Please proceed to the main content.
Please rewrite the given statement so that it is more clear and concise.
Looking back at the win totals of the 2020 NCAA football season, it is safe to say that it was not a memorable time for the state of Michigan.
The University of Michigan disappointed greatly with a record of 2-4, failing to meet expectations. Michigan State, in their first year under a new coach, may have lived up to their low expectations with a 2-5 record.
As the 2021 college football season approaches in a matter of months, the question arises: Will either team fulfill the predictions set by oddsmakers during this upcoming fall?
Win Totals on the low side for U-M, MSU
Michigan has had a less than stellar year.
The Wolverines, who played a pivotal role in advocating for a Big Ten football season last autumn, faced a disappointing outcome as they managed to secure only two victories before being forced to cancel the remaining three games of the season due to COVID-19 related cases.
Jim Harbaugh makes a comeback to the program, signing a revised contract that is more budget-friendly. Nonetheless, this cost-conscious arrangement raises uncertainty about his future, should the university decide to part ways.
Furthermore, the school is presently entangled in a scandal of sexual abuse, which implicates individuals from the time when the renowned coach Bo Schembechler was in charge, and this situation may continue to unfold during the summer months.
Michigan’s prospects for 2021 do not appear promising, as reflected in the recently released NCAA football win totals by oddsmakers.
- DraftKings Sportsbook offers the option to bet on a team winning over 7.5 games, with odds of -134. Alternatively, you can bet on the team winning under 7.5 games, with odds of +105.
- The BetMGM Sportsbook offers the option to bet on a team’s performance with the following odds: Over 7.5 with a line of -155, and Under 7.5 with a line of +130.
- PointsBet Sportsbook offers the option of betting on Over 8 with odds of +110 or Under 8 with odds of -140.
Mel Tucker, in his first season as head coach, led Michigan State to a 2-5 record, which notably featured a victory against their rival, Michigan.
The Spartans experienced significant changes in their roster during the offseason, which might ultimately prove to be beneficial for the team.
The win totals for the Spartans this year are set at a level that NCAA football oddsmakers perceive as very low.
- DraftKings Sportsbook offers two betting options for the event: Over 4.5 with odds of -139 and Under 4.5 with odds of +110.
- The BetMGM Sportsbook offers the option of betting on whether the outcome will be over 4.5 with odds of -110 or under 4.5 with odds of -110.
- PointsBet Sportsbook offers a line of Over 4.5 with odds of -120, and Under 4.5 with odds of +100.
Talent seems to be there for Michigan
Despite not performing well on the field, the Wolverines managed to have eight players chosen in the 2021 NFL Draft just two months ago.
The upcoming season in Michigan is filled with uncertainties, primarily due to significant changes within the coaching staff and a plethora of new faces.
Mike Macdonald, the new defensive coordinator, is taking the helm in that department. He is stepping in for the experienced Don Brown. Although Macdonald has no prior experience as a defensive coordinator, he brings with him valuable expertise from his time with the Baltimore Ravens under John Harbaugh from 2015-20.
Aidan Hutchinson is undoubtedly the standout player on the defense, with his exceptional skills making him a top contender for a first-round pick in the upcoming 2022 draft. Additionally, the Wolverines boast a seasoned secondary, spearheaded by the experienced duo of Daxton Hill and Brad Hawkins.
Michigan’s offensive struggles persist as they face ongoing challenges in determining their starting quarterback. Despite being touted as a rising star in 2020, Joe Milton failed to live up to expectations and ultimately opted to enter the transfer portal.
Although Cade McNamara displayed some promising signs towards the end of the season, his position as the 2021 starter is not guaranteed. There is considerable excitement surrounding five-star recruit J.J. McCarthy, and Texas Tech transfer Alan Bowman is also being considered as a potential contender.
The University of Michigan boasts a veteran line, as well as the return of their leading rusher, Hassan Haskins, and top receiver, Ronnie Bell.
Michigan State changes up its roster
There has been significant movement and roster turnover leading up to Mel Tucker’s second season.
There is a widespread belief among the fanbase that the Spartans have made significant improvements to their roster, with numerous moves being made on both sides of the transfer portal.
MSU’s main priority should be enhancing its offense, as it only averaged a mere 18 points per game.
After transferring from Temple, quarterback Anthony Russo joined East Lansing, while Wake Forest running back Kenneth Walker arrived following a successful 1,000-yard season in 2020.
Jayden Reed and Jalen Nailor, two highly skilled receivers, are already part of MSU’s team. Additionally, the offensive line retains all five starters.
On the defensive end, MSU boasts Drew Jordan in the front line and Xavier Henderson safeguarding the back as a safety. The team’s foundation has been firmly established in defense for the last 15 years, ensuring their continued competitiveness in that aspect of the game.
Wolverines face reasonable schedule
In 2021, Michigan will face a challenging lineup of opponents, including conference games denoted by an asterisk.
- The match against Western Michigan is scheduled for September 4th.
- September 11 compared to Washington
- September 18th game against Northern Illinois
- September 25th against Rutgers*
- The date is October 2nd and the location is Wisconsin.
- Nebraska on October 9th
- October 23rd compared to Northwestern*
- Michigan State’s game is scheduled for October 30.
- November 6th against Indiana*
- Penn State on November 13th.
- On November 20th, in the state of Maryland.
- November 27th versus Ohio State*
Michigan’s schedule kicks off with four consecutive home games that are highly winnable for the Wolverines. The offense will likely face scrutiny initially, given their difficulties in finding a capable playmaking quarterback during Harbaugh’s tenure.
During his five “regular seasons,” Harbaugh has achieved a minimum of eight victories. It appears plausible for Michigan to reach this mark, although last year’s performance might have indicated some concerning instability.
Harbaugh’s significant salary reduction is eroding the support of the fanbase continuously. In the event that U-M suffers a defeat in one of their initial home games, the season has the potential to quickly turn unpleasant.
Spartans can get to five wins
In the year 2021, let’s take a glimpse into the challenges that lie ahead for Michigan State.
- On September 3, at Northwestern University*
- Comparing Sept. 11 to Youngstown State
- On September 18th, the event will take place in Miami (Fla.).
- September 25th compared to Nebraska*
- On October 2nd, there will be a match between two teams, one representing Western Kentucky.
- Rutgers on October 9th.
- Indiana, on October 16th.
- October 30th versus Michigan*
- On November 6th, at Purdue University*
- November 13th against Maryland*
- Ohio State’s date is November 20.
- November 27th against Penn State
The schedule kicks off on a challenging note with a visit to Northwestern for a Big Ten Conference game. The Wildcats, driven by their previous defeat against MSU, will be determined to seek redemption.
There are undoubtedly guaranteed victories at home against Youngstown State and Western Kentucky. MSU has the potential to be a team that improves and becomes stronger as the season progresses, with their new talent coming together effectively.
Tucker has proven his ability to strategize and secure surprising victories, as seen in his wins against the Wildcats and Michigan last year, where the team was considered underdogs. It is entirely plausible for this MSU squad to achieve a total of five wins.
Please rewrite your request so that it is more specific and clear.
Related Articles
Please rewrite your request to provide more context or specify what needs to be rewritten.