P.J. Fleck is the man in charge of Minnesota's football program now ... at least until he parlays it into a better job.
Make no mistake, here — we love the battle for the Little Brown Jug, the stories about how it originated, how it disappeared for a time ... kind of like the Stanley Cup being found at the bottom of the Hudson River in New York one time.
Of course, the Jug wasn't found at the bottom of the Huron River in Ann Arbor. It probably would have dissolved, since it's like a pottery-type thing ... which begs the question, how did it hold water? Is it lined with something?
But ... we digress.
Michigan is a 15-point favorite to beat the Golden Gophers in what might be tabbed "capris against the khakis" in "shirts against the blouses," Charlie Murphy and his band of flunkies vs. Prince and the Revolution style. Fleck seems to be trying to revolutionize sideline attire in Minnesota the way Harbaugh has at U-M ... we'll see if the fashion trend takes off in Minneapolis.
Flat out, this is a game Michigan should win. Of course, the same could be said of another recent rainy, Saturday night affair that didn't end so well. Redshirt freshman quarterback Brandon Peters seems to have given the offense a shot in the arm, however, and perhaps the Wolverines can continue to ascend.
Congratulations to last week's winner (who claims to have a long winning streak, but must be having trouble adding). This week's receives one of the dancing gopher doll inspired by the movie 'Caddyshack' and the respect of his peers.
The picks:
CHRIS BALAS: P.J. Fleck might be rowing the boat, but he and his troops will soon be purifying themselves in the waters of Lake Minnetonka when Don Brown sinks the one-dimensional offense. U-M continues to run the ball well. MICHIGAN 31, MINNESOTA 10
JOHN BORTON: Michigan freshman defensive tackle Aubrey Solomon says he’s fearful of handling the Little Brown Jug, because he might break it. Get used to it, big fella. In fairness, it’s not an unusual sensation, although usually reserved for Golden Gophers. Minnesota players have been so phobic regarding Fielding Yost’s ancient earthenware, they’ve handled it only four times since 1967. No. 5 isn’t on the horizon anytime soon. Michigan 31, Minnesota 14
BRANDON BROWN: Brandon Peters is expected to get his first start and it could be the beginning of a new era. Minnesota isn’t on the same level talent wise as Michigan but P.J. Fleck will have his guys fired up and ready to go. Jim Harbaugh and his team will have to play a clean game but should be able to keep the jug in Ann Arbor. Michigan 31, Minnesota 10
AUSTIN FOX: Minnesota’s pass defense ranks 20th nationally, so if Peters has success throwing on it, it will be impressive — unfortunately, the weather could throw a wrench into things (80 percent chance of rain at night).
Michigan’s defense shouldn’t have much problem shutting down a bad Gopher offense (111th nationally), and will likely win a grind-it-out game similar to last week’s against Rutgers. Michigan 27, Minnesota 10
ANDREW VAILLIENCOURT: Is Brandon Peters for real? We’ll learn a lot about the redshirt freshman signal caller this week. Michigan is anxious to make up for its previous poor performances in night games. Wolverines roll. Michigan 31, Minnesota 13
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