The Michigan Wolverines are set to hit the road for the first time this season, as they face off against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday for the Little Brown Jug. After a heartbreaking last weekend, it will be interesting to see how the Wolverines respond.
I could see this game and the rest of the season going in two different directions. First, a loss like that can be incredibly deflating and derail an entire season. Michigan is getting better every week and it looks like the Iowa game was the best performance of the season. It never really felt like the Wolverines were in danger of losing the game despite the close score, and then the Hawkeyes suddenly won the game. It can be difficult to find motivation after such a defeat.
On the other hand, now that we’re in the 12-team College Football Playoff era, the season is far from over. If this loss had happened just three years ago, things would be bleak. Fortunately, the Wolverines have everything ahead of them, and the loss could bring the team together and be a necessary wake-up call.
I will choose to view this loss as something that will create the positive outcome of these two scenarios. I expect Michigan to play with more fire and I expect the team to be more disciplined. If the Wolverines do this, these three bold predictions could end up coming true.
Bryce Underwood will throw for over 300 yards
Underwood has never thrown for more than 300 yards in a game against Michigan, but this weekend could be his first. He seems to be finding his rhythm, as the game against Iowa was the best of his career, as he went 17 of 28 for 276 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Pick aside, Underwood looked great against a strong defense.
This Minnesota defense isn’t as strong. The Golden Gophers’ toughest game of the season so far came at home against Mississippi State, and the Bulldogs put up nearly 500 yards of offense. Michigan ran the ball well against Iowa, but the big surprise was the success of the passing game. I think Michigan is finding its offensive rhythm with Underwood being able to open up the passing game, and we’ll see him continue to look better this weekend.
Michigan wins by three scores
I choose to stay positive despite the horrible loss to Iowa. I think the loss will make this team better, and the Wolverines will be ready to send a message in this game. Minnesota is a strong team, and the Golden Gophers have confidence right now after beating Washington on the road last week. The spread only favors Michigan by 5.5 points, but I like the Wolverines to sail into this one and win by three scores.
Michigan wins by a final score of 31-13
Finally, my weekly exact score prediction. I expect Michigan to excel in the same way we saw last week against Iowa, but I also expect to see the costly mistakes disappear. The Wolverines will finish in the red zone, and they won’t kill momentum with stupid penalties/turnovers. Minnesota isn’t as good a team as Iowa, so the Wolverines should win relatively easily if they can do these things.
Gn sports
