MICHIGAN WOLVERINES	Game 5	MINNESOTA GOPHERS
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3 Keys, 2 Players to Watch, 1 Prediction

TURNOVERS - Both of Michigan's losses this year were not because they gave up a ton of yards and were walked all over. Nope. Notre Dame had 280 total yards (just 54 rushing). Utah had 286 (81 rushing). The common denominator in those losses? TURNOVERS. Michigan committed four turnovers in each of those games. I am not expecting that we'll push them around at the line of scrimmage. I am not expecting that our defense will frustrate and dominate their offense all day. We can play with them on both sides of the ball but I think it will be hard to win without winning the turnover battle.

3rd Downs - Our only other challenging opponent with a decent defense put our offense in long third down situations all afternoon. Considering our passing limitations, this would spell disaster for the Gophers in Ann Arbor. Keeping ourselves in manageable third downs allows for at least a little creativity to keep the defense on their heels.

Be Disciplined - Last week the Gophers racked up a LOT of penalties. If anything prevented Minnesota from accumulating more points it was our penalties that killed several drives. Can't happen today. Along the same lines, we need to be disciplined defensively. Michigan is really struggling right now and allowing them a couple big plays to give them some confidence and momentum will also be a really bad thing for Minnesota.

OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH

• #1 - WR - Devin Funchess - Our secondary will certainly be tested today by the large and very talented Funchess. In last year's match-up Funchess had 7 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown (that's a seasons worth of stats for some of our receivers). I'd really like to see somebody else beat us if we are to lose today.
• #47 - LB - Jake Ryan - Team's leading tackler and a pre-season All-Big Ten caliber player. Ryan will lead a front-seven keen on shutting down our run game offense.

PREDICTION

Part of me sees a way where we can actually win this game. Part of me thinks we lose big. The Michigan offense is really struggling right now if we can keep them frustrated and land a couple early turnovers...I like our chances. If they get a big play or two early to gain some confidence, it could be a long day for us.

I'm going with the emotional hedge today. I think Michigan wins but will be thrilled when we get The Jug back.

Minnesota - 13

Michigan - 28