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Northwestern vs. Michigan Prediction and Odds: Wolverines Have Rediscovered Winning Ways

By Matt De Saro

The Michigan Wolverines have found their groove and are a strong favorite to cover against Northwestern.
The Michigan Wolverines have found their groove and are a strong favorite to cover against Northwestern. / Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY
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The Michigan Wolverines went from one of the best teams in the nation to a non-ranked 9-7 team that is generating no buzz. Despite tanking after a strong start to the year, the Wolverines might be on the upswing after winning their last two games in a row in the Big Ten. They still are eighth in the conference with a 3-3 Big Ten record but are in a good spot to continue their resurgence.  

Northwestern, meanwhile, is riding a two-game losing stream and ranks 13th in the Big Ten with a 2-6 record in conference play. They most recently got crushed by No. 4 Purdue 80-60 and No. 8 Wisconsin 72-76. The Wildcats did manage to sneak a win over No. 10 Michigan State in there, but it was just one fluke win amid a sea of legit losses. 

Here are the odds for this Big Ten matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Northwestern vs. Michigan Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Northwestern +8 (-110)
  • Michigan -8 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Northwestern +275
  • Michigan -360

Total: 138.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Northwestern vs. Michigan Prediction and Pick

While it is true that Michigan had an awful end to 2021, some of that had to do with COVID-related issues that have wreaked havoc on its schedule. The Wolverines have played just six games in the five weeks and that is no way to remain consistent.

They were able to snap a three-game losing streak on the 18th and cruised to a win over Maryland 83-64. They then upset Indiana on the road 80-62. It might be a little early to call this, but I think Michigan is back on track and will remain a dangerous team in the Big Ten. 

For all its struggles, UM still has Hunter Dickenson to lead the team. And lead he did last week. Dickinson averaged 23 points, 7.5 rebounds, a block and a steal during the last week. It was good enough for a Big Ten Player of the Week nod. 

With Michigan hitting its stride over the last two games, and Dickinson playing well, I don’t see a world where Northwestern hangs on to keep this game close.

The Wildcats will need to double team the big man all night, and Michigan has the perimeter weapons to punish this strategy. The Wildcats are just 1-6 ATS in their last seven, and I don’t think that number gets better tonight. 

Lean: Michigan Wolverines -8 (-110)

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