Michigan football should be heading to Minnesota 4-0. It took a minor miracle for the Iowa Hawkeyes to leave the Big House with a win last week.
But hey, that's Iowa. Michigan fans should be mad about it, but that wasn't the first time Iowa found a way to win a game it should not have won.
The good news is that Michigan did a lot of good things last week. It started with Bryce Underwood. He passed for 276 yards and 312 total yards. There was one turnover. However, that was on the receiver; it wasn't on Underwood.
Michigan fans are bothered by the leap on the fourth-and-one. It's not like that's going to be an issue moving forward. There was a lesson learned. The offensive line was better, and the defense, for three quarters at least, was solid. It held up well against the run.
Minnesota usually feels like a less talented Iowa. The difference is that Minnesota tries to play football the normal way. Drake Lindsey is a very good quarterback. Maybe the best quarterback that PJ Fleck has ever had, but Michigan has the talent edge from QB on down.
Michigan is a 5.5-point favorite because of that. Here are four bold predictions for a game that Kyle Whittingham has to win.
Bryce Underwood accounts for three touchdowns, zero turnovers
The most encouraging thing about the loss to Iowa was that Underwood took a huge step forward. He was accurate with the football from the pocket and on the move. Outside of the interception, where Andrew Marsh ran the wrong route, Underwood didn't have a turnover-worthy play. He didn't against Oklahoma either, outside of a fumble.
Underwood is carrying the ball more securely as a runner. Remember, these guys don't get hit during practice. Iowa has a legit defense. It is much better than Minnesota's. Mississippi State rolled up 38 points against Minnesota, and Michigan, with its own dual-threat quarterback, will find success.
As far as Underwood, he will account for three total touchdowns. He also won't have a turnover.
The offense scores over 30
Minnesota held Washington to 24 points last week, but the Huskies don't have the same weapons as Michigan does. JJ Buchanan might be the best receiver in the Big Ten not named Jeremiah Smith.
Andrew Marsh has consecutive 100-yard games, although he is questionable for the game. Hogan Hansen looks healthy. He can be a threat in the passing game if he can stay on the field. Salesi Moa will get involved at some point, too. Remember, Andrew Marsh didn't do much in the first month back in the 2025 season.
20 points might be a bold prediction, since the Wolverines have averaged 18 per game against Power-4 opponents. Oklahoma and Iowa have really good defenses, though. Minnesota is above average, but it's not on that level.
The Wolverines will also be motivated to get it right after last week's debacle. And they will, by scoring at least 30 points.
Michigan runs for over 200 yards
The offensive line is close, really close, to having a breakout game. The numbers haven't been great. However, they are better than they look. Michigan ran for over 150 yards against Oklahoma and Iowa.
If you can do that, the running game is just fine. Michigan fans would like better than fine, though. The running backs haven't had a run of 20 yards yet. It's mind-boggling, especially with Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter.
Teams are playing heavy in the box. They are forcing Underwood to beat them. Michigan also got back to more traditional runs next week, and it worked. Jim Harding talked about how the offensive line moved Iowa. He also said the group needs to be better.
This week, it will be. Michigan will run for over 200 yards against Minnesota and get multiple explosive runs from the running backs.
Michigan intercepts Drake Lindsey multiple times
The ball didn't bounce Michigan's way last week. It's hard to believe that Iowa caught two tipped passes, instead of at least one of them turning into an interception.
Chris Bracy had an interception fall into his lap. He couldn't hold on, and it wasn't an easy catch, but I think the ball will bounce more favorably.
The Wolverines will get a lead. The pass rush will crank up the heat on Lindsey. He will make some elite throws. He's a talented passer, but the secondary bounces back with two interceptions.
Michigan also bounces back with a win.
Score prediction: Michigan 31, Minnesota 20
Add us as a preferred source on Google