BYU Cougars vs. Michigan Wolverines Betting Odds, College Football Pick

BYU ended last season on a 3-1 run against the spread and is a perfect 3-0 ATS so far this season. The battle-tested Cougars continue with their tough early-season schedule when they head east to take on Michigan on Saturday afternoon at the Big House in Ann Arbor.

Point spread: The Wolverines opened as six-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 20.4-18.9 Wolverines

Why the BYU Cougars can cover the spread

Brigham Young is 2-1 straight up and 3-0 ATS on the season after losing at UCLA on Saturday 24-23 but covering easily as a 16-point underdog on the road. The Cougars led most of the game and were ahead by 10 points with 13 minutes to go, but they just couldn't quite hold on for the outright victory, allowing the game-winning touchdown with three minutes left.

BYU reached midfield on its final drive, but quarterback Tanner Mangum, the starter now after Taysom Hill's season-ending injury, threw an interception on a fourth down.

The Cougars outgained the Bruins 405-402, won time of possession by a lopsided 41-19 margin, converted eight of 19 third downs into first downs and held UCLA to just 1-of-9 on the same. No wonder they covered the spread.

BYU opened this season with that crazy upset of Nebraska in Lincoln then rallied late to shock Boise State. The Cougars may be down to their second-string quarterback, but that doesn't seem to matter to this outfit.

Why the Michigan Wolverines can cover the spread

After opening this season with a tough loss at Utah, the Wolverines have won two straight, including a 28-7 victory over UNLV last week. Michigan, a 34-point favorite, led 28-0 early in the fourth quarter before calling off the dogs. The Wolverines outgained the Rebels by 140 yards and outrushed them 254-92 as they picked up their second victory under new head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Michigan outgained the Utes in the season opener and handed them the winning margin on a late pick-six. The Wolverines then spotted Oregon State the first score of the game two weeks ago before scoring the final 35 points, outgaining the Beavers 405-138, covering as 13-point favorites.

Michigan returned 15 starters this season, so Harbaugh didn't exactly inherit empty cupboards. This team should get better as the season progresses.

Smart pick

BYU doesn't shy away from playing anybody, anytime, anywhere. And giving the Cougars points is done at significant risk. The smart money here resides with Brigham Young.

Betting trends

BYU is 5-1 ATS in its last six games.

The total has gone under in six of Michigan's last seven games.

Michigan is 22-2 SU in its last 24 games at home in September.

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds tracker app.