Michigan football updates: FPI change, early Minnesota betting odds

Yesterday, Michigan football went on the road for the first time this year and crushed the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 45-7. Today, there are some notable changes for the Maize and Blue in regard to the ESPN Football Power Index (FPI), as well as early betting odds for next Saturday’s matchup at Minnesota.

Michigan football moves up four spots in the new FPI rankings

Nebraska matched up against Michigan football pretty well on paper; however, yesterday’s game is exactly why the games aren’t played on a stat sheet. Michigan took home its biggest win of the year so far, defeating the Huskers 45-7 at Memorial Stadium — the Wolverines’ second win in Lincoln all-time.

The win moved Michigan back into the top 10 in the new ESPN Football Power Index rankings, with the Wolverines currently sitting pretty at No. 8. Michigan fell to the bottom of the top 15 earlier this year following a poor showing against Bowling Green, so this is a positive trend for the Maize and Blue heading into Week 6.

Additionally, the FPI gives Michigan football a 15.9% chance of winning the Big Ten title and a 20.7% chance of making the College Football Playoff — both feats that Michigan accomplished in 2021 and 2022.

Michigan at Minnesota early betting odds and info

Today, new betting odds were released for next weekend’s game against Minnesota (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten), and they are not as favorable as many expected. Heading into Week 6, Michigan football opens as a 17.5-point favorite against the Golden Gophers, with the over/under currently set at 44.5, and the Wolverines’ money line at -1200 (Vegas Insider).

As the week drags on and we get closer to game day in Minneapolis, I expect these betting odds to shift more in favor of Michigan football, especially once everyone gets a chance to re-watch the tape from yesterday’s win at Nebraska.