Minnesota Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2020 season

Game 1: vs. Michigan

For once, Michigan comes into a season without a crazy amount of hype with it. They’re replacing a quarterback, 4-of-5 starting offensive linemen, two new cornerbacks and had some big names opt out of the season.

Michigan hasn’t been able to live up to the hype under Jim Harbaugh, but now that the expectations aren’t that high, maybe this is the chance to turn the corner.

The problem for Michigan in this game will be the inexperience after cornerback. It’s going to be difficult at best to contain Rashod Bateman and if the Wolverines decide to throw double coverage his way, Tanner Morgan is smart enough to make some plays with other dependable receivers. Expect a good, close Big Ten style game here.

Prediction: Michigan 20, Minnesota 24 (1-0)

Game 2: at Maryland

Maryland was a story of two teams last season. In the first two games, nobody could stop them. Granted, it was Howard and Syracuse, but nonetheless 142 points in two games is impressive. The final ten games, not good. The Terps scored 161 combined points — 48 of those came against Rutgers.

Coach Mike Locksley has shown he’s a great recruiter, but still hasn’t proven to be a good head coach. Time at New Mexico was less than stellar and his failures thus far at Maryland add to that.

The Terps gave up 41.8 points per game last season. Going up against a Minnesota offense that looks as explosive as they do, thats not good news for Maryland. Don’t expect Maryland’s offense to get much going either. Minnesota’s potentially top tier defense is going against Maryland’s disaster of an offensive line that gave up 38 sacks last year. Add those two stats together and it’ll be a real long day for Maryland.

Prediction: Minnesota 48, Maryland 7 (2-0)