Michigan Football: 5 Reasons Why Wolverines Fans Shouldn't Sleep on Minnesota

As a rule, Michigan vs. Minnesota is never close. Generally, the Wolverines skate away with a huge victory, and the Gophers are left wondering what they did wrong. The cycle then repeats itself, with a slight hiccup—in the form of a Minnesota win—occurring every decade or so.

If that.

Not many people were fired up after learning that the two schools planned a night game this fall. The Wolverines lead the series 72-25-3 and have lost just thrice in the past 25 meetings. 

But from an interest standpoint, that could change starting Oct. 31 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. From that point forward, the battle for the “Little Brown Jug” could actually start to become one of the Big Ten’s better series instead of a predetermined beatdown.

This past season’s 30-14 demolition of the Wolverines in Ann Arbor was no fluke. Jerry Kill’s Gophers are ready to climb the ranks and make their affair with the Maize and Blue much less one-sided.

As for the Wolverines, they’re attempting to reload talent, rebuild tradition and reclaim their place within college football’s pecking order. It’s been nine years since the Wolverines were nationally relevant, the year they lost 42-41 to No. 1-ranked Ohio State, and it’s been 11 since they’ve shared or won a league championship.

The pressure to win has never been greater at Michigan, and coach Jim Harbaugh will undoubtedly look to make a few statements this fall. Knocking off the Gophers during a nationally televised game in prime time could end up being a mini milestone during Harbaugh’s quest for more.

Michigan’s 2015 schedule isn’t all that exciting. Other than hosting Ohio State and Michigan State, a pair of annual opponents, there really aren't any standout games on the docket this fall. The opener at Utah could be pretty good—it’ll be Harbaugh’s first test as coach—and Week 2’s test against Oregon State could end up providing valuable insight.

But with that said, don’t discard the Minnesota game as a non-important, run-of-the-mill league contest. Now that Kill, the Big Ten’s reigning Coach of the Year, is involved, along with Harbaugh, an Ann Arbor superhero, the game for the Jug could take a turn for the better.

Here are some other factors that could make this year's game between Michigan and Minnesota something more than just another four quarters of Big Ten football.

Uncertainty at QB

In 2014, former coach Brady Hoke opted to keep an obviously concussed Shane Morris on the field during the late stages of the disastrous loss to Minnesota in Ann Arbor. That choice was one of a few issues that led to Hoke's dismissal in December. 

Back to Morris. 

Prior to the controversial judgment, the 6'3", 204-pound lefty was viewed as Michigan’s “next” in line. However, since that debacle, Morris has rarely been mentioned as an absolute power. He’s just kind of “there” until someone says otherwise.

Following the 2015 spring game, Morris was tabbed as the No. 1 quarterback by Harbaugh—who has since heavily recruited the position, signing Brandon Peters, a 4-star 2016 prospect, and securing Jake Rudock, a senior transfer from Iowa.

At best, Michigan’s quarterback situation is uncertain. At worst, it’s a complete mess. But for the time being, Morris seems to be the one. And if he's still the one by Halloween, there's a good chance he'll be the guy for the rest of the way.

Everyone needs a breakout game. This past fall's meeting with Minnesota was supposed to be that for Morris, whose second start was anything but memorable. Getting revenge on the team that effectively but temporarily unraveled Michigan at quarterback, and on national TV at that, would be a good look for the junior. 

It'd be enough to further cement a potential No. 1 job, too. 

If not Morris, the late-October contest could provide a window for another—possibly Rudock, Wilton Speight or Alex Malzone—to assume control of the offense and make for a soft landing. Either way, it could be a telling point of the year for Wolverines quarterbacks. 

Gophers Coach Jerry Kill Is On the Rise

With Kill, positive change is no longer a dream at Minnesota; it’s a reality. Accomplishing great things one Saturday at a time, the fifth-year coach is close to entering the Gophers' record books.

If he wins eight games this year, he’ll become the first Gophers coach to do so in three straight seasons in more than 113 years. The feat was last pulled off by the late Dr. Harry L. Williams, who posted marks of 10-0-2, 9-1-1 and 9-2-1 during the falls of 1900, 1901 and 1902, respectively, according to GopherSports.com.

That may not sound like much, but here’s a little more context: The most recent coach to win eight or more in back-to-back seasons was Glen Mason, who went 8-5 in 2002 and 10-3 in 2003. Prior to Mason, Murray Warmath was the most recent to do it—he went 8-2 in 1960 and 1961.

Each game will be important, but for a coach such as Kill, notching a win over a Harbaugh-coached Michigan program could be the most feathery of feathers in the cap of another (possible) eight-win season.

