Minnesota @ Michigan preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 8, 2008 ) Michigan 29, Minnesota 6

THE STORY: Off to a 4-0 start, No. 19 Michigan will look to win its Big Ten opener for the sixth consecutive season when it hosts Minnesota. Fast starts were common for Michigan under former coach Rich Rodriguez, who was fired in the offseason. The Wolverines started the 2009 season 4-0 and began 5-0 last season. If new coach Brady Hoke is to keep the streak intact, he’ll have to do it against a Minnesota team that is just 1-3 so far. Michigan has won 19 of the last 20 meetings against the Golden Gophers, whose last win in the series came in 2005.

TV: Big Ten Network. Line: Michigan -19.5

ABOUT MINNESOTA (1-3): It certainly hasn’t been the start coach Jerry Kill imagined in his first year in charge of the program. The Golden Gophers lost at USC to open the year, which wasn’t bad, but then dropped home games to New Mexico State and North Dakota State in two of the last three weeks. Now, to add insult to injury, Minnesota might be without its coach and quarterback for the Big Ten opener. Kill has experienced numerous seizures over the past month and was hospitalized for much of this week, and a foot injury to quarterback MarQueis Gray will likely keep him sidelined. The Golden Gophers are just 7-22 in their last 29 Big Ten away games.

ABOUT MICHIGAN (4-0): Much of the attention has been given to Michigan’s offense, and rightfully so, as the Wolverines have scored 28 or more points in all four of their wins this season. But it has been the play of an improved defensive unit that has sparked the Wolverines’ hot start. In last week’s 28-7 win over San Diego State, the Wolverines forced three turnovers — all fumbles — to bring their season total to 13, which is tied for third in the country. Overall, Michigan has allowed an average of 351 yards and 12.8 points, which ranks 11th in the country. Michigan hasn’t played Minnesota since the 2008 season, a 29-6 win.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Minnesota is just 2-20 in Ann Arbor since 1964.

2. Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson currently leads the nation in rushing at 168.7 yards per game.

3. The Wolverines have rushed for 300 yards in two consecutive games for the first time since 2003.

PREDICTION: Michigan 37, Minnesota 10 - The Wolverines will overwhelm the Gophers, who will no doubt struggle as Kill’s health status continues to serve as a distraction.