Michigan heads to Minneapolis on Saturday with plenty to sort out after a gutting finish against Iowa, while Minnesota gets to lean into the confidence of a road win at Washington.
That contrast gives this Big Ten matchup a sharp edge. Michigan is 3-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play, coming off a 20-19 loss that was decided as time expired. Minnesota is also 3-1, but the Golden Gophers opened league play with a 27-24 victory on the road last Saturday and now have a chance to move to 2-0 in the Big Ten.
Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham didn’t sugarcoat the feel around his team after the first month.
"The first month of the season?" Whittingham said.
"Well, we're 3-1. I feel like we're 0-4.
That's how I feel. But we're 3-1 -- one play away from 4-0, one play away from 2-2 (a controversial 13-12 Michigan victory over Western Michigan on Sept.
5). ...
"It's been an emotional roller coaster in a way," Whittingham added. "But, you know, I see a lot of things trending in the right direction.
The offense, Bryce Underwood as an individual, the offensive line. So I think we've got some things going for us, but we've still got things that need to be cleaned up."
One of the biggest issues for Michigan has been discipline. The Wolverines have been flagged too often before and after the whistle, and Whittingham made clear that problem hasn’t gone unnoticed.
"We have way too many penalties," Whittingham said. "We understand that. It's a work in progress."
Minnesota, meanwhile, is trying to keep its momentum rolling after the cross-country trip to Seattle. P.J. Fleck said the team had one off day after returning, then moved quickly into preparation for Michigan.
"We go right back to work," Fleck said.
He also gave a blunt assessment of what the Golden Gophers are walking into.
"They're one of the more dominating defenses in the Big Ten (and) in the country," Fleck said. "They play really violent, physical in their front seven. ... They're constantly moving that offensive line and that line of scrimmage to put pressure on the quarterback in his face."
Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey has thrown for 951 yards and seven touchdowns with two interceptions.
Underwood is leading Michigan’s offense. He has passed for 780 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions, and he has added 192 rushing yards and two scores.
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For Michigan, the appeal is obvious. Trusel has the physical tools that can fit a modern passing game, and the Wolverines have been working to show him how he could develop within their offensive system. The visit does not signal a finished recruitment, but it does give Michigan another meaningful foothold in a pursuit that has the feel of one the staff would like to keep close to home. [Read more 🡒]