Minnesota Football: 2017 game-by-game predictions
By Shane Lunnen
The first game in November brings another trophy game for Minnesota, traveling to Ann Arbor for the Battle for the Little Brown Jug. Michigan has dominated the series, but even if the wins have been few and far between, Minnesota’s last three wins in the series have come in Ann Arbor.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh will have his work cut out for him this year. The 2017 edition of the Wolverines is one of the least experienced teams in the conference with 18 starters gone. Quarterback Wilton Speight and running back Chris Evans are both back, but besides that the Wolverines are replacing a lot of their offensive production from last year.
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The defense is even less experienced with only one starter returning, senior linebacker Mike McCray. There is a lot of talent here and by mid-season, the Wolverines should be a lot better than what they will be early in the season.
It’s difficult to see Minnesota going into Ann Arbor late in the year and pulling an upset. Michigan will take a step back this year, but still should be at least a nine-win team. The Gophers will be a little one dimensional and Michigan controls the Gopher rushing attack. Speight has a solid day through the air. It will be close, but again, Minnesota comes up short.