Fiesta Bowl betting opens on a crucial point spread

As of Tuesday morning, the undefeated Michigan Wolverines were favored by 7 ½ points against the TCU Horned Frogs at BetUS Sportsbook. The game takes place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Saturday, December 31st at 4 p.m. ET. You can download a short video featuring BetUS NCAAF analyst, Gary Segals, who is available on short notice for interview or as a guest.   

That 7 ½ point line could prove crucial in how bettors choose to bet this game, according to BetUS analysts, as it means that the Wolverines must cover the spread by more than a touchdown. That could be enough for those betting early to take the side of TCU against the point spread. 

Michigan lost running back Blake Corum but Donovan Edwards has stepped up nicely, rushing for 216 yards vs Ohio State and 185 against Purdue, to keep their offense one of the most balanced running and passing teams in the nation. 

The Wolverines are 5th in scoring defense allowing 13.8 points per game with the Frogs ranked 6th in scoring offense averaging 40.3 points a game. Michigan also has the 3rd overall defense, so it is very important that TCU doesn’t get down early. Both programs are excellent second-half teams with Michigan having the FBS number two 2nd half differential (+186) through 12 games in the past 10 years. 

The Horned Frogs were 200:1 and the Wolverines 50:1 to win the National title to start the season, but Michigan has experience on their side having been in the CFP last year. Max Duggan impressed as quarterback all year as a Heisman Trophy candidate and brought them back to win in all the games they were down except in the Big 12 Championship against Kansas State. 

Kendre Miller is a powerhouse running back averaging over six yards a carry this year with over 1,300 yards rushing for TCU.