JD PicKell predicts over 10.5 wins for Michigan in 2023

Jim Harbaugh has changed the standard for Michigan. The past two regular seasons have ended undefeated, capped off by program changing wins over arch-rival Ohio State. Now, the goal is to repeat the accomplishment for the third consecutive season but Las Vegas says things could do differently.

The win total for Michigan was set at 10.5, meaning at least one loss in expected. On3’s J.D. PicKell believes a giant mistake was made, especially since there are really only two concerning games for the Wolverines — Ohio State and Penn State. PicKell could see Michigan dropping one of them but betting on two losses is not something he is interested in.

“It’s a big number but then you take a closer look,” PicKell said. “It’s maybe a two game season for Michigan. Is that fair to say? They’re going to be better than every single team they play. The two games you’re watching closely is at Penn State and Ohio State.

“If you were going to put that number at 11.5, it might scare me off. If you’re telling me they can lose one of those games… lose one game? Maybe. Maybe you can talk me into Michigan losing one game. Losing two games? You must not know what time it is in Ann Arbor. I mean, Vegas has dropped the ball here, severely.”

The College Football Playoff has not been too kind to Michigan thus far. Two semifinal losses have been heartbreaking, leaving desire for more both within the fan base but also the teams.

PicKell believes the likes of JJ McCarthy will be on a different level during the 2023 season. There will a different type of chips on the player’s shoulders this fall.

“You see JJ McCarthy after that College Football Playoff game? You see that look in his eye? Blake Corum running it back, Donovan Edwards. The pieces the have on defense. The weapons that are coming back for Michigan.”

Head coach Jim Harbuagh is looking to prove a point too, especially after having a ton of rumors surrounding his future and the NFL. Because of that, PicKell is locking in the over 10.5 wins.

“You must not know what time it is in Ann Arbor,” PicKell said. “The khakis didn’t come back to Ann Arbor to lose two games. He didn’t turn down NFL conversations to come back to Ann Arbor and lose two games. So, we’re locking it in. Michigan over 10.5 wins on the season. Do they lose one? I don’t know but they’re not losing two.”