Gameday: Gophers at Michigan

Michigan has won 34 of the past 37 games against the Gophers. Coach Lloyd Carr is 9-1 against Minnesota, with the only loss in 2005.

By Chip Scoggins, Star Tribune

Last update: October 27, 2007 - 10:24 AM

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GOPHERS AT MICHIGAN

2:30 p.m., Michigan Stadium • TV: ESPN Classic • Radio: 830-AM

Line: Mich. by 23 • Series: Mich. 68-24-3 • Last: Mich. 28-14 (9/30/06)

NUMBERS TO KNOW 2,626: Yards allowed by Michigan this season. 4,269: Yards allowed by the Gophers this season. DON'T FORGET ABOUT ... Duane Bennett The Gophers freshman tailback will get the start in Ann Arbor under difficult circumstances.

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GOPHERS OFFENSE VS. WOLVERINES DEFENSE

The Gophers offense is coming off one of its worst performances of the season last week against North Dakota State. Now, it will be without starting tailback Jay Thomas, who suffered a season-ending knee injury. Michigan, which had defensive problems early in the season, held Illinois to 137 rushing yards last week and is allowing only 15.8 points in conference games. Advantage: Michigan

WOLVERINES OFFENSE VS. GOPHERS DEFENSE

Let's see: The Gophers rank dead last in Division I-A in total defense, got steamrolled by North Dakota State and will start three true freshmen in the secondary. Yeah, we like the Wolverines here. Michigan might be without tailback Mike Hart and quarterback Chad Henne because of injuries, but does it really matter? Advantage: Michigan

SPECIAL TEAMS

Minnesota punter Justin Kucek is second in the Big Ten at 43.7 yards per punt and has done a good job changing field position. The Gophers also lead the Big Ten in kickoff coverage. Kicker K.C. Lopata has started the past three games for Michigan and has made all six of his field-goal attempts. The Wolverines always have dynamic athletes on special teams. Advantage: Michigan

INTANGIBLES

Michigan has rebounded from its disastrous start and is playing with a lot of confidence. And if there is any thought the Wolverines might take the Gophers lightly, you can bet coach Lloyd Carr will show his team video of Minnesota's players planting their flag at midfield after winning the Little Brown Jug in 2005. Advantage: Michigan

PREDICTION

This is a major mismatch, even if Hart and Henne don't play. The Wolverines have too much firepower on offense and are playing better on defense. Upsets have been the talk of this college football season, but it's hard to imagine the Gophers pulling one off today. Michigan 38, Gophers 13

ascoggins@startribune.com

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