Western Michigan vs. Michigan Player Props: Best Bets for College Football Week 1

The Kyle Whittingham era begins as No. 16 Michigan takes on in-state rival Western Michigan, and my Western Michigan vs. Michigan player props call for a physical Wolverines rushing attack. While my picks are very Wolverine-centric with the addition of a touchdown scorer prop, I also expect Broncos quarterback Broc Lowry to surprise some in the “Big House.”

Kickoff from Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, airing on NBC, and the Wolverines are 27.5-point betting favorites in our college football Week 1 predictions.

🏈 Western Michigan vs. Michigan player prop picks: Week 1

See the latest college football odds and our college football picks for Week 1.

Total wagered: 4 units | Max profit: +2.83 units

💰 Western Michigan vs. Michigan best prop bet: Savion Hiter anytime touchdown scorer (-160)

Kyle Whittingham’s Utah team averaged 266 rushing yards per game and totaled 41 rushing touchdowns last season. There is much optimism surrounding Hiter and how he fits the new-look Wolverines, especially since he comes to campus as the No. 25 recruit in the 2026 ESPN 300 and the No. 2 running back overall.

Hiter will compete early with Jordan Marshall for touches, as he returns after leading the team in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns last season. But in a game against a non-conference opponent in which the Wolverines are favored by four touchdowns, it makes sense for the coaching staff to see what they have in the newcomer, even if his touchdown comes more in garbage time.

🔥 More Western Michigan vs. Michigan prop picks: Week 1

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Broc Lowry Over 144.5 passing + rushing yards (-115)

Broc Lowry’s transfer from Indiana to Western Michigan immediately paid dividends, as he led the Broncos to a 10-win season and a MAC championship. He is never asked to do much in the passing game, as evidenced by his 1,803 passing yards on the season last year. But that is why I am hedging somewhat and backing his passing prop combined with his rushing yards, as he is one of the MAC’s most mobile quarterbacks.

Lowry added nearly 1,000 yards on the ground and contributed 14 rushing touchdowns. The Broncos are fortunate to get a Week 1 matchup with Michigan, as Utah defensive end transfer John Henry Daley may not be a full go while recovering from a ruptured Achilles. That raises Lowry’s ceiling for production, as he is a disruptive force that made at least two tackles for loss in five games last year.

Bryce Underwood Under 7.5 rushing attempts (-140)

Bryce Underwood averaged 187 passing yards per game last year. He added 7.4 yards per rush on non-sack rushes, which were seventh-most among FBS quarterbacks. But while Whittingham’s new system will likely be predicated on a physical rushing attack, I do not expect him or his coaching staff to put Underwood in harm’s way often given how difficult the schedule gets for the remainder of the season.

Michigan faces six opponents that are ranked in the preseason top 25, and its opponents as a whole compiled a .620 winning percentage last year. With a gauntlet upcoming, I expect Underwood to hand it off more to a deep stable of running backs in Week 1.

🚀 Western Michigan vs. Michigan same-game parlay

📺 How to watch Western Michigan vs. Michigan: Week 1

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 5
• Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Michigan Stadium (Ann Arbor)
• TV: NBC