College football is back, and the Michigan Wolverines kick off their season hosting the Western Michigan Broncos. A new era begins as Kyle Whittingham mans his first game as head coach of the program, attempting to reignite a team littered with talent. That’s highlighted by former No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood, starting his second season as the starting signal-caller.
All eyes will be on Ann Arbor to see how Underwood and this team perform, even against a MAC opponent like Western Michigan,
as the Wolverines are seen as one of the biggest X factors in college football this season with a big-time schedule and loads of talent.
No. 16 Michigan Wolverines vs Western Michigan Broncos
- Day: Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026
- TV: NBC
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Weather: 76 degrees, sunny
- Odds: MICH -27.5, O/U: 48.5
At the podium on Monday for his first game week in Ann Arbor, Whittingham had high praise across the board for this team. Two things stood out to me for this game in particular: 1. Underwood has been “markedly better” in fall camp compared to the spring. 2. Michigan is “very blessed player-wise up front” on defense. Saturday will be the first live-game opportunity to showcase those comments to be true, and if the Wolverines can do that, this game won’t be close.
Speaking on Lance Taylor’s defending MAC champion Broncos team, Whittingham called the Wolverines’ Week 1 opponent a “strong run team” with a “very potent” rushing attack. The Broncos return starting quarterback Broc Lowry, a former Indiana transfer who ran for 963 yards and 14 touchdowns last year on his way to earning MAC Offensive Player of the Year. Tie that with 1,000-yard rusher Jalen Buckley, and you have a team that mirrors many Big Ten opponents who run on two-thirds of their plays.
For Michigan to win handily, the two areas that Whittingham praised need to perform. It starts up front with the defensive line that will go up against three returning starting offensive linemen for the Broncos. The trenches is where games like this are won, and if the Wolverines are as blessed as Whittingham says they are, Western Michigan shouldn’t be able to go on the long drives that eat clock and make this game interesting.
With a running quarterback, Michigan edge rushers will have to stay true on read-option plays, and linebackers plugging holes after an initial push will be crucial. Expect the Wolverines to pack the box, as Lowry attempted fewer than 20 passes in each of his final five games last season.
On the other end, new offensive coordinator Jason Beck has plenty to live up to, bringing his offensive scheme that finished No. 4 overall in the country last season to Michigan. The Broncos are replacing almost their entire front seven, including MAC Defensive Player of the Year and Conference MVP Nadame Tucker, along with coordinator Chris O’Leary. Beck’s run-first mentality saw the Utes average 226.3 rushing yards per game last season. The Wolverines should be able to lean on returning starter Jordan Marshall and five-star true freshman Savion Hiter for big games, as the offensive line should get some push up front early.
Early money from sharps has been on Michigan to cover the spread and for the total to go over, and I could see both lines creeping up closer to kickoff. While the Wolverines have not had a great history in the past couple seasons against the spread against non-Power 4 opponents, it’s hard not to believe they should dominate an opponent that wants to exploit areas where Michigan should have distinct advantages.
Whittingham was 56-44-1 against the spread as a favorite at home at Utah, covering more than 60 percent of the time as double-digit favorites. On top of that, the Wolverines should be hungry to prove they’re legit. Give me Michigan to cover the four touchdowns, and the over to hit, in this one.
Best Bet: Michigan -27.5, Total: O48.5
Other Top Games of Week 1
- Sat, Sept 6 @ 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC: Clemson Tigers @ No. 11 LSU Tigers
- The Bet: Clemson +11
- Sun, Sept 7 @ 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC: Wisconsin Badgers vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Lambeau Field)
- The Bet: Wisconsin +20.5
- Sun, Sept 7 @ 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC: No. 24 Louisville Cardinals vs No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels
- The Bet: Ole Miss – 6.5
