Michigan -7 @ Minny
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Michigan -7 @ Minny
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No danger of a letdown from the Wolverines here considering the epic way they lost to the Gophers last year in the Big House.
Michigan so far:
at, Sep 2 Vanderbilt W 27-7 --
Sat, Sep 9 Central Michigan W 41-17 --
Sat, Sep 16 at (2) Notre Dame W 47-21 --
Sat, Sep 23 Wisconsin W 27-13 --
Minny so far:
Thu, Aug 31 at Kent State W 44-0
Sat, Sep 9 at (22) California L 17-42
Sat, Sep 16 Temple W 62-0
Sat, Sep 23 at Purdue L 21-27
Ok, Minny rolled over the two cream puffs, but got whipped by Cal and Purdue handled them better than the score would suggest. Minny's strength remains in its running attack; the Gophers are averaging 227 yards rushing per game (compared to only 195 passing).
After the last game verse Wisconsin, Michigan's D has proven itself as capable of stopping the run. Michigan's D is allowing 199 yards passing and 19 yards rushing per game! The new defensive coordinator and players are working to their max so far. Even the Badgers abadoned the idea of running last week. Michigan has held Wisconsin, Vandy, and Notre Dame to less than 2 ypc! It doesn't look good for the Gophers on offense.
On the other side, the Michigan offense is healthy and rolling. Manningham has stepped up as the big time receiver. Breaston is a great compliment. Hart and Grady are pounding the lines for over 4ypc. Chad Henne has been adequete, but still focuses too much on one receiver at a time.
the only potential misstep here IMO is the fact that Minny is one of the most odd places to play. OF all the places I've seen a game at, the Metrodome is the most uncollege-like atmosphere of any major school. IT does sometimes bother the players, but I don't think it will enough for Michigan to not win by double digits.
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