GAME NOTES: Winners of six straight games, the 19th-ranked Michigan Wolverines are heavily favored in Saturday's Big Ten matchup with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, who have suffered six consecutive defeats. The only victory for the Golden Gophers came back on September 8th, as they needed overtime to beat a mediocre Miami-Ohio club. While Minnesota is a lowly 1-7 overall, including 0-4 in Big Ten play, it should be pointed out that five of the seven losses have come by six points or fewer. Last weekend's setback was especially embarrassing, as North Dakota State beat the Gophers in Minnesota by a 27-21 final. After losing to Appalachian State and Oregon in back-to-back games to open the season, Michigan was labeled the most disappointing team in the nation and appeared to be on its way to a miserable campaign. Much to the credit of the players and coaches, the Wolverines have turned things around with six consecutive victories. All but one of the victories have come by double figures, including last weekend's 27-17 decision over Illinois on the road. Michigan is a perfect 4-0 in Big Ten play and controls its own destiny for a trip to the Rose Bowl. The Wolverines hold a 68-24-3 series lead over Minnesota in the all-time series between the rivals.

Minnesota is averaging 29.8 ppg and 438.2 total ypg, strong numbers that are not indicative of a 1-7 ball club. The Golden Gophers have scored 32 offensive touchdowns, including 20 passing scores. All but one of those touchdown passes have come from the arm of Adam Weber, who has completed 58.4 percent of his attempts for 2,046 yards. Unfortunately, all of the positives are overshadowed by the fact that Weber has been intercepted 15 times. Eric Decker leads the club with 53 catches for 651 yards and six touchdowns, while Ernie Wheelwright has made 38 grabs for 493 yards and eight scores. Amir Pinnix is the leading rusher for the Gophers with 560 yards and five touchdowns, and he is averaging 5.5 ypc. Minnesota was limited to 307 total yards by North Dakota State last weekend, as none of the offensive standouts posted strong statistics.

Opponents are averaging 37.5 ppg and a staggering 533.6 total ypg against the Minnesota defense which has been among the worst units in the nation. A tremendously high total of 36 touchdowns have been surrendered through eight games, including 23 passing scores. Meanwhile, the Gophers have only managed four interceptions, and they have just six sacks to their credit. Stopping the run has also proven to be problematic, as they are yielding 191.6 ypg on 5.2 ypc. The defensive effort against North Dakota State last weekend was embarrassing. Sure, the Gophers surrendered just 27 points, an apparent victory for the horrendous defense, but 394 rushing yards were permitted on 49 carries, an average of eight yards per attempt. Also, NDSU was able to complete 20-of-25 passes for 191 yards without an interception.

Michigan played without star tailback Mike Hart in last weekend's road game against a strong Illinois squad. Fortunately, Carlos Brown was able to fill in admirably, racking up a career-high 113 yards on 25 carries. Hart is still dealing with an injured ankle, so his status for Saturday's game is uncertain. If he can't go, Brown appears capable of carrying the load. Quarterback Chad Henne tossed a pair of touchdown passes. As for star receiver Mario Manningham, he finished with nine catches for 102 yards and two scores. Michigan is averaging 28.4 ppg and 399.9 total ypg this season. Henne has completed 62.9 percent of his passes for 1,258 yards and 10 touchdowns against five interceptions. Manningham has made 46 catches for 658 yards and six touchdowns, while Hart has rushed for 1,078 yards and 12 touchdowns in only seven outings.

The Wolverines surrendered a pair of touchdowns to Illinois in the first 21 minutes of last weekend's game, but the defense stiffened and held the Illini out of the end zone for the final 39 minutes. Michigan allowed just 253 total yards in the clash, including a mere 116 passing yards on 14 completions. An interception and a fumble recovery proved key to the victory. Opponents are scoring 19.8 ppg while gaining 328.2 total ypg against the Michigan defense, which looks like a completely different unit from the one that allowed 73 total points in the first two games of the season. With 12 interceptions, 13 fumble recoveries and 26 sacks, this defense has a wealth of big-play ability. Shawn Crable is a star, as he has made 19.5 TFLs, including 5.5 sacks.

Don't expect this game to be close, as Michigan will put up huge offensive numbers with or without Hart. The Wolverines should be comfortably ahead by intermission.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Michigan 42, Minnesota 17