Michigan vs. Minnesota predictions: Can Wolverines rebound on the road?

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Michigan Wolverines hit the road for the first time this season with a trip to Minneapolis to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers, and the stakes are high for both teams as they battle for the Little Brown Jug.

Michigan (3-1) is coming off a heartbreaking last-play loss to Iowa that was marred by critical penalties and a 99-yard kickoff return surrendered. Minnesota (3-1) is riding high after a dramatic 27-24 Big Ten-opening win at Washington, a victory that sparked an intense postgame celebration from coach P.J. Fleck.

Here's how The Detroit News' college football writers see Saturday's matchup unfolding at Huntington Bank Stadium (Noon, Fox/94.7 FM).

Can Michigan shake off the Iowa loss?

The Wolverines' loss to Iowa was filled with self-inflicted wounds, including eight more penalties and questionable play calls. Coach Kyle Whittingham's team has shown a troubling pattern of beating itself with mental gaffes, even as the talent on the roster remains undeniable.

Quarterback Bryce Underwood has shown steady improvement over the past two games, and the passing game has found weapons in J.J. Buchanan and Andrew Marsh. The defense, which ranks seventh nationally, was dominant for three quarters against Iowa before faltering late.

The running game showed signs of life against Iowa in a pitch-counted approach, but injuries on the offensive line are a concern for both teams heading into this one.

Minnesota's emotional edge and home-field hunger

P.J. Fleck is known for his emotional, intense coaching style, and he took it to another level after the Washington win when he wiped blood from the mouth of linebacker Maverick Baranowski and smeared it on his own face.

The Gophers haven't beaten Michigan at home since 1977, a drought that predates Fleck's birth. But they nearly pulled off a win in Ann Arbor two years ago, and this early kickoff feels like a golden opportunity for a program-defining victory in the Twin Cities.

Quarterback Drake Lindsey is a legitimate threat, and Minnesota's defense is more than passable. However, the Gophers have struggled in the run game, which could prove costly against a stout Michigan front.

Expert predictions for Michigan vs. Minnesota

Angelique S. Chengelis: Can the Gophers carry the intensity of their coach and momentum from a big road win into the Michigan game and win the Little Brown Jug at home for the first time since 1977? Conversely, can Michigan rebound from a last-play loss to Iowa that was filled with critical penalties and questionable play calls, not to mention the Wolverines gave up a 99-yard kickoff return? This will be a test for quarterback Bryce Underwood, who has shown improvement the last two games, and the Michigan offense in the Wolverines' first road game of the season, and the defense is going to have to figure out how to generate turnovers. Pick: Michigan, 20-17

Connor Earegood: As disgusting a stunt as it was for P.J. Fleck to wipe his player's blood on his face, that's a level of emotion we've yet to see from Kyle Whittingham four weeks into a season best described as 'meh' or 'bleh' or, a long and drawn out 'ehhhh.' Sure Michigan has the talent, but it beats itself routinely with bad penalties and mental gaffes. Its run game figured something out against Iowa in pitch-counted fashion, but then its defense took a step back. John Henry Daley might also be hurt this week, and that would be a big blow. Minnesota isn't a juggernaut, and I think Michigan probably rebounds to win this one. But man, are the vibes this bad for any other 3-1 team? I think not. Pick: Michigan, 24-17

John Niyo: Minnesota hasn't won the Brown Jug at home since 1977, before P.J. Fleck was even born. But the Gophers nearly pulled off a win in their last meeting two years ago in Ann Arbor. And this early kickoff feels like another golden opportunity for a program win in the Twin Cities. The quarterback, Drake Lindsey, is legit, and the defense is more than passable. But injuries on the offensive line are a concern for both teams coming in, and I've got a bit more belief in the Wolverines' defense to take advantage of that, especially considering Minnesota's struggles in the run game thus far. Pick: Michigan, 24-20

Bob Wojnowski: The Gophers were so exhilarated by their upset win at Washington, coach P.J. Fleck smeared a player's blood on his face. They might be smelling blood here, looking for their first home victory over Michigan since 1977, with a dangerous quarterback in Drake Lindsey. The Wolverines hit the road for the first time, and they can't stay shell-shocked from their crushing loss to Iowa. They were dominant defensively for three quarters, and quarterback Bryce Underwood had, arguably, his best game. But Kyle Whittingham's team keeps making critical mistakes, with eight more penalties. UM still needs to get its running game cranked up, but Underwood has shown he can air it out to J.J. Buchanan and Andrew Marsh. UM's defense ranks seventh nationally, and should control this one. Pick: Michigan, 30-17

What's at stake for both teams?

For Michigan, this game is about proving they can win on the road and avoid the self-destructive mistakes that cost them against Iowa. For Minnesota, it's a chance to end a nearly five-decade home drought against the Wolverines and establish themselves as a legitimate Big Ten contender.

Both teams enter with 3-1 records, and the winner takes a significant step forward in the conference race. The Little Brown Jug, one of college football's oldest rivalry trophies, will be on the line in front of what promises to be a raucous early-morning crowd in Minneapolis.

This article was adapted from The Detroit News' original reporting.