Minnesota Preview

Time: 7:00 EST
Location: TCF Bank
Weather:  Cloudy Low 46
TV: ESPN
Line: Michigan -14

This game looked a lot different last week.  Jerry Kill was still the head coach and both teams were on a bye week.  Jerry has stepped down due to health concerns and the program is now in a bit of flux.  To top it off, Flip Saunders the president and head coach of the NBA's Timber Wolves died un-expectantly on Sunday.   This area lost 2 of it's 3 highest profile head coaches and good guys in a matter of days.

We all know this is "Jug" game and Michigan is looking to bring it back to Ann Arbor.

Tale of the Tape

Michigan O vs. Minnesota D = Push
Michigan D vs. Minnesota O = Big advantage Michigan
Intangibles = Minnesota
Coaching = Michigan
Special Teams = Michigan

The first thing you might say looking at the tale of the tape is:  Did you watch the last game?  How could you put Special Teams in favor of Michigan?   The Wolverines dominated Special Teams against MSU until the final play.   It's hard because that play was fluky and the difference in the game but Michigan's special teams was also a big reason why they were winning at that point. 

The even unit battle on the field will be when Michigan is on offense and Minnesota on defense.  The Gophers are pretty good in only allowing their opponents to score 23 point per.   Michigan has been known to sleep walk a first half on the road on offense and I hope we don't see that again.  I hope to see some"creative" calls from the Wolverines bench in this one.   The Gophers will stack the line and want Rudock to beat them.

Sing Hail to the Victors if..................................

• Rudock plays clean again
• Michigan can run the ball
• Michigan plays hard for last year and the jug
• Peppers is dominating
• Michigan hits a long pass play

Say, Why does big things always happened before Michigan comes to town if..............

• The Golden Gophers play like the Patriots for their coach
• Their offense scores any points against Michigan's defense
• Michigan gets that weird turnover bug they sometimes get
• There is some type of punt gate hangover

I like Michigan in this game because they should have plenty to play for.  I expect Harbaugh won't allow his team to be down from the MSU loss and remind them who currently owns the Little Brown Jug.  Minnesota could play way above their heads or be too emotional and let this one get away from them.   Either way, this start time sucks if you have kids wanting to trick or treat.   Let's hope we don't see any tricks on Halloween night. 

Michigan 31  Minnesota 6