Michigan Wolverine Football: Minnesota at Michigan — What May Happen
Sep 13, 2014; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers mascot Goldy performs on the sidelines during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. The Frog Horns won30-7. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Posted at 5:30am — 9/26/2014
Michigan Wolverine Football: Minnesota at Michigan — What May Happen
The Little Brown Jug — Game Preview
Minnesota is a big state. From top to bottom one can go from true north woods to true prairie. No one knows if there are 10,000 lakes, but there are plenty for sure. If you want to fish the far north of Minnesota, get prepared to wait until June.
Minnesota has a football history that can best be described as peppered, but noteworthy. Minnesota joined what eventually settled into the Big Ten Conference in 1896. The Gophers have 16 league championships, the last being a co-championship in 1967. The 1930’s and 1940’s were the golden era of Golden Gopher football. In may surprise some to know that Minnesota claims six national titles. Doc Williams won 138 games and his won-lost percentage is similar to Fielding H. Yost. A guy named Fritz Crisler coached Minnesota for two seasons.
Sep 6, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach Jerry Kill looks on in the first quarter against Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY SportsJerry Kill is the current head coach. He is a strong leader and has the respect of the entire football world. Kill’s approach is somewhat like the old ground chuck football. Kill will find out quick if an opponent can stop the running game. If not, Kill will run and run and run some more.
Last year Minnesota’s offensive line got tremendous push against Michigan’s defensive front seven. The Gophers were doing well until the turnover bug hit. Michigan’s offense started to roll and Minnesota had to throw the ball, a must strategy that did not work well.
Sep 20, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Chris Streveler (5) rushes with the ball in the second quarter against the San Jose State Spartans at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY SportsMinnesota has played moderate competition this season and is 3-1; the loss was to TCU on the road when the Gopher offense was held to 7 points. As stated, the running game is the offensive focus and David Cobb has already topped 200 yards twice this season. He runs an inside read option that is almost like a draw delay. Cobb has well over 500 yards already and is averaging six yards per carry. Freshman backup quarterback Chris Streveler has posed a threat to run in the read offense and is averaging seven yards per carry. Berkley Edwards plays for Minnesota and is averaging about 28 yards a game.
It is unsure if Streveler will start against Michigan this Saturday or if starter Mitch Leidner will be healthy enough to get the nod. Maxx Williams, the Minnesota tight end, is also questionable.
The famous brown jug has highlighted the Michigan and Minnesota rivalry. Michigan has held the jug for most of the recent rivalry. This trophy game is the oldest in college football having started by Michigan buying a water jug on the trip to Minnesota in 1903 and leaving it on the field as Minnesota fans covered the field late in the game. In 1909 both coaches agreed to play for the jug.
It is not a mystery as to what the current teams want to do, which is run the ball. It is a mystery as to how either team will throw the ball effectively and defend the other. Minnesota’s secondary does have 7 interceptions, a nice total after four games. Minnesota’s running game has been far more productive and consistent compared to the Wolverines. Michigan’s defense is probably better at run stuffing, having stopped three teams for less than 100 yards a game. So for once it is more of a strength versus strength game as opposed to the opposite.
The weather is supposed to be better than last week. One more game like the Utah monsoon and the author will choose to suggest raft rentals on game day.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Doc4Blu
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