Tomorrow our Wolverines travel to Minnesota to take on the Golden Gophers (7 pm. Espn). Minnesota(14-8, 5-5) is probably a team that needs another signature win to have a legitimate shot of making the NCAA Tournament. This is the first meeting for these two teams this season.

Minnesota is coming off a two point win at Penn St. on Saturday. This is a team that has lost 4 of its last 6 but in all fairness two of those losses were against Michigan St. The Gophers are led in scoring by the two guards, Lawrence Westbrook and Blake Hoffarber. Ralph Sampson III clogs up the middle and could potentially provide some matchup problems for Michigan. Minnesota is without guard Al Nolen for the season, suspended due to academic issues, so they will need someone else to step up and score for them.

We all remember what happened the last time Michigan ventured into Minnesota. The Wolverines pulled out a huge road victory to wrap up their first birth in the NCAA tournament in 10 years. Well a year has gone by, and right now it looks like it will be another 10 years before we see the tournament again. The Wolverines offensive game plan will be, let Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims combine to score 40 points and pray to God that you can get 20 points from any combination of the rest of the team. We are a team that has lost 2 in a row and 5 of 6, we need a win to even think about making the NIT.

Last time I wrote a prediction for this blog, we were blown out at home. I stupidly predicted a Michigan win. Well fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. I realize stranger things have happened, but I wouldn’t bet any money on us winning this game.

Prediction: Minnesota 65 Michigan 56