Week five includes a Big Ten Conference matchup that many believe could be a dangerous trap for the chalk. The Michigan Wolverines have found their form and are flexing their muscles with the look of a national power that they have aspired to be under head coach Jim Harbaugh. The Northwestern Wildcats were highly regarded in the preseason but have stumbled badly after their opening night win at Purdue. But despite their problems the Wildcats are considered a dangerous team that is now backed into a corner. Michigan is at Northwestern Saturday in what may well be one of the top games for all of College Football Saturday. Be sure to have your account ready for live betting on this Big Ten showdown!
This matchup in Week 5 will take place on Saturday, September 29, 2018, at 3:30 p.m. ET at Ryan Field, Evanston, Illinois. FOX is providing the telecast of this game.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Michigan -13.5
Northwestern +13.5
Over/Under (Check Back Later)
Odds Analysis
This big line is based on the combination of Michigan’s annihilation of Nebraska last week and Northwestern’s bad recent form. Beyond that Michigan is one of the most public teams on the college football betting board. This game could end up having plenty of wild twists so make sure to check out halftime and live betting with Bookmaker!
Recent Form
Michigan is 3-1 straight up and 2-2 against the spread with an even 2-2 split on totals. After a terrible opening loss at Notre Dame the Wolverines are straightening out. Michigan has climbed to 23rd in the nation for scoring offense. Their well-regarded rock-ribbed defense ranks third in the country. Michigan annihilated Nebraska 56-10 as 18-point home chalks last week.
Northwestern is 1-2 both straight up and against the spread with two of their three games going over the total. The Cats are coming off a much-needed bye week that followed a 39-34 home loss to Akron. Northwestern has alarming metrics in which they rank 104th in the nation for scoring offense and 87th for scoring defense. And their schedule was not at all daunting.
Key Trends
This could be a dangerous spot for the Wolverines as they have struggled badly as a road favorite of seven or more points. In fact, the Maize and Blue have paid in just two of their last nine games when laying a touchdown or more on the road. Eight of the Wolverines last nine games in that role have gone over the total.
On the other hand, Northwestern has been a better than expected home dog of seven or more points. To show the Wildcats have paid in four of their last seven in that situation with five of their last six games as home dogs going under the total.
Head to Head
Northwestern has been the superior betting value in their series with Michigan. As a matter of fact, the Wildcats have paid in five of their last eight games against the Wolverines with three of the last five meetings between these teams going over the total. Ironically enough Michigan has enjoyed their best wagering value in this series at Ryan Field. The Maize and Blue have come away with the cash in four of their last six games at Northwestern with four of the last five between theses teams at Ryan Field going under the total.
Key Player
Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson is looking more like the missing link that head coach Jim Harbaugh has been seeking at quarterback. Patterson has completed 70 percent of his passes with seven touchdowns and just two interceptions.
Free ATS Pick
Northwestern has been a major disappointment so far and there is little evidence that their pedestrian offense will be able to move the ball on the stout defense of Michigan. Add the improved offensive play of the Maize and Blue and the choice becomes obvious.
College Football Odds: Michigan 38, Northwestern 10
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
