It's Michigan week, so it's hard to say if Glen Mason needs to take his team to the practice field or an analyst's couch.

No team has caused Minnesota more problems over the years than the Wolverines. Michigan has beaten Minnesota in 33 of the last 35 meetings and the past two have been particularly painful. Minnesota led both games into the fourth quarter before succumbing to Michigan's reputation and execution and ultimately suffering painful losses.

Minnesota came into both of those games against the wolverines with undefeated records. This year, they tasted defeat for the first time against Penn State last week.

The Nittany Lions are clearly an improved team over recent vintages. However, to suffer a 44-14 knockout in which the Gophers' vaunted running game was held to 113 yards was extremely disappointing.

"It's very frustrating," Mason told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "We definitely took a step back. You know the old saying, you're either getting better or you're getting worse? We really got worse."

The biggest issue for the Gophers was their run defense. Penn State had been rather ordinary at running the ball before Minnesota came to Beaver Stadium, but the Nittany Lions exploded for 364 rushing yards as both Tony Hunt and Michael Robinson went for more than 100 yards.

Most of that damage was done up the middle as Penn State's offensive line exercised its will against the Gophers front seven. However, LB John Shevlin says the team is trying to put that loss in the past in order to prepare for the Wolverines.

"The clock's already ticking," Shevlin said. "You can't dwell on any one loss