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Colorado State vs Michigan Predictions, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks

Non-conference foes in season opener

It’s A New Season

Colorado State and No. 8 Michigan begin the season when the Rams travel to Ann Arbor to face the Wolverines Saturday afternoon.

The Rams, playing in the Mountain West, had a rough 2021, having ended 3-9 (fifth in the Mountain Division).

Colorado State vs Michigan Predictions, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks
Aidan Hutchinson | MICHAEL REAVES / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

Colorado State met one Big Ten opponent last season. In Iowa City against the Hawkeyes, the Rams fell, 24-14.

The Wolverines had a far more positive memory in the Big Ten last season. After finishing first (Eastern Division), Michigan then ripped Iowa, 42-3, in the conference title game. They lost to eventual national champion Georgia in the semifinals, thus finishing 12-2.

With Michigan coming off a Big Ten championship, Big Blue has the second-lowest odds to win the Big Ten East (+450, Ohio State’s -325). The revamped Rams, meanwhile, are in the middle of the pack for chances to win the Mountain West’s Mountain Division (+1200, Boise State’s even-money).

Check the latest NCAAF Lines, NCAAF news, stats, injury reports, and NCAAF odds for Colorado State vs Michigan. There are plenty of NCAAF picks and predictions for you to consider,

Colorado State Gets New Coach

After the Rams ended their season on a six-game losing streak, the finale a 52-10 loss (Nevada), Colorado State dismissed coach Steve Addazio.

So, not long after, the Rams found their new coach in Jay Norvell, previously at Nevada.

Norvell was the head coach of the Wolf Pack for five seasons (four bowl games, winning two of them).

Known for his offensive mind, Norvell turned the Wolf Pack around with four winning seasons in a row, helping quarterback Carson Strong win the MWC Offensive Player of the Year twice as well.

Norvell won’t be the only new face in the place. A few former Nevada players are joining him in Fort Collins.

Quarterback Clay Millen figures to start for Colorado State, while a pair of receivers and a rusher transferred, too.

Wide receivers Tory Horton and Melquan Stovall bring solid production with them, Horton finishing the season with 52 receptions for 659 yards (five touchdowns). Stovall had 56 receptions for 643 yards (one touchdown).

The two will add to a wide-receiver room that already features Dante Wright, who finished with 44 receptions for 554 yards (three touchdowns), while tight end Gary Williams had 21 receptions for 287 yards (five touchdowns).

Running back Avery Morrow also arrives after an understudy role at Nevada (11 carries, 121 yards, one touchdown) last season.

New coach, new roster additions. Thus, Colorado State is taken to improve.

Michigan’s Defense Gets a New Look

Michigan had one of the top defenses a season ago, finishing fourth in the NCAA (16.1 points allowed per game).

Many of the Wolverines’ top-producing defensive players from their roster are gone.

Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson led the team in sacks (14,) also had 62 tackles.

Linebacker David Ojabo was second on the team in sacks (11).

Linebacker Josh Ross, meanwhile, led the team in tackles (106).

Safety Daxton Hill was next in tackles (69) tackles, leading in interceptions (two) and passes defended (eight).

They gone, as in all four now in the NFL.

Michigan will look to players who have previous experience, with coach Jim Harbaugh praising linebackers Junior Colson, Taylor Upshaw and Mike Morris and defensive linemen Mazi Smith and Kris Jenkins, among others.

Colson recorded 60 tackles as a freshman last season, Upshaw had 2½ sacks and Morris an interception. Smith recorded 37 tackles in 2021.

Along with some new players, the Wolverines also have a new defensive coordinator in Jesse Minter.

Minter replaces Mike Macdonald, who departed Michigan to rejoin the Baltimore Ravens (and a Harbaugh brother) as their defensive coordinator. He was formerly with Baltimore for seven seasons in various roles.

Minter was previously the defensive coordinator for one season at Vanderbilt. That after four seasons as a defensive assistant with the Ravens.

Michigan lost some key players on defense, but a coordinator from the same coaching tree and experienced players getting even more experience should help the unit be strong once more.

Colorado State vs Michigan Injury Report

There’s haven’t been injuries reported for either team.

Colorado State vs Michigan Head-to-Head

The Rams and Wolverines are meeting for the second time. In the 1994 Holiday Bowl (San Diego), Michigan defeated Colorado State, 24-14.

Colorado State vs Michigan Game Information

  • Game: Colorado State vs Michigan
  • Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
  • Day/Time: Saturday, Sept. 3, 12 p.m. ET
  • Colorado State vs Michigan Live Stream: ESPN

Colorado State vs Michigan Betting Lines

Colorado State vs Michigan Prediction

The Rams and Wolverines had different seasons in 2021. While the Wolverines are coming off a Big Ten title and a 12-win season, the Rams failed to make it to a bowl game and fired their coach.

Colorado State looks to regroup. Michigan lost many stars on defense.

However, Big Blue’s strength combined with the Rams’ transfers getting comfortable in the system spells a strong win at home for the Wolverines. Expect the big-number Michigan to cover.

Colorado State vs Michigan Edge

Colorado State vs Michigan Results

Colorado State vs Michigan Game Injuries

Colorado State vs Michigan Game Summary

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