Colorado State vs. Michigan Week 1 Betting: Is 30.5-Point Spread too much for Wolverines?

Although the 2022 NCAA college football season technically began last week, things really kick off in a few days with Week 1. Among the top first-week matchups is a showdown between the Colorado State Rams and No. 8 Michigan Wolverines.

What Colorado State head coach Jay Norvell said about Michigan #GoBlue

“I’ve known Jim a long time. This football team is a reflection of what he feels about the game. They’re physical, they’re well-coached and they have very good players."

More here: https://t.co/Bt4ZV3Hhz6 pic.twitter.com/TYdDiURgZs

— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) August 30, 2022

The 2021 NCAAF season was one to forget for the Rams, who finished with an overall record of 3-9. Now, Jay Norvell takes looks to bring Colorado State some success as the new head coach after spending the last five seasons in the same role with the Nevada Wolf Pack.

Meanwhile, the Wolverines are feeling good after winning last year’s Big Ten Championship and even qualifying for the College Football Playoff. Although Michigan lost to Georgia in the semifinal, it was enough to prove that Jim Harbaugh’s team will likely be one of the best in the nation once again.

Here are BetOnline Sportsbook’s latest Colorado State vs. Michigan betting odds, as well as a prediction and best bet for the upcoming NCAAF tilt.

Colorado State vs. Michigan Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Colorado State Rams (0-0) vs. No. 8 Michigan Wolverines (0-0)
• Venue & Location: Michigan Stadium (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
• Date: Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022
• Game Time: 12 p.m. Eastern Time
• Where to Watch Colorado State vs. Michigan: ABC

Colorado State vs. Michigan Odds

Game odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Spread

• Colorado State Rams +30.5 (-105)
• Michigan Wolverines -30.5 (-115)

Over/Under

• Over 61.5 (-114)
• Under 61.5 (-106)

Moneyline

• Colorado State Rams +1600
• Michigan Wolverines -4500

Can Michigan Cover Massive Week 1 Spread?

Few Week 1 college football matchups are as lopsided as the upcoming Colorado State vs. Michigan tilt. Not only are the Wolverines favored at -4500 (an implied probability of 97.8%), but they’re also 30.5-point favorites with -115 odds to cover the spread.

This upcoming meeting marks the second-ever clash between the two schools and the first since their inaugural tilt in 1994. The Wolverines wound up defeating the Rams, 24-14, at the Holiday Bowl for that victory.

Having said that, a 30.5-point spread is fairly substantial. However, recent betting trends show that it isn’t impossible for Michigan to cover.

For starters, Colorado State is 0-5 straight up in its last five games against Big Ten schools. There’s a major skill difference between the Big Ten and the Mountain West conferences, so it shouldn’t be surprising to see the Rams coming up with the short end of the stick more often than not.

A new face but an immediate fit on the offensive line. Get to know a little bit about Olu Oluwatimi#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/gskvfljEor

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) August 30, 2022

On top of that, the Rams are also 0-5 against the spread in their last five Week 1 matchups. It was just last year that they lost, 42-23, to South Dakota State to open the season and while that isn’t a 31-point difference, it shows that Colorado State could be in trouble considering just how good the Wolverines are.

It helps that Michigan averaged a solid 35.8 points per game (No. 14) while only surrendering 17.4 PPG (No. 7). In other words, not only will it be extremely tough for the Rams to keep up with the Wolverines on offense, but scoring the ball will also be easier said than done.

Furthermore, the Wolverines are 5-0 in their last five games against Mountain West schools, as well as going 7-0 in their last seven home games. While covering the spread could be hard, recent history shows that Michigan is good enough to get the job done.

Colorado State vs. Michigan Betting Trends

• Colorado State is 2-8 straight up in its last 10 road games.
• Michigan is 12-2 straight up in its last 14 games.
• Colorado State is 0-6 against the spread (ATS) in its last six games.
• Michigan is 4-1 ATS in its last five games played in September.
• The total has hit the over in four of Colorado State’s last five games.
• The total has hit the over in six of Michigan’s last nine Week 1 matchups.

Colorado State vs. Michigan Prediction and Picks

Colorado State vs. Michigan Prediction: Michigan 45, Colorado State 12

Colorado State vs. Michigan Best Bets: Michigan -30.5 (Best Value: -115 at BetOnline) & Under 61.5 Points (Best Value: -106 at BetOnline)

As mentioned before, this is a lopsided matchup that should result in a Michigan win. While covering the 30.5-point spread will be tough, the Wolverines have enough talent to make it happen, especially with Colorado State undergoing a new coaching regime.

With that being said, I don’t think that the two schools will combine for the over — mainly due to Michigan’s defense being that much better than Colorado’s offense.

Other NCAA College Football Stories on Betting News

• College Football Week 1 Predictions, Picks & Odds
• Oregon vs. Georgia Week 1 Betting: Expect Bulldogs to Open Season with a Victory
• Penn State vs. Purdue Prediction, Odds & Picks
• Notre Dame vs. Ohio State Week 1 Betting: Can Buckeyes Cover Massive Spread?
• Cincinnati vs. Arkansas Week 1 Betting: Back the Under, Razorbacks at Home
• Houston vs. UTSA Week 1 Betting: Expect Roadrunners to Keep Things Close