Crucial Juncture of the Season

Leon Halip/Getty Images

The 2015 version of Michigan vs. Minnesota could be meaningful for a change.

Most teams know the deal by Halloween. They may not know everything, but most of them are probably aware of their strengths and weaknesses by time they square off with their eighth or ninth opponent of the season.

Given the timing, this year's late-October clash could end up being a tipping point for Michigan and/or Minnesota.

A loss could flatten hopes for one team, while a win could keep alive dreams of a division title or postseason berth for the other. 

Come game day, Michigan will have played Utah, Oregon State, Maryland and Michigan State. With the exception of Oregon State, the Wolverines lost to each of those teams in 2014. Considering that Michigan is replacing a quarterback, top wide receiver, a pair of defensive ends, a star linebacker and a few other components, the first half of 2015 could either be exciting or embarrassing.

Now look at Minnesota, which could tout a one- or two-loss record entering its date with the Wolverines. In theory, this year's game could be a bowl-clincher for the Gophers. It could also be Kill’s sixth or seventh victory, inching him closer to the historical achievements outlined in the previous slide.

After beating Michigan in 2014, Minnesota went on to win just four of its seven final games. At first glance, a 4-3 record doesn’t impress. However, down the road, the Gophers found a way to hang with Ohio State and Wisconsin, giving reason to believe that better days were ahead.

They also stomped Iowa, 51-14, and scored a 28-24 statement win at Nebraska. Maybe there’s something to this whole "beating Michigan" thing?

Conversely, after losing to Minnesota, Michigan went on to play some of its most uninspired football in ages. The Wolverines followed their embarrassment at The Big House with a 26-24 loss at Rutgers. Two weeks later, they were rolled by Michigan State, 35-11. They showed a little life against Ohio State but ended up losing, 42-28.

The Wolverines will be a fringe team this season. Their game with Minnesota could end up determining their postseason dreams and hopes for a Big Ten championship. 

Everyone Loves History

Leon Halip/Getty Images

Starting this year in Minneapolis, photos such as this one could become more common.

With 915 victories, Michigan tops the FBS’ list of winningest programs. The Wolverines have 134 years of college experience, topped only by Rutgers.

However, Minnesota has tradition, too. With 668 wins, the Gophers are tied for No. 41 in FBS wins, according to NCAA.org (adjusted by writer to reflect 2014 records). They have 130 years of football pedigree.

The elder statesmen have played each other 101 times, with the Wolverines leading the series with the Gophers, 73-25-3. Needless to say, it’s been all Michigan, all the time.

But a seed was planted this past fall.

Up until 2014, Minnesota hadn’t won in Ann Arbor since 2005 (23-20)—pulling that off was likely a big moment for Kill. Prior to the win in 2005, Minnesota hadn’t won at The Big House since 1986 (20-17), and the one before that came in 1962 (17-0). For clarification, winning at Michigan doesn’t happen often for the Gophers, who’ve won just three of their past 25 series meetings with the Wolverines.

This year's game is in Minneapolis, and Minnesota hasn't notched a home win over Michigan since 1977, which should serve as some sort of motivation. 

Defensive Muscle

Tony Ding/Associated Press/Associated Press

Michigan versus Minnesota could end up being a defensive slugfest.

By now, most are well-aware of the leaps and bounds made by Michigan’s defense during the past four years—the progress has been nothing short of astounding, to say the least.

Upon his arrival in 2011, Greg Mattison took an FBS bottom feeder and turned it into a top-25 defense—the Wolverines have been in the top 15 for the past two years, and now that D.J. Durkin is on board as defensive coordinator, this fall could mark the third straight year of defensive dominance for Michigan.

But the Wolverines aren’t the only ones building a strong defense. The Gophers, who haven’t really been known for much of anything over the years, are quietly beginning to establish the roots of something special with their linebackers, linemen and defensive backs.

In 2011, they ranked No. 77 in total defense. In 2012, D-line coach Jeff Phelps and the rest of the staff helped land them at No. 33. In 2013, they finished at No. 43 before resting at No. 40 this past fall, according to CFBStats.com.

The change hasn’t been quite as dramatic as the one Mattison brought to Michigan, but Minnesota is certainly on an upward trend in regard to defense. Big Ten fans could see a defensive standoff on Halloween in the Twin Cities.

Well, they most likely will see that: Michigan returns the Big Ten's No. 14-ranked total offense, whereas Minnesota returns with the No. 9-ranked unit. 

Follow Bleacher Report's Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and references were obtained firsthand by the writer via press conference, press release or other media availability.