolverines' primary target, Loveland has consistently demonstrated his ability to make key plays, tying the single-season record for catches by a tight end. With Michigan's passing game struggling overall, Loveland's role becomes even more crucial, especially against a Northwestern defense that has shown vulnerability. Given his track record and the importance of this game for Michigan's bowl eligibility, Loveland is poised to exceed the 63.5 receiving yards mark, making this prop a strong pick.

Jack Lausch Under 154.5 Passing Yards -114 (FanDuel)

Northwestern's quarterback Jack Lausch has faced challenges this season, as evidenced by his performance against Ohio State where he was sacked four times and lost a fumble. The Wildcats' offense ranks fifth-worst in total offense in the FBS, averaging just 284.3 yards per game. With Michigan's defense allowing only 23 points per game, Lausch is likely to struggle in the passing game. The Wolverines have had a bye week to prepare, and their defense will be focused on containing Lausch, making the under on 154.5 passing yards a compelling choice.

Donovan Edwards Over 15.5 Longest Rush -115 (bet365)

Donovan Edwards has been a key component of Michigan's ground attack, which averages 155.5 rushing yards per game. Despite Northwestern's respectable run defense, ranked 28th in the FBS, Edwards has the potential to break through for a significant gain. His ability to exploit defensive gaps and the Wolverines' reliance on the running game make the over on a 15.5-yard longest rush an attractive proposition. With Michigan's bowl eligibility on the line, expect Edwards to be a focal point in their offensive strategy, increasing the likelihood of a long rush.