Dawg Preview #1 Michigan Wolverines at Minnesota Golden Gophers

'TCF Bank College Football Stadium Minnesota Golden Gophers Sunset Panorama' Photo Credit: Matt DeMay via Flickr

Michigan (5-0) remains on the road as it heads to Minneapolis to face off under the lights against the Golden Gophers of Minnesota (3-2), in a battle for the Little Brown Jug. Michigan comes into this week’s game as a 19.5 favorite. The Michigan Wolverines are riding a 10-game win streak when playing the Gophers at night, with nine of those wins coming in Minneapolis.

Broadcast information: #1 Michigan Wolverines at Minnesota Golden Gophers

Date/Time: Saturday, October 7 at 7:30 pm EST

Station: NBC

Crew: Noah Eagle (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (Color), and Kathryn Tappen(sideline) will be on the television broadcasting for the game.

Radio: Michigan fans can listen to the game on WWJ-AM 950, and 97.1 The Ticket.

Radio: Minnesota fans can listen on 100.3KFRAN and KTCN 1130AM.

Weather Forecast:

It’s going to be a mix of sun and clouds, high of 54 low of 45, winds will be blowing 9mph NW with wind gusts of 14mph with a 20% probability of precipitation.

What's at stake?

Michigan comes into this road contest unscathed being a perfect 5-0 and are looking to keep it that way. The Wolverines need to leave Huntington Bank stadium with a win. Failing to do so would likely cost them any chance at a trip to the college football playoffs.

Minnesota is looking to stay near the top of the Big 10 West if they can pull off a win at home. The divisions are wide open and you’re going to need every win possible if you want to represent the West in the Big 10 championship game.

Key players - Michigan Wolverines

Josaiah Stewart(Edge), Kris Jenkins(DL), Kenneth Grant(DL), Mason Graham(DL)

Key Players - Minnesota Golden Gophers

Darius Taylor(RB) if healthy, Zach Evans(RB), Bryce Williams(RB)

Key matchups:

Michigan Defensive line vs Minnesota Running backs.

Minnesota comes into the game with the 5th ranked rushing attack in the Big 10. The Gophers are going to look to pound the rock and keep Michigan's offense off the field as much as possible. With a passing game that’s ranked 12 in the Big 10 the Gophers are going to need their run game to be effective if they are going to have any chance of staying in this one. If Darius Taylor comes back after missing last week with an injury, it would be a huge lift for the Gophers Offense.

Minnesota wants to run the ball, the problem facing the Gophers is no team has yet to figure out how to do when facing this Michigan defense. Michigan's run defense ranks second in the Big 10 this year. In the 5 games Michigan has played, their opponents are only averaging 85.6 yards a game and have only scored 2 touchdowns so far, teams have only been able to average 3.1 yards a carry.

Michigan Pass game vs Minnesota Pass defense

Michigan will look to establish their run game but look for OC Sherrone Moore to take every chance he can to challenge the Minnesota secondary. The Gophers come into the game with the tenth-ranked pass defense in the Big 10. Minnesota is giving up an average of 234.2 yards a game. Teams complete 62.6 of their passes and are averaging 7.6 yards per pass.

Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy is going to need to show his ability to make the right decisions and has learned from his earlier mistakes. Minnesota comes into this game tied for first in the Big 10 with 8 interceptions. J.J. at times has been careless with the ball, Minnesota will be looking to capitalize if he makes any of those mistakes.

Prediction:

The old saying is "defense travels", Minnesota just won't be able to find its running game against this Michigan defense. Michigan's offensive line had their best game last week and I expect this one to be even better. J.J. is going to have time and should be able to find open receivers downfield. Michigan wins and moves to 6-0

Michigan 41-10