Psychic Vibes: Five Specific Predictions For Michigan Against Minnesota

Michigan is expected to win easily in Minneapolis but it's been hard to predict exactly how the games will play out week to week.

For whatever reason, it just feels like this game could get ugly. Michigan is a bad matchup for the Gophers and I think it'll play out that way on the field. Everything Minnesota wants to do, Michigan does better. PJ Fleck will get his guys going, but it's just not going to be enough against the Wolverines. Here are some of the ways I think Michigan imposes its will on the Gophers.

1. Donovan Edwards will score at touchdown

At some point it HAS TO HAPPEN. Edwards is too talented and Michigan is too committed to running the ball for No. 7 to remain scoreless. After today's game we will officially be halfway through the regular season. It would frankly be unacceptable for a play of Edwards' caliber to not have a touchdown at that point in the year. He finds pay dirt today against the Gophers.

2. JJ McCarthy will have less than 6 incompletions

It's amazing, but this isn't actually a stretch. McCarthy hasn't thrown six incompletions in a game yet. His worst game from a completion percentage standpoint was his 8-of-13, three interception performance against Bowling Green. Granted he only threw the ball 13 times, but he still hasn't had six incompletions in a game. The kid is completing 79% of his passes for a reason. He'll remain sharp today in Minneapolis. 

3. Braiden McGregor will record another sack

Earlier in the week, McGregor met with the media and spoke about his comfort level and how he finally feels like he can do everything on the football field again. His knee is now fully healthy, he's confident and he's playing a lot of meaningful snaps. After recording his first sack of the year last week in Nebraska, he's smelling blood and wants to get home again. He'll do that against Minnesota and will continue to ascend as the year moves on.

4. Michigan will force three turnovers

I just see Minnesota quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis running for his life and making some bad throws today. If that happens, the Michigan defense will get their hands on a couple. Throw in a few big hits, one or two that could knock the ball loose, and I see Michigan scooping up a fumble as well. I don't know exactly when or how they'll come, but I see the Wolverines forcefully taking it away from the Gophers at least three times today.

5. Michigan will cover again

For the first time all year, Michigan covered the spread last week — by a lot. The Wolverines were favored by a whopping 20 or so points heading into Lincoln and proceeded to win by an even bigger 38 points. Today's spread in Minneapolis is 18.5 and I see the Wolverines dusting past that. Minnesota isn't any better than Nebraska, and Michigan is getting better and better each week. Chalk up another big win by the Wolverines.