Penn State linebacker Mike Hull (43) defends Michigan wide receiver Dennis Norfleet (23) rushing in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. Michigan won 18-13. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015 | 2 a.m.
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We've reset the Play of the Day with fresh bankrolls and turned it into a yearly competition. Our three sports writers have restarted with $10,000 bankrolls to continue using on odds from the South Point.
Michigan plus-5 at Utah: $440 to win $400
This wasn’t supposed to be the Play of the Day choice. I picked Michigan in this opening day column expressly with the intention of handicapping one of tonight’s other marquee games, South Carolina vs. North Carolina, in this space.
But as my summer-long confidence in the Gamecocks somewhat waned, my sudden proclivity for the Wolverines only strengthened. Michigan is going to be hellacious on defense.
I can’t imagine new coach Jim Harbaugh not having the offense ready to go either. I think it’s an even matchup with Utah, and would make the home team a field-goal favorite either way.
I might as well jump on the two points of value with Michigan. Utah finally managed its breakthrough season in the Pac-12 last year, largely because of its run game and pass rush.
But Ute defensive end Nate Orchard, who led the nation in sacks with 19, is departed and no team ran on Michigan last year. Utah’s results haven’t proven favorable when quarterback Travis Wilson is forced to air it out frequently.
Harbaugh’s duo of Jake Rudock and Shane Morris is more trustworthy, even two time zones away from home.
Current Standings: (as of July 1): Brewer (11-10, $9,540), Bern (6-9, $9,305), Keefer (7-14, $6,261)
Lifetime Records: 2014-15 champion Bern (89-83-1), Keefer (91-97-2), Brewer (81-97-2)
Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.
