Michigan, having won more college football games through the years than any other school, might have the most appropriate fight song, “The Victors.” The Wolverines hold a commanding 67-24-3 record in their series of games with the Gophers. However, the last three games between Minnesota and Michigan have been decided by a total of nine points including last season’s surprise 23-20 win by the Gophers in Ann Arbor.
The college football world will be stunned if coach Glen Mason and the Gophers win Saturday night against the Wolverines in the Metrodome. No. 6 Michigan is a refocused team from last season when the Wolverines were 7-5 and are led by new offensive and defensive coordinators. Coach Lloyd Carr said the 7-5 record didn’t sit well with his players and now they have responded with a 4-0 start to the season including a domination of Notre Dame in South Bend, defeating an Irish team (47-21) that had national title dreams.
With arguably the nation’s hottest receiver in Mario Willingham (twice Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Week this season) and many other talented players, the Wolverines could be on cruise control by halftime against the Gophers. It will be interesting to see how Willingham performs against the Gophers defensive backs. Then, too, the Minnesota defensive line will be challenged to mount a pass rush and stop probably the Big Ten’s best running back, Michael Hart.
The Michigan defense? It’s allowing less than 20 rushing yards per game. Yes, Minnesota is known for its running attack. No, 20 is not a typo.