4 Michigan Football Predictions for Today’s Season Opener

The offseason felt longer than usual, and this one had more twists than most. Michigan is now settled on Kyle Whittingham as head coach and Bryce Underwood at quarterback. That is a starting point for a team trying to take a step forward after a nine-win season in 2025.

A lot of attention will shift to Oklahoma in Ann Arbor next week. First comes Western Michigan. Michigan would like this to be a tune-up. It should be. The Wolverines are more talented and they have Big Ten title goals. Teams with those goals should beat a MAC opponent.

Here are four predictions for Michigan’s opener.

Bryce Underwood throws for 250 yards

Underwood is the player with the biggest target on his back. Year 1 was a struggle. The offense was a struggle.

His Michigan debut last season was the exception. He threw for 251 yards and a touchdown. He showed touch, confidence, and the ability to push the ball downfield.

Today looks a lot like that debut. It is his first game under a new staff that has been a better fit than what he had a year ago. Jason Beck should give him early chances to find a rhythm. Andrew Marsh and JJ Buchanan give him a better one-two punch on the outside than Michigan has had in a while.

Prediction: Underwood throws for 250 yards and two touchdowns as a stepping stone into next week against Oklahoma.

Michigan has three 100-yard rushers

The passing game will get the headlines. The ground game might be the strength.

Saturday is the first look at Michigan’s three-headed rushing attack. Jordan Marshall is the lead back and should get enough carries to set the tone. Savion Hiter is the most exciting backup in the country and will push for snaps because of how talented he is.

Both should clear 100 yards.

The third piece is Underwood. His legs were a weapon when Michigan used them. Sherrone Moore was hesitant to let him run last season, citing the need to protect the quarterback. That took a dimension away from the offense.

The training wheels are off. Prediction: Underwood adds 100 rushing yards and gives Oklahoma something else to prepare for.

Dominic Nichols gets two sacks

Michigan’s pass rush needs a boost. Camp buzz says it may have found one.

John Henry Daley is a former All-American and the expected anchor. The name coming out of practice, though, is Dominic Nichols. Offensive linemen have called him the team’s best pass rusher in camp.

Prediction: Nichols lives in the backfield against Western Michigan and sacks Broc Lowry twice.

Rod Moore’s return includes a pick

Rod Moore has been through the high and the low since 2023. He won a national title. He also missed large stretches of the last two years with separate injuries.

Today he returns as a starting safety in his final season in Ann Arbor.

Prediction: Moore makes the return count by intercepting an errant pass from Lowry.