Saturday, September 27, 2014

Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor

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Minnesota (3-1) hasn't been unable to get their hands on the Little Brown Jug for 6 years, failing to capture the piece of earthenware awarded each season in their matchup with Michigan. That streak could change Saturday with the high-flying Golden Gophers attack taking on a Wolverine (2-2) team that is reeling after a 26-10 upset loss last week to Utah in the Big House.

The Golden Gophers are 0 for 6 against Michigan since winning 23-20 in Ann Arbor in 2005. What's scary for Minnesota is that for the most part the games haven't been close, with Michigan winning by at least 3 touchdowns in each of the last four meetings, including a 42-13 home victory last year. If the Golden Gophers are to get the win as 10+ point underdogs, it'll be on the legs of David Cobb. The senior RB ran for 1,200 yards last season and ranks 6th in the FBS this season with 539 yards and 4TD. Cobb has 200 yards rushing or more in 2 of 4 games this season but will be going up against a Michigan defense ranked 7th in the country allowing just 80.3 YPG.

One bad thing about having a stadium that holds 100,000+ people is that you hear that many more 'boos' when a team is struggling. That's exactly what the Wolverines are going through now after being upset 26-10 last week and shut out 31-0 by Notre Dame two weeks prior. Coach Brady Hooke is on the hot seat and every game counts for UM now. The culprit for the struggles is the offense, which has moved the ball compiling over 400 YPG but has been failing to score, ranking 94th in the country. QB Devin Gardner has 5TD to 6INT but could get back on track against a Minnesota defense allowing over 250 YPG.

If Michigan can stop the run, they should be able to get the win over a Minnesota team ranked 4th worst in the country in passing yards per game. Michigan has 3 winnable games ahead before an October 25th meeting with Michigan State, but it starts by getting back on track at home on Saturday.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Trends

Minnesota Golden Gophers are 2-2-0 Against the Spread

Minnesota Golden Gophers are 1-3-0 against the Over/Under

Michigan Wolverines Betting Trends

Michigan Wolverines are 1-3-0 Against the Spread

Michigan Wolverines are 1-3-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Minnesota Golden Gophers

09/22/14 DB Marcus Jones Hand injured last game, "?" Saturday vs. Michigan
09/21/14 DL Alex Keith Knee "?" Saturday vs. Michigan
09/21/14 TE Maxx Williams Calf "?" Saturday vs. Michigan
09/21/14 QB Mitch Leidner Toe "?" Saturday vs. Michigan
09/18/14 OL Alex Mayes Shoulder out for season
09/16/14 WR Isaiah Gentry Knee out for season
09/10/14 LB Cody Poock Knee out for season
09/10/14 OL Jared Weyler Knee out for season
09/09/14 LB Nick Rallis Knee out for season
09/02/14 DT Scott Ekpe Knee out for season
08/22/14 TE Duke Anyanwu Knee out for season

Michigan Wolverines

09/21/14 DB Jarrod Wilson Undisclosed "?" Saturday vs. Minnesota U
09/21/14 DB Raymon Taylor Knee "?" Saturday vs. Minnesota U
09/09/14 LB Desmond Morgan Arm out indefinitely
09/04/14 OL Kyle Bosch Personal out indefinitely
08/28/14 WR Drake Harris Hamstring out indefinitely
08/28/14 RB Ty Isaac Eligibility out for season
08/09/14 DB Delano Hill Jaw out indefinitely

Tony's Pick: Take Minnesota

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