Michigan Football vs Minnesota: Score, Highlights, Channel, Prediction

Michigan football returns to action Saturday in the final game of the team's five-game home season opener.

Michigan (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) hosts Minnesota (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) at noon Saturday as it looks to go undefeated in Big Ten play for two weeks. The Wolverines are ranked No. 12 in the coaches' poll after beating USC at home last week.

With new quarterback Alex Orji, Michigan has found an offensive formula that works. UM loved to run the ball on almost every play with Orji, Kalel Mullings or Donovan Edwards, eventually coming through with a smash mouth drive in the final moments to defeat the Trojans. Now Michigan will look to refine the formula against a Gophers team that has struggled with the run.

Tight end Colston Loveland is available after missing a game, while star cornerback Will Johnson was listed as questionable on the pregame availability report. Johnson and defensive end Josaiah Stewart are out for Michigan's defense.

SELECTION:Michigan vs. Minnesota Predictions: Here's who will leave Ann Arbor with Little Brown Jug

The game begins at 12 p.m. at Michigan Stadium. The game will air on Fox and be available to stream on Fubo (free trial). Michigan is a 10½-point favorite, according to BetMGM.

Watch Michigan-Minn Live on Fubo (Free Trial)

Follow below for live Michigan vs. Minnesota updates from the Big House.

Michigan vs Minnesota live updates, match highlights

6:34, 1Q: Kalel Mullings goes untouched for 27-yard TD; Michigan leads 7-0

This week started the same way as last week for the Wolverines. After starting the game with a forced rushing punt, Michigan's offense put together a nine-play, 79-yard drive that featured just three passes. Michigan capped the drive with an inside-zone handoff to shotgun Mullings, who exploded through a large hole on the left side of the offensive line, clearing the path to the end zone. Michigan scored three third-down conversions on the drive, including the touchdown, a completion to Colston Loveland and an Orji scramble to keep the drive going.

Michigan Injuries: Colston Loveland available; Will Johnson questionable

The Wolverines got their star tight end back but could be without cornerback Will Johnson, who was listed as questionable on the pregame availability report. Defensive end Josaiah Stewart, the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, receiver Semaj Morgan and center Greg Crippen are also questionable.

Safety Jaden Mangham, safety Wesley Walker, nickelback Ja'Den McBurrows, defensive back Micah Pollard, running back Jordan Marshall, linebacker Jason Hewlett, running back Leon Franklin and running back Bryson Kuzdzal are also out.

Pregame notes on the Michigan vs. Minnesota football game

Michigan survived a quarterback change in its Big Ten opener last week, outrebounding USC 27-24. Not much was asked of Orji and he helped facilitate a tenacious rushing attack that broke through on the final drive after Mullings' 63-yard run.

Now the Gophers are coming to town to battle for the Little Brown Jug. Minnesota is coming off a 31-14 home loss to Iowa. The Gophers have averaged 15.5 points in two games against Power 4 opponents this year, both losses (19-17 to UNC), and now have to play on the road for the first time.

Minnesota is vulnerable on the ground, making it a difficult matchup with Michigan. Iowa ran for 272 yards and four touchdowns last week, including eight runs of at least 10 yards. On defense, Michigan had its best game of the year and will look to keep the momentum going.

Michigan visits Washington next Saturday night in a rematch for the national championship starting in January.

More:This is Michigan football. Time will tell whether it is enough to return to the CFP

What time is Michigan vs. Minnesota today?

Date: Saturday, September 28th.
Time: 12 p.m. ET.
Where: Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.

What channel is Michigan vs. Minnesota on today?

Michigan vs. Minnesota availability report

Michigan: From: S Rod Moore. Questionable: TE Colston Loveland (upper body), S Jaden Mangham (undisclosed), DB Micah Pollard (undisclosed), RB Jordan Marshall (undisclosed) and LB Jason Hewlett (undisclosed), QB Jack Tuttle (undisclosed ).

Minnesota players who missed Week 4: DB Justin Walley, DB Aidan Gousby, TE Pierce Walsh, DB Jordan Greenhow, DL Kadean Johnson, DL Jaylin Hicks, DL Theorin Randle.

Michigan vs Minnesota predictions

Tony Garcia, Detroit Free Press: The Wolverines have often knocked off mid-major Big Ten teams like Minnesota in recent years, but without a solid passing game, it's hard to see them pulling away unless it happens late. The Gophers have the better passing game and UM was prone to giving up yards when the opponent's QB gets the ball out quickly. But if Minnesota doesn't end up establishing its own running game, the Wolverines' front four of Josaiah Stewart, Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant and Derrick Moore could enjoy a one-dimensional offense. Michigan will try to wear down Minnesota the same way Iowa did a week ago. The choice: AT 20, Minnesota 12.

Michigan vs Minnesota betting odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM on Saturday morning.

Spread: Michigan by 10½ points.
Over/under: 34½ points.
Money line: Michigan -450; Minnesota +340.

Weather Michigan vs. Minnesota

Ann Arbor is expected to be cloudy with a high of 68 degrees.

Michigan 2024 schedule

vs. Fresno State (W 30-10)
vs. Texas (L 31-12)
vs. Arkansas State (W 28-18)
vs. USC (W 27-24)
against Minnesota
IN Washington
BYE
AT Illinois
vs. Michigan State
against Oregon
IN Indiana
BYE
vs. Northwest
At Ohio State

Check out Michigan ticket prices for every game in 2024

Jared Ramsey is a sports reporter for the Detroit Free Press, covering the city's professional teams, the state's two flagship universities and more. Follow Jared on X @jared_ramsey22 and email him at [email protected].

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Michigan Football vs Minnesota: Score, Highlights, Channel, Prediction

Michigan vs Minnesota live updates, match highlights

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