Michigan vs. Minnesota football game prediction, pick

Big Ten action kicks off Saturday as Michigan and Minnesota meet in this Week 6 college football game

Defending Big Ten champion and No. 2 ranked Michigan hits the road for a second-straight week in a matchup against another West Division foe in 3-2 Minnesota as college football's Week 6 action kicks off on Saturday.

Rankings: AP | Coaches | ESPN

It's been a while since the Gophers got the better of the Wolverines at home. Jimmy Carter was President back in 1977 the last time Minnesota took down Michigan in the Twin Cities, although it did win this game three times in the Big House.

Michigan vs. Minnesota preview, prediction

Michigan vs. Minnesota predictions / Isaac Shubert | Minnesota Football

How to watch

When: Sat., Oct. 7
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern
TV: NBC network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Michigan vs. Minnesota game odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: Michigan -18.5
Total: 45.5 points
Moneyline: Mich -1613 | Minn +650
FPI pick: Michigan 87.2% to win

What to watch for

1. Injury trouble. Minnesota averages 32nd nationally and 5th in the Big Ten by rushing for over 193 yards per game, led by tailback Darius Taylor, who leads the B1G with 532 rushing yards total. But the Gophers announced he won't play in the game as he deals with a leg injury. Michigan is sturdy against the run, allowing opponents to gain just over 85 yards on the ground, ranking 13th nationally in that category behind a well-disciplined formation at the line that is closing down interior running lanes, and their job just got a lot easier.

2. Turnover battle. Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy threw all 3 of his interceptions this season in one game and he has just 2 career multiple-turnover games. He'll have to bank on that advantage against a Minnesota defense that is third-best in the Big Ten by forcing 10 takeaways this year, with 8 of them being interceptions. The Gophers' coverage tacklers are skilled at anticipating routes and stepping in front of passes.

3. Air it out. Minnesota's turnovers have come as an exception rather than the rule when it comes to its overall pass defense. The Gophers have endured many costly breakdowns in coverage over the last few games. They can't afford any of that against the likes of Michigan's targets; principally Roman Wilson, who has 8 touchdown grabs. McCarthy's relative mobility enables his receivers that extra second to find the open lane, and Minnesota has struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks this season.

Michigan vs. Minnesota prediction

Michigan vs. Minnesota picks / USA Today Images

The things that Minnesota does well, generating turnovers and running the ball, are the things that Michigan does even better. The Wolverines don't really turn the ball over and they are a dominant rushing offense working behind the nation's best line.

The Gophers have shown their offense can come to a grinding halt and their tacklers can get lost in the melee against superior athletes on the other side. Michigan is 1-3 against the spread this season, but has too many advantages here, especially as the Gophers won't have back Darius Taylor to help on the ground.

College Football HQ picks...

• Michigan wins 34-6
• Covers the spread
• And hits the under

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