Check out our free Horned Frogs vs Wolverines pick and preview for NCAAF week 1 game in Glendale. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this week’s NCAAF matchup.

Horned Frogs vs Wolverines Pick & Preview: NCAAF Week 1 Betting Odds

The Horned Frogs will play host to the Wolverines at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ, with a kickoff scheduled for 4:00 PM ET. The game will be televised on ESPN. Michigan comes into this non-conference contest, as the -7.5 home favorite. The over-under point total is currently set at 58.5.

Horned Frogs vs Wolverines Matchup at a Glance

  • Sport: NCAAF
  • Teams: TCU Horned Frogs at Michigan Wolverines
  • Where: Glendale at State Farm Stadium
  • Date: Saturday, December 31st
  • Betting Odds:
  • MICH -7.5, TCU +241 | MICH -307 O/U 58.5

Horned Frogs Preview:

The Horned Frogs take on the Michigan Wolverines with a Big 12 record of 9-0 while going 12-1 overall.

In their last matchup, TCU fell by a score of 31-28 to Kansas State. Heading into the game, the Horned Frogs were 1.0 point underdogs on the spread, leading to a loss vs the spread. With their 59 combined points, the two teams remained below the over-under line of 60.5. In the win, the team’s defense gave up a total of 404 yards, with 205 coming on the ground. So far, the team is ranked 89th in rush yards allowed per game. Currently, TCU is ranked 112nd in passing yards allowed and is coming off a game in which they gave up 199 yards through the air.

Something will have to give in this week’s matchup, as TCU is one of the more dangerous offenses in college football, ranking well in both passing and rushing explosive plays. But, Michigan will provide a strong test, as they are ranked 4th in defensive PPA. So far, the Horned Frogs are averaging 40.31 points per game. Look for the Horned Frogs offense to struggle on the ground, as they are facing a Michigan defense that is tough up front. This season, the Wolverines are averaging 200.0 yards per game and have a below average rush rate compared to other teams. So far, the Horned Frogs are the 36th ranked team in pass yards per game, with an average of 273.0. This has come while throwing the ball an average of 30.92 times per contest, placing them 122nd in the NCAA.

Wolverines Preview:

As the Wolverines travel to take on the TCU Horned Frogs, they have an overall record of 13-0. This includes going 9-0 in Big Ten action.

Last week, Michigan beat Purdue by a score of 43-22. Leading into the matchup, the Wolverines were 15.5 point underdogs. The two team’s combined to score 65 points, surpassing the over-under betting line of 53.0. In the loss, the team’s defense gave up a total of 456 yards, with 90 coming on the ground. So far, the team is ranked 6th in rush yards allowed per game. Currently, Michigan is ranked 33rd in passing yards allowed and is coming off a game in which they gave up 366 yards through the air.

Coming into this week’s game, the Michigan offense is averaging 40.08. So far, big plays have been hard to come by for the unit, as they rank poorly in explosive plays in both on the ground and through the air. However, they have an opportunity to put together an above average performance vs a TCU defense ranked 50th in EPA. Look for Michigan to establish the run against TCU as not only do they hand the ball off at an above average rate, but they have one of the better rush success rates in college football. In addition, opposing team’s have found success on the ground vs the TCU front seven. Heading into the game, the Wolverines will be looking to turn things around in the passing game, as their per game average of 210.46 yards places them 125th in the NCAA. So far, they are the 183rd ranked team in attempts per contest (25.77).

Odds & Free Betting Analysis for this NCAFF Game

In terms of betting, the Horned Frogs have an ATS record of 8-3-1. Their current over-under record sits at 6-6-0. When looking at their past 5 road matchups, TCU has an ATS record of 3-1-1 while averaging 33.4 per game. The team went 5-0-0 overall in these games.

In terms of betting, the Wolverines have an ATS record of 7-4-0. Their current over-under record sits at 3-7-1. Michigan has played well in their previous 5 home games, going 5-0-0 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 33.2 points per game while allowing 13.2. The team’s also performed well vs the spread at 3-2-0.

Horned Frogs vs Wolverines Pick

Free Spread Prediction: TCU Horned Frogs 7.5

Free Spread Prediction: Under 58.5