The Washington Huskies meet the Michigan Wolverines for the first time since 2002, so here’s the best betting pick for this non-conference showdown at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, as the 2021 college football season goes on Saturday, September 11, with more of Week 2 action.

The Wolverines are listed as 6-point home favorites on MyBookie Sportsbook. The Huskies open as +230 moneyline dogs, while the totals are set at 48.5 points, as the bookies expect to see a hard-fought battle between a couple of non-conference foes.

The Huskies upset their fans and backers in Week 1

The Washington Huskies put on a terrible offensive performance in Week 1 and suffered a 13-7 home loss to the Montana Grizzlies. They were listed as massive 22.5-point favorites, but the Huskies racked up just 291 total yards and turned the ball over three times while forcing zero turnovers on the other side.

Washington ran for just 65 yards last Saturday, averaging a paltry 2.4 yards per carry. Dylan Morris tossed for 226 yards and three interceptions, completing only 27 of his 46 passing attempts, so the Huskies need to improve a lot in order to stand a chance against the Wolverines.

Last year, Morris had 897 yards, four touchdowns, and three picks in four outings. The Huskies went 3-1, tallying 30.2 points per game (49th in the country) and surrendering 25.0 in a return (39th) in Jimmy Lake’s first season at the helm.

The Wolverines destroyed Western Michigan in the opener

The Michigan Wolverines started the new season in style, covering a 16.5-point spread in a dominant 47-14 home victory over the Western Michigan Broncos. They racked up 335 rushing yards on 43 totes and scored three times on the ground, while junior QB Cade McNamara threw for 136 yards and a couple of touchdowns.

The Wolverines held the Broncos to 310 total yards. Their defense wasn’t spectacular, but it was enough against the Broncos who didn’t have a proper response. Last season, the Wolverines went 2-4, allowing 34.5 points per contest (95th in the country) and scoring 28.3 in a return (66th), so Jim Harbaugh certainly tried to fix some problems.

Cade McNamara played four games in 2020, tossing for 425 yards and five touchdowns while completing 60.6 percent of his passing attempts. Hassan Haskins had 61 carries for 375 yards and six touchdowns, and senior RB enjoyed a nice opening week of the 2021 season, posting 13 totes for 70 yards and a TD.

Trends:

Washington:

  • 1-4 ATS in the last five games overall 

Michigan:

  • 5-2 ATS in the last seven home games as favorites

Washington Huskies vs. Michigan Wolverines Pick

The Washington Huskies can only do a better job in this one after that awful display in Week 1, but I’ll stick with the hosts to cover, especially with six points on the table. The Wolverines looked good on both sides of the ball in their opener, and their offense didn’t skip a beat.

Michigan will miss wideout Ronnie Bell which is a huge blow for their passing offense. The Wolverines will have to lean more on their ground game, while the Huskies will have to figure out their QB situation. Dylan Morris was terrible last Saturday, and the Huskies have a couple of decent options on the bench. Washington should keep it close, so if you’re satisfied with slightly lower wages, buy a few points.

Pick: Take Michigan Wolverines -6.0 at -110     

The Total:

Betting on the under should be the right move here. The Huskies showed plenty of offensive flaws in Week 1, but their defense will be ready for the Wolverines, who surprised many with their offensive display against the Broncos.

Michigan’s defense has improved, though the Wolverines will have to prove it in a much more difficult assignment in Week 2. Both teams will try to control the clock and run as much as they can which is another reason to go with the under. Seven of Washington’s last nine games went in the under, as well as 11 of the Huskies’ last 15 showings on the road.

Pick: Go under 48.5 points at -110