Michigan looks to bounce back after a stunning loss to Michigan State two weeks ago and continue its quick rebuild under Jim Harbaugh. Minnesota is dealing with the emotional retirement of its coach and faces the Big Ten gauntlet down the stretch.
The outlook is good for the Wolverines to reclaim the Little Brown Jug. They haven’t lost in Minneapolis since 1977.
ODDS
Michigan opened as 12.5-point favorites with the total at 39. The retirement of Gophers’ coach Jerry Kill sent bettors to Michigan and the spread moved to -14. The line could go even higher and waiting to throw down on Minnesota could get a few extra points. As it is two touchdowns is plenty to overcome on the road.
KEY MISMATCH
One thing has become clear about the Jim Harbaugh era at Michigan: the wolverines are a much tougher team on both sides of the football. A stingy defense and improved running game have become Michigan’s calling cards under the new coach. Defensively, the Wolverines maintained their ranking as the second-best run defense in the nation by limiting Michigan State to 58 yards, and they remain the top scoring defense at 9.3 points per game after three straight shutouts earlier this season. The ability of the defensive front to stop the run and make opponents one dimensional has been a key to the unit’s success. Willie Henry leads a rotation of players along the D line with six sacks, 19 tackles, and nine tackles for loss. Chris Wormley, Ryan Glasgow, Maurice Hurst and Matt Godin have also played key roles. It could be difficult for the Gophers to penetrate that solid wall. Minnesota ranks 101st in total offense and 110th in points per game.
KEY STAT
9.3 – Michigan’s points per game allowed. The Wolverines are No. 1 in the country in scoring defense and earlier this season became the first FBS school to shut out three straight opponents since 1995. Minnesota averages 20.4 points per game but has scored 66 in its last two games.
BETTING ANGLE
While Michigan had an additional week to stew over its stunning last second loss to Michigan State two weeks ago, the Minnesota program was hit with a heartbreaker when coach Jerry Kill announced his retirement three days before the team’s Saturday contest. The Gophers coach since 2011, Kill stepped away amid health concerns, leaving defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys, one of his trusted assistants for the last 21 years, at the helm of the program. Claeys has his work cut out for him with Minnesota having lost two of its last three and running into the most difficult part of its schedule with matchups at No. 1 Ohio State next week and at No. 10 Iowa on Nov. 14. Michigan was embarrassed in the Big House by Minnesota last season, losing 30-14, and revenge is a motivating factor. The Wolverines haven’t lost on the road to Minnesota since 1977 and is 14-2 SU in the last 16 meetings.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Gophers will not beat Michigan without some game-changing plays on the defensive side. Unfortunately for Minnesota, it’s a below-average group at forcing turnovers. Minnesota will hang around in the first half, but Michigan’s defense is simply too much for the Gophers’ mediocre offense to contend with. Running back De’Veon Smith appears to be recovered from an ankle injury that limited him for the last month and is due for a breakout game. Minnesota will be reeling from the sudden retirement of its head coach while the Wolverines are ready to move on from their stumble against Sparty. And, honestly, Michigan is the better team. The Wolverines will reclaim the Little Brown Jug with a convincing win.
Michigan 24, Minnesota 10
BookMaker opened the spread for this game at -12.5 in favor of the Wolverines. The NCAA lines total surfaced at 39. Now you can wager in-game while the action unfolds with BookMaker's live betting option.
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The matchup between the Michigan Wolverines and Minnesota Golden Gophers will take place Saturday, October 31, 2015, at 7 p.m. ET at TCF Bank Stadium. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN.
