3 things to know about Michigan

1. Maybe you've heard: Harbaugh coaches Michigan

The biggest change in the program since Minnesota's 30-14 victory over the Wolverines last September is an obvious, greatly publicized one: Jim Harbaugh is the coach. The former Wolverines quarterback is a winner, having coached the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl and before that, the Stanford Cardinal to a victory in the Orange Bowl. He is the only man to win coach of the year honors in the NFL and NCAA.

2. Heartbreak, then a break

This might sound familiar to Gophers fans: The Wolverines will have had 13 days to get over a tough loss. The Gophers last left the field after a 48-25 loss to Nebraska. Michigan's loss was just as painful, but more highlight-worthy. The Wolverines were on their way to a big victory over a rival before Michigan State blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown as time expired — 27-23 Spartans. Both teams have had to deal with the lingering sting.

3. Shutdown defense

In their five-game winning streak that came between the opening night loss in Utah and the Michigan State debacle, the Wolverines allowed 14 points. Total. Michigan shut out BYU, Maryland and Northwestern on consecutive Saturdays. Defensive backs Jabrill Peppers and Jourdan Lewis, linebacker Desmond Morgan and tackle Chris Wormley are leaders on a defense that leads the nation in points allowed per game (9.3).

Staff reports