No. 4 Texas (-6.5) at No. 9 Michigan: A Clash of College Football Powerhouses

As the college football season heats up, all eyes turn to this weekend's marquee matchup between No. 4 Texas and No. 9 Michigan. Both teams are fresh off College Football Playoff appearances, but with significant offseason changes, there's a lot to prove on the field.

Texas Dominates in Opener, Michigan Stumbles

Texas came out strong in their season opener, dismantling Colorado State with a dominant first-half performance. The Longhorns' defense was impenetrable, allowing just 192 total yards, while their offense, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, showcased efficiency and explosiveness. Meanwhile, Michigan struggled to put away Fresno State, only securing a 30-10 victory after a tense battle that extended into the fourth quarter. The Wolverines' offense was particularly concerning, raising red flags as they prepare to face a much more formidable opponent.

Michigan's Offensive Woes

Michigan's lackluster offensive display against Fresno State has been the talk of the town. New starting quarterback Davis Warren had a forgettable performance, going 15-for-25 with just 118 passing yards and an interception. Backup quarterback Alex Orji was limited to wildcat packages, indicating a lack of confidence in the passing game. If not for kicker Dominic Zvada's heroics, with three field goals from beyond 45 yards, the Wolverines might have been in real trouble.

The challenge ahead for Michigan is immense. Texas boasts a defense that looked impenetrable in Week 1, with a secondary anchored by Jahdae Barron, who is quickly becoming one of the nation's top defensive backs. Warren and Orji will need to elevate their game significantly if Michigan hopes to compete against a Texas defense that is as disciplined as it is talented.

Texas' Offensive Firepower vs. Michigan's Stout Defense

On the flip side, Texas brings an offense loaded with playmakers. Despite an early interception, Quinn Ewers rebounded to lead the Longhorns to a comfortable victory. With weapons like Isaiah Bond, Matthew Golden, and Ryan Wingo, Ewers will test Michigan's defense early and often. However, Michigan's defense is no slouch. All-American cornerback Will Johnson is a lockdown defender, and the interior defensive line duo of Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant is among the best in the nation. The Wolverines will need their defense to play at an elite level to slow down Texas.

The Betting Angle: Can Michigan Keep it Close?

The betting line favors Texas by nearly a touchdown, reflecting concerns about Michigan's ability to keep pace offensively. The Over/Under is set at 44.5, and while that may seem low, Michigan's offensive struggles paired with Texas' stout defense make the Under an appealing option.

My Analysis

Betting the Under on a total this low might feel risky, but consider the circumstances. Michigan managed just 269 yards of total offense against Fresno State, averaging a mere 4.5 yards per pass attempt. The Wolverines will find it even tougher to move the ball against a Texas defense that ranked 11th in SP+ last season. Meanwhile, Michigan's defense, led by Johnson and their star-studded defensive line, will make it difficult for Texas to rack up points, especially with the Longhorns missing their projected starting running back, CJ Baxter.

This game will likely be a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to move the chains consistently. Texas should have enough firepower to cover the spread but don't expect a high-scoring affair. The smart money is on Texas to win and cover, with the Under 44.5 looking like a solid bet.

Prediction: Texas 24, Michigan 13