Michigan vs Minnesota Prediction, Odds and NCAAF Picks for Tomorrow

There are going to be plenty of reasons to fade Michigan here. The Wolverines are laying points on the road immediately after a stunning defeat against Iowa in Ann Arbor, while Minnesota comes in from the opposite direction. The Gophers are riding high after an emotional landmark victory over Washington, an affair that ended with P.J. “Row The Boat” Fleck wiping one of his players' blood across his face. Now Minnesota returns home with momentum for an old rivalry battle over the Little Brown Jug. Put it together, and the Gophers become an extremely tempting home underdog. I won't bite.

I won't bite on the Wolverines, either. Instead of trying to determine which team responds better to last week's contrasting results, I'll focus on the environment those circumstances should create. Chances are, whoever wins this game is going to have to win ugly. This should be about defense, creating havoc, winning the turnover battle and capitalizing on the handful of pivotal moments that decide rivalry games. None of that is particularly conducive towards points piling up. Michigan is trying to recover from a shocking defeat. Minnesota is trying to follow an emotional high with another statement against its rival. That sets the stage for a tense, physical Little-Brown-Jug battle rather than a track meet. I'll stay away from a side and trust the game script.

Michigan vs Minnesota prediction: Under 43.5 (-104) available at time of publishing. Playable to 43.