Michigan 49 @ Minnesota 24

[Jeff Buchanan]

Count me disinterested .... maybe in a couple of weeks. I'd give this contest actually happening about a 50% chance, maybe a shade less.

[lineygoblue]

Michigan starts a new QB, on the road, against a team that considers every game to be a "season". And, Fleck will make a big deal over the Jug.

We've seen this show before. Minny by a TD.

[Hannibal]

Minny is our bitch. Just like we are OSU’s bitch. We should beat them.

[Hannibal]

With that said, we really need Anbry Thomas back for this one. Tanner Morgan could rip us apart otherwise.

[WM Wolverine]

Corner depth non existent, Ambry is needed back.

[THE_WIZARD_]

There are no road games. Empty stadiums are pretty much a non factor.

[lineygoblue]

I believe the Big Ten has said that players and coaches families will be allowed to attend, and then some others from faculty, administration and the sports department will be allowed as well.

For Michigan, that will probably get about 5K - 10K in the stadium on game days.

I imagine the numbers will increase as long as there are no major local outbreaks. Some of the games I saw on TV today looked like they had 10K+ in the stands.

[THE_WIZARD_]

...so like a high school football crowd...in Kentucky...

[lineygoblue]

Exactly.

[THE_WIZARD_]

No...EFZ...

[Jeff Buchanan]

No broadcast info yet. Any one heard a TV or streaming plan emerge?

Neb at osu is on FOX time TBA .... the only BT team with at least a broadcaster ID'ed.

I don't know how Brown is going to defend against a decent Gopher passing attack from Tanner Morgan. If I'm Fleck I'm taking the top off M's D until Brown shows he can defend against the long ball. There's no shortage of opportunities for Morgan to pick away at a short passing game either. Another weakness of Brown's defenses - getting his players to pick-up the play changes and get sucked in with over-aggressiveness - a Brown trademark that can be mercilessly abused.

Will probably be a a blood bath.

[lineygoblue]

I can see that happening. Michigan is a horrible road team in season openers. There will be no crowd, so to speak, but Minnesota will be playing in a familiar and comfortable setting, and this is a huge opportunity for Tanner Morgan to shine. I think he will.

Best chance Michigan has, is to shorten the game by running the ball, and keeping Morgan on the sidelines. Kind of like what Army did to us last year. Keep the score within a TD and get the game down to the final minutes, and then steal it. If Michigan tries to get into a shoot-out, they are doomed. Opening on the road with a first time starter at QB is not a good formula for a shootout. Its like bringing a knife to a gun fight.

If I were betting and I had to bet today, I'd make Minny a 7-10 point favorite. Morgan will likely feast on those young DB's.

[Mike]

If we are soundly beaten by Minnesota, the entire staff should be given their final paycheck and a bus ticket on the way out of town.

[lineygoblue]

If we are soundly beaten by Minnesota, the entire staff should be given their final paycheck and a bus ticket on the way out of town.

I agree Mike. On paper, Michigan has better athletes, and should be able to handle the Gophers rather routinely.

Harbaugh should be able to coach circles around Fleck.

But Michigan is horrible in season opening road games. Michigan is starting a QB that has no starting experience. He may be a very good QB, but he's being asked to be great right from the first snap. I'm not confident he can do that.

I'll be watching. I want to see the new kids play. But my expectations are low.

[THE_WIZARD_]

Goofers 27 HARBAUGH!!! 24