Minnesota vs Michigan: Last-Minute Spread Info and Predictions

Michigan is a perfect 4-0 after playing four straight games in the Big House. Now Minnesota will try their luck in Ann Arbor, and given their rough start, they know the uphill battle they face.

Even though the Golden Gophers started out the season with a promising game against USC, but it's all gone downhill from there. A win vs Michigan would give them just the sort of big win they need to turn their 1-3 season around.

Michigan's schedule gets progressively more difficult as the season goes on, and making their home stretch a perfect sweep is crucial before they play four of the next five on the road.

When: Saturday, October 1, 12:00 p.m. ET 

Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Watch: Big Ten Network

Spread

Note: Lines according to Bodog

Minnesota +20 1/2, Michigan -20 1/2

Take the points. Minnesota might not come away with a victory, but they've kept it close in every game they've been involved in. This is a huge spread, given that Minnesota has lost their three games by a combined total of less than 20 1/2 points.

Over/Under: 54

Take the over. Both of these teams score points and if Minnesota is able to keep it even relatively close, the over should hit no problem.

Key Injuries

Minnesota:

Troy Stoudemire, CB, (Arm) Questionable
Marcus Jones, WR, (Concussion) Questionable
Marqueis Gray, QB, (Foot) Questionable
Josh Campion, OL, (Concussion) Questionable
Brendan Beal, LB, (Knee) Out

Michigan:

Troy Woolfolk, CB, (Ankle) Probable
Brandon Herron, LB (Leg) Probable
Ricky Barnum, OL, (Ankle) Questionable
Cameron Gordon, LB, (Back) Questionable

BCS/Top-25 Poll Implications

Michigan would be ousted from the top 25 if they fall. A win isn't exactly going to send them shooting up the rankings, but it just might allow them to crack the top 15. Minnesota doesn't have a shot at being ranked, but they do have the power to oust Michigan from the rankings.

Keys to Minnesota Win

Keep it on the ground. Marqueis Gray has to have a monster game if they even have a shot in this one. He's a game-time decision and while he's done his part through the air, Minnesota's got to see his production in the run game.

Get Dajon McKnight the ball. He took over the game vs New Mexico St. and gives their offense the best shot at winning once the ground game blows the offense wide open.

Keys to Michigan Win

Get Denard Robinson going. Robinson was a huge Heisman candidate and has since been overlooked, as Baylor's Robert Griffin III has stolen the show thus far. It's time for him to remind the country just how dominant he can be and Minnesota should give him opportunities to do so through the air and on the ground.

Keep Marqueis Gray in check. If he plays, he's their only shot at keeping them in this ball game. Limiting his productivity gives Minnesota no hope offensively.

Prediction

Michigan 40, Minnesota 22

Michigan should be able to run up the score fairly easily. Notre Dame scored 31 on Minnesota and Michigan can exceed even that total. Minnesota's low season total was 17, in their very first game of the season. They aren't going to be able to come away with an upset on the road, but they'll be able to put up points.