A pair of smashmouth Big Ten programs will square off in what figures to be a defense-oriented grinder on Saturday as No. 12 Michigan hosts Minnesota. The Wolverines are coming off a dramatic 27-24 win over USC and will be seeking to reach 2-0 in Big Ten play,

Contrary to their reputation, Minnesota ranks 100th in standard downs run rate at 51.7%, whereas the national average is 58.2%. They’re still crawling along at the 130th pace in FBS, but the staff clearly trusts Brosmer more than the departed Kaliakmanis.