Key storylines, how to watch Michigan Football vs Minnesota

The day has finally arrived for Michigan football as the Wolverines will face Minnesota Saturday, here are the storylines, plus how to watch and stream.

The long wait for Michigan football fans is over. Well, almost, we still have to wait until Saturday night but still the Wolverines and the Gophers will be on the field soon enough.

The 18th-ranked Wolverines can start their season with a bang, on the road against No. 21 Minnesota, a team that won 11 games a year ago and is expected to contend in the Big Ten West.

We all know about quarterback Tanner Morgan and wide receiver Rashod Bateman. The Gophers also have some talented guys on defense including former Michigan corner Benjamin St. Juste.

For both programs, it’s a huge game. Minnesota wants to prove its a blue blood in the Big Ten and the Wolverines are trying to prove they can win these kind of games on the road. Just imagine the commentary if Michigan drops this game on national TV.

But before we get to the final breakdown, here’s everything you need to know including how to watch and stream.

Game Info

Game 1: Michigan at Minnesota

When: 7:30 PM EST

Where: TCF Bank Stadium (Minneapolis)

TV: ABC

Stream: ESPN Plus

Radio: WWJ (950 AM) in Detroit or mgoblue.com

Odds: Michigan -3.5 (Fan Duel)

Storylines

It’s obvious that one of the key storylines this week will be the play of new Michigan starting quarterback Joe Milton. He’s had praise showered on him by just about everyone, but tonight, the live bullets will fly and we’ll see if Milton is the real deal.

As far as how things will play out, I took a stab at five predictions for the Minnesota game, which includes a breakdown of Milton and Zach Charbonnet, who I expect to have a breakout performance. The offensive line will also hold up better than expected.

Of course, many people want to focus on the coaching matchup, as P.J. Fleck is a new rising star in the Big Ten. All offseason, we heard how he was a superior coach to Jim Harbaugh and Saturday night, we will see if that holds up.

And while Harbaugh’s team have struggled on the road, especially against ranked opponents, winning just once in 2018  (MSU), there are some positive indicators in this one.

For starters, Michigan football is the favorite. U-M has lost games against ranked teams as a favorite, such as in 2018 to Ohio State, but they haven’t performed well as the underdog, so it’s a positive sign. Another is this interesting tidbit from Zach Shaw of 247 sports:

I’ve been saying all week that Michigan is the more talented team. The Gophers have the better quarterback, on paper at least, so if Milton plays well and mitigates that advantage, you have to feel good about the Wolverines chances of winning. Here’s also a look at three other reasons U-M will win tonight, as well as one why they might not.

That 41-6 mark by Harbaugh against teams ranked outside the top 25 in the 247 team talent rankings is also very telling. But it’s a night game, on the road, with possible snow, meaning anything can happen.

Michigan hasn’t lost at Minnesota since 1977. However, the last game was decided on the last play as the Wolverines held on a late goal-line stand.

Soon enough, we will find out what this 2020 Michigan football team is all about.