Michigan vs. Texas Odds, Predictions, Best Bets: ’23 Champs Dogs at Home

Texas vs. Michigan Betting Preview

Texas Longhorns Betting News, Analysis

Few teams in the country could lose the amount of talent to the NFL Draft that the Longhorns did last April and still have title aspirations the following season. But thanks to Ewers and what UT did in the transfer portal, that’s the case for coach Steve Sarkisian’s program, which is in its first season as a member of the SEC.

Last year’s top receivers (Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell and Jordan Whittington), tight end (Ja’Tavion Sanders) and running back (Jonathon Brooks) all left Austin for the draft, but the cupboard is far from bare after the portal additions of WRs Isaiah Bond from Alabama, Matthew Golden from Houston and Silas Bolden from Oregon State.

Ewers and the receiving talent on this roster, plus a veteran O-line anchored by future NFL tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. — who is one of four returning starters on the line — should make this offense one of the best in the nation.

On defense, Texas lost three first-team All-Big 12 players from a year ago (LB Jaylan Ford and D-linemen Byron Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat), but added several starters from the transfer portal, including star DE Trey Moore from UTSA and former Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba.

Michigan Wolverines Betting News, Analysis

Speaking of teams that have to replace a lot from a year ago, Michigan is in its own category as far as roster and coaching staff attrition over the past year. The Wolverines did not just lose most of the stars of last year’s championship-winning squad. They also have a new coaching staff following Jim Harbaugh’s move to Michigan, and Harbaugh’s subsequent hiring of several top assistants, including DC Jesse Minter.

Sherrone Moore, last year’s OC (and interim head coach while Harbaugh was suspended for three games in November) is now head coach, and he promoted QB coach Kirk Campbell to offensive coordinator for this season.

Michigan still has a handful of future draft picks, but most of them are on the defensive side of the ball. The Wolverines offense was a cause for concern entering the season given the QB battle between the inexperienced Alex Orji and former walk-on Davis Warren, with the latter winning the job ahead of the season opener vs. Fresno State.

Michigan will struggle to stay in the top 10 this season if Warren doesn’t improve significantly on his performance against the Bulldogs (15-of-25, 118 yards, 1 TD, 1 int).

The reason Michigan might be tough to beat even if its offense struggles is its defense. Despite losing eight starters from last year’s roster, this unit should be stout again thanks to All-American cornerback Will Johnson and star DTs Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. Michigan also boasts one of the top defensive coordinators in college football in former Ravens and Giants DC Wink Martindale.

Texas vs. Michigan Prediction, Best Bets

The reigning champs have too many holes offensively to pull off the home upset over a Texas team with a new-look — but still loaded — offense of its own.

Points will likely be hard to come by in this game, but at some point, Ewers — who was excellent in an early-season road win over Alabama last September — and the Horns will find a way to manufacture a few scores.

Michigan would need a stunning performance by Warren or Orji to keep up and knock off the Longhorns, who we like to win (and cover) in an ugly, low-scoring battle.

Texas vs. Michigan Best Bets

• Michigan -7 (best odds: -110 at ESPN BET)
• Under 42.5 (best odds: -120 at ESPN BET)

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