If there was ever a good time to face the Michigan Wolverines at the Big House in Ann Arbor, Mich., it's now. Minnesota faces a struggling Wolverines squad that enters Saturday's game with a 2-2 record following a 26-10 loss at home to Utah. The Gophers, meanwhile, are 3-1 and fresh off a win over San Jose State in which Minnesota completed just one pass. Here are five storylines to watch as the Gophers travel to Michigan to battle for the Little Brown Jug.
1. Regardless of the quarterback, will Minnesota be able to pass?
Last Saturday's win against San Jose State almost saw the Gophers pull off a victory without completing a pass. But with a little more than 6:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, quarterback Chris Streveler found receiver Drew Wolitarsky for a seven-yard completion -- the only one of the game for Minnesota. The Gophers haven't committed to a starter for Saturday's game at Michigan, as redshirt sophomore Mitch Leidner is listed as questionable with an injury. Streveler started his first career game last weekend and could start against the Wolverines, too. No matter which quarterback is under center, though, Minnesota will have to open up the passing game; it can't beat Michigan by completing one pass. The Gophers currently average less than 100 passing yards per game (99.75), while the Wolverines give up just 180.8 yards per game through the air, third-best in the Big Ten. If Minnesota struggles in the passing game -- especially early -- the Gophers could be in trouble.
2. The Gophers are game planning for Devin Gardner. Will they face him?
Similarly to Minnesota, Michigan has yet to name its starting quarterback, and Wolverines coach Brady Hoke has said it will be a game-time decision. Earlier this week, the Gophers said they're preparing for Devin Gardner to line up at quarterback on Saturday. Gardner has been Michigan's starter this year but he's thrown six interceptions -- including two in last weekend's loss to Utah -- and just five touchdowns. Gardner played against the Gophers in each of the last two seasons, throwing for 234 yards and two touchdowns in a win in 2012 and 235 yards and a touchdown last year. If it's not Gardner, it could be Shane Morris, a left-handed quarterback who has one career start under his belt. Morris played in three games this year, and Saturday's contest against Minnesota could be his fourth.
3. Can the Gophers defense add to its takeaways?
Minnesota forced five turnovers in last Saturday's win against San Jose State, including several at key times that stalled potential scoring drives for the Spartans. Those turnovers brought the Gophers takeaway total for the season to 13, the most in the Big Ten. On the flip side, Michigan has given the ball away more than any team in the conference through four weeks with 12 turnovers (eight interceptions, four fumbles). Additionally, the Wolverines have only had two takeaways in four games. That's not a good ratio. In fact, it's the worst in the Big Ten. That could be a recipe for success for the Gophers on Saturday in Ann Arbor if they can force Michigan into several turnovers. Minnesota's offense may have trouble moving the ball, so starting drives with great field position as the result of forced turnovers would be big for the Gophers.
4. David Cobb vs. Michigan's rushing defense.
Twice already this season, Gophers senior running back David Cobb has rushed for more than 200 yards. He first did so with a career-high 220 rushing yards against Middle Tennessee. Two games later, he gained 207 yards on the ground in the win against San Jose State. But Cobb and the Gophers offensive line have yet to face a running defense like the one they'll face Saturday in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines have allowed a mere 80.2 rushing yards per game this year. It's not quite as stingy as the 49.5 rushing yards per game given up by Penn State's defense, but Michigan does rank third in the Big Ten against the run. Appalachian State has been the only team of the Wolverines' four opponents to rush for more than 100 yards in a game this year. Even in victory over Michigan, Utah (81 yards rushing) and Notre Dame (54 yards) failed to crack the century mark. The running game has been Minnesota's bread and butter this year, but that rushing attack will be up against a tough test Saturday.
5. Will the Little Brown Jug return to Dinkytown?
Since 1903, Minnesota and Michigan have played for a trophy known as the Little Brown Jug. Saturday's game between the Gophers and Wolverines will be the 95th installment of this rivalry. But Michigan has dominated ownership of the jug in recent years. Minnesota hasn't won it since 2005, meaning the Wolverines have won the last six meetings. In fact, the Gophers have won it just three times since 1977. Running back David Cobb summed things up well Tuesday when, asked about the jug, he said, "I don't even know what it looks like." Rivalries are an important part of any football program, and the Gophers are no exception. But they've struggled recently in trophy games and currently only possess one of the four trophies they play for -- the Governor's Victory Bell, given to the winner between Minnesota and Penn State. Saturday will be a chance for the Gophers to add another trophy to the trophy case.
Follow Tyler Mason on Twitter
