Free Press sports writers share their predictions for the Michigan football game against Fresno State on Saturday (7:30 p.m., NBC/Peacock):

Tony Garcia

Fresno State has its share of Power Five upsets in recent years — just ask Arizona State, Purdue, UCLA and Washington State. The Bulldogs return a ton of talent on offense and just enough on defense. But opening against the defending national champions on the road is a tough task. Even if the Wolverines are still deciding on their quarterback, the combination of an elite defense and experienced talent should be enough to outlast a pesky Bulldogs team that not only has a quarterback capable of making big-time throws, but a culture that's not scared of the big moment. The pick: U-M 29, Fresno State 16.

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Carlos Monarrez

The Sherrone Moore era begins with a win that’s a little closer than expected because Moore isn’t Jim Harbaugh and Alex Orji isn’t J.J. McCarthy. This Wolverines defense isn’t last year’s Wolverines defense, but it should still be stellar. U-M will still pull away in the second half. But beware the Bulldogs. They were 9-4 last year and opened with an upset win at Purdue. The pick: U-M 35, Fresno State 16.

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Rainer Sabin

It could take a while for Michigan to find its footing in its first game since winning the national championship back in January. That’s what happens when a team has to replace 10 of 11 starters on offense, including a generational quarterback who became a first-round pick in the NFL. All eyes will be on the man who takes the first snap Saturday evening. Will it be Alex Orji or Davis Warren? Whoever is chosen will be tasked with leading U-M to victory over a Fresno State squad that won nine games last year and has a solid roster. This doesn’t figure to be a cakewalk. The pick: U-M 27, Fresno State 14.

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Jeff Seidel

We know the Wolverines have a great defense. After that? Not so much. And I’m not sure this game will answer much. There isn’t much pressure on Sherrone Moore to run it up and prove anything in this game. With No. 4 Texas looming next Saturday, there’s no reason for the Wolverines to show everything against Fresno State. The pick: U-M 24, Fresno State 10.

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Shawn Windsor

The Wolverines have a new coach. Maybe you've heard. The Wolverines also have a lot of their talent back, even if a chunk of that talent didn't start or see the field much last season. The players who did see the field have NFL potential, especially on defense, which should give U-M a chance in every game this season. Fresno State will give us the first look at whether the offense — also replacing a QB — can hold up its end. The pick: U-M 26, Fresno State 13.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan football predictions vs. Fresno State: Will Wolverines win?