If Michigan fans could forget the Iowa game, they probably would. Well, hopefully that game will shut everyone up about the Western Michigan win at the beginning of the season. Michigan got its "karma," as some are saying, and now it's time to move on; for the Wolverines, that is facing Minnesota.
The Golden Gophers are no slouch so far this season with a 3-1 record, coming off a close win over Washington last week. Michigan, in all honesty, should be 4-0 going into this matchup as a ranked team, but instead, a last-second touchdown and the AP voters totally snubbing the Wolverines mean that won't be the case.
After moving the wall well against the Hawkeyes, the offense will need to do the same against Minnesota, but work on finishing drives this time instead of getting stalled in the red zone. The other key to this game is fewer unforced penalties for the Wolverines.
With all of that, Michigan could walk away with the win like they are favored to, and probably by even more than they are projected.
Final odds for Michigan vs. Minnesota in Week 5
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Michigan: -5.5 (-118)
- Minnesota: +5.5 (-104)
Moneyline
- Michigan: -230
- Minnesota: +188
Total
- O/U: 43.5 (-108/-112)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Michigan needs a game with fewer penalties and more points against Minnesota
In four games this season, Michigan has scored 20 or more points only once, and that came against UTEP in Week 3. Against Iowa, who does boast the No. 1 defense in the country, Underwood and Co. were able to put up 19 points on the Hawkeyes, but it just wasn't enough, especially when Iowa scored the game-winning field goal.
Missed opportunities and unforced penalties plagued Michigan in the loss to Iowa, and if they don't clean it up, it could be a problem against the Golden Gophers as well. Three times, Michigan got to the red zone and walked away with either field goals or an interception. If on even one of those drives, the Wolverines get a touchdown, or even three field goals, they win the game.
Then there is the discussion of unforced penalties like illegal formations, late hits, and unsportsmanlike conduct. On the final drive of the game, Michigan had Iowa in a fourth-and-long until Zeke Berry chose to shove an Iowa player who was already out of bounds after the play. It gave the Hawkeyes a free 15 yards and a new set of downs.
Those are the undisciplined plays that Kyle Whittingham has talked about all season that Michigan has to clean up if they want to compete for championships. If the Wolverines really want to show they can make improvements, this is the game to do it.
Minnesota is looked at as one of the easier games on Michigan's schedule this season, so a clean game is what the Wolverines need to build momentum going into the bye week next week, and then Indiana and Penn State after that.
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