Maybe you weren’t aware, but we are less than 100 days away from the start of the 2022 College Football Season.
The countdown is officially on for tailgating, marching bands and the most passionate fan bases in the country. Not to mention, a prolific sports betting base here in Michigan.
Both Michigan and Michigan State are coming off strong 2021 campaigns and have high hopes for 2022.
What are the early college football lines and futures odds telling us about the Spartans and Wolverines?
Michigan back to chasing Ohio State
The Michigan Wolverines are coming off their first Big Ten Championship since 2004. Jim Harbaugh and his squad went 12-2 last season and 8-1 in the Big Ten.
Coming into 2022, oddsmakers at FanDuel Sportsbook MI are listing Michigan at an over/under of 9.5 regular season wins this year.
Michigan finds itself as a longshot in most futures markets. The Wolverines at +6000 to win the College Football Playoff, +800 to win the Big Ten Conference, and +600 to win the Big Ten East. Ohio State is the clear conference favorite at -200.
Michigan’s schedule isn’t all too difficult, with eight home games and four road contests. The two toughest games will be an Oct. 1 road trip to Iowa and the season finale at Ohio State on Nov. 26.
While Michigan is a 4-point favorite at Iowa according to FanDuel, the Wolverines are a 13.5-point underdog at Ohio State. U-M is coming off a 42-27 win over the Buckeyes last year to snap an 8-game losing streak to OSU.
Another big game will be on Oct. 29 when the Wolverines host Michigan State. Michigan is opening as an 8-point favorite against the Spartans despite MSU winning 10 of the last 14 in the series.
Here’s a look at Michigan’s full schedule, along with odds that are currently available for each game.
| Date | Opponent | Time | Opening Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 3 | vs. Colorado State | TBD | U-M -29 |
| Sept. 10 | vs. Hawaii | TBD | N/A |
| Sept. 17 | vs. Connecticut | TBD | N/A |
| Sept. 24 | vs. Maryland | TBD | N/A |
| Oct. 1 | at Iowa | TBD | U-M -4 |
| Oct. 8 | at Indiana | TBD | N/A |
| Oct. 15 | vs. Penn State | TBD | U-M -6.5 |
| Oct. 29 | vs. Michigan State | TBD | U-M -8 |
| Nov. 5 | at Rutgers | TBD | N/A |
| Nov. 12 | vs. Nebraska | TBD | U-M -11.5 |
| Nov. 19 | vs. Illinois | TBD | N/A |
| Nov. 26 | at Ohio State | TBD | U-M +13.5 |
MSU having to prove itself again
Michigan State had a positive second season under coach Mel Tucker, pushing for a spot in the Big Ten Championship, but coming up a game short.
The Spartans were 11-2 overall with a win in the Peach Bowl, and 7-2 in the Big Ten. MSU did grab the lone conference win over Michigan in a 37-33 classic at home.
This season, MSU is listed with an over/under of 7.5 regular season wins by FanDuel.
The Spartans have some intriguing games, including a Sept. 17 trip to Washington. MSU is actually opening as a 3-point favorite in that one. Michigan State also has tough home games on Oct. 8 with Ohio State and Oct. 15 with Wisconsin before heading to Michigan on Oct. 29.
Another marquee game comes in the season finale when the Spartans head to Penn State on Nov. 26.
FanDuel isn’t too excited about MSU’s chances at a championship this season. The Spartans are listed at +15000 to win the College Football Playoff, +2500 to win the Big Ten, and +1200 to win the Big Ten East.
Let’s get a look at MSU’s full schedule, along with any odds currently available for each contest.
| Date | Opponent | Time | Opening Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 2 | vs. Western Michigan | TBD | MSU -18.5 |
| Sept. 10 | vs. Akron | TBD | N/A |
| Sept. 17 | at Washington | TBD | MSU -3 |
| Sept. 24 | vs. Minnesota | TBD | N/A |
| Oct. 1 | at Maryland | TBD | N/A |
| Oct. 8 | vs. Ohio State | TBD | MSU +11.5 |
| Oct. 15 | vs. Wisconsin | TBD | MSU -2 |
| Oct. 29 | at Michigan | TBD | MSU +8 |
| Nov. 5 | at Illinois | TBD | N/A |
| Nov. 12 | vs. Rutgers | TBD | N/A |
| Nov. 19 | vs. Indiana | TBD | N/A |
| Nov. 26 | at Penn State | TBD | MSU +6.5 |
Handful of Heisman contenders to watch
There are five in-state players available in the 2022 Heisman Trophy market right now at DraftKings Sportsbook MI.
Interestingly enough, four of them are from Michigan and all four are in the backfield.
Here’s the five players, currently available, along with their odds:
- JJ McCarthy (U-M) +10000
- Blake Corum (U-M) +10000
- Donovan Edwards (U-M) +15000
- Cade McNamara (U-M) +15000
- Payton Thorne (MSU) +20000
Last season, McNamara led Michigan to the Big Ten title with 2,576 passing yards and 15 touchdowns with just six interceptions.
Still, McMcarthy is the prized recruit and the player most Michigan fans want to see start in 2022. He threw for 516 yards and five scores in limited action last year. He also rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns.
No matter who is under center, it’s clear Michigan’s run game is going to be the strength of the team. Corum will be a junior running back, while Edwards is a sophomore. Corum rushed for 952 yards and 11 TDs last season. Edwards rushed for 174 yards and three scores, but still caught 20 passes for 265 yards and a TD in limited action.
Michigan likes to use multiple backs, so each should get a fair share of opportunities during the year.
For MSU, Thorne is the lone Heisman option currently. As a sophomore, Thorne threw for 3,240 yards with 27 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also ran for 181 yards and four scores.
With Kenneth Walker III moving on to the NFL, MSU will need more from its passing game this year to be successful. Jayden Reed, who had over 1,000 receiving yards in 2021, will be back to give Thorne a top target.
