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Michigan vs Minnesota preview: tough road, 5 essential keys

Dustin Judge
Michigan vs Minnesota preview: Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, site of the Little Brown Jug game

MINNEAPOLIS — Michigan seeks to avoid back-to-back losses when it visits Minnesota at noon ET Saturday, and this Michigan vs Minnesota preview covers the injuries, quarterbacks and Little Brown Jug history behind the 100th meeting for the trophy.

Michigan vs Minnesota preview: time, TV and records

Both teams are 3-1. Kickoff is noon ET (11 a.m. CT) Saturday, Oct. 3, at Huntington Bank Stadium, and FOX has the game as part of its “Big Noon Kickoff” show, Minnesota announced. It is Michigan’s first road game of the season.

1. Michigan looks to rebound from a last-second loss

No. 17 Iowa beat No. 18 Michigan 20-19 on Sept. 26 when Hank Brown threw a 16-yard touchdown pass with 2 seconds left, The Associated Press reported. Bryce Underwood completed 17 of 28 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns, a career high in yards, per Michigan’s game notes. It was the first loss for Wolverines coach Kyle Whittingham at Michigan.

2. JJ Buchanan is the top target

Buchanan has 396 receiving yards and four touchdowns, and he had career highs of 130 yards and two scores against Iowa. Andrew Marsh also topped 100 yards but is listed as questionable.

3. Michigan’s injury report

Michigan listed six players out and six questionable, with offensive lineman Blake Frazier probable, Sports Illustrated reported of the initial report. Defensive end John Henry Daley, one of the questionable players, was seen walking without a boot or crutches.

4. Minnesota rides Drake Lindsey

The Gophers beat No. 23 Washington 27-24 in Seattle on Sept. 26, their Big Ten opener, to improve to 3-1. Lindsey was 21 of 29 for 204 yards and three touchdowns, all in the first half, to three different receivers, according to the school. Javon Tracy caught a touchdown pass, and the defense had seven sacks and two interceptions. Minnesota’s loss came against Mississippi State.

5. The Little Brown Jug

Michigan leads the all-time series 78-25-3, and this is the 100th game for the trophy, college football’s oldest rivalry prize, according to Michigan.

For more, see our Ohio State vs. Iowa preview and our 24-team CFP format story.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.