Michigan Wolverines at Minnesota Golden Gophers: Preview, prediction, TV info
(Video courtesy MGOVideo.com)
Michigan (5-3, 3-1 Big Ten) at Minnesota (5-3, 1-3)
Kickoff: Saturday, 12 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network)
Spread: Michigan by 12.5
Watchability: The Gophers have little chance at winning the Legends Division, but a win here would make the race a little more interesting and be devastating to the reeling Wolverines. Michigan QB Denard Robinson is one of the most dynamic players in the country, but a rebuilt Minnesota defense has a shot at containing the injured star. Overall, the Wolverines haven't scored a touchdown the past two games.
Shining stars: Michigan -- Robinson is expected to play but likely will be limited after suffering an injury to his right throwing elbow in last week's loss to Nebraska. Robinson has thrown for 1,319 yards with nine touchdowns while rushing for 946 yards and six scores this season. If Robinson can't go, backup Russell Bellomy is expected to take his place. Bellomy was 3 of 16 for 38 yards with three interceptions against the Cornhuskers. Minnesota -- WR A.J. Barker isn't the team's only receiving option -- it just seems like it. The junior has catches for 557 yards with seven touchdowns this season. No other Gopher has more than 13 catches or 193 yards.
Who could steal the show: Michigan -- LB Jake Ryan is the backbone of a defense playing consistently for the first time all season. Ryan has a team-high 56 tackles, including nine for loss to go with 3.5 sacks, three passes defended and two forced fumbles. He must make plays in space against the Minnesota spread attack. Minnesota -- DB Michael Carter is emerging as one of the best coverage players in the league. Carter tied a school record with six passes defended last week against Purdue, to go with an interception returned for a score. Overall, he has 15 passed defended and two interceptions this fall.
Magic number for Michigan: 145.2. Passing yards per game allowed by the Wolverines this season, the best mark in the country. Michigan hasn't yielded a 200-yard passer yet this year.
Magic number for Minnesota: 1977. The last time the Gophers claimed a home win over their rivals. Minnesota last beat Michigan in 2005 when they posted a 23-20 win in Ann Arbor.
The game comes down to: Can Robinson stay healthy? The dynamic player has had numerous health issues this season and has become incredibly turnover prone. The Minnesota defense is far from dominant but is ranked seventh in the country in pass defense (160 yards per game) and 56th in sacks (two per game). If Robinson falters, a mediocre Michigan offense could have difficulty moving the ball.
Prediction: Michigan 23, Minnesota 17
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Big Ten bloggers Dave Carey and Mike Singer, follow @CBSSportsBigTen
