Michigan -3 -115 2.5% play
Minnesota is a public dog here wiht over 60% of the picks on Minnesota, and the fact that Michigan has not been able to live up to the talent they have. Michigan losing a lot on offense, but could Joe MIlton be the real deal? I'm going to take a step back from the players on the field, and concentrate on coaching here. Let's start with Michigan who has Gattis back as the OC, who came from Alabama, and brought in a new system last year. It was a struggle early, but by the end of the year Michigan's offense improved, according to Bill Connelly they were 61st in offensive SP in the first half and improved to 21st in the second half. I expect the offense, which still has plenty of talent to be better than many think.
Minnesota's offense brings back 9 starters, but they lose their offensive coordinator to Penn State. They bring in Mike Sanford Jr., and I think it's a horrible hire. Let's go over it. He was walked out of Notre Dame back in 2015 as Notre Dame ranked 43rd in YPP. He then takes over Western Kentucky as the head coach they were 2nd in YPP the year before he took over, and he destroys that team as they drop to 96th, and then 112th in offensive YPP. That's hard to do. Then he's at Utah State last year took over the 9th ranked YPP offense, and takes them to 70th. How did he get this job? I just don't understand it. Now he takes over Minnesota's 16th ranked YPP offense, and I'm sure he's going to take them to new hieghts. Now it's worth noting that I do have a ton of respect for PJ Fleck, and I expect them to try not to attempt too many changes, but they go up against a defense with a ton of talent. They also may be without some offensive lineman due to COVID. Those are the rumors and likely why this line jumped 3.5 and is coming back to 3.
Minnesota's defense probably won't be the same this year as they lose a lot of starters, including Antonie Winfield who did everything for this defense. I'm banking on Gattis to be able to continue to improve this offense, and this is a big game for Jim Harbough against a ranked team on the road. Michigan has owned this series and I expect them to win this game by double digits.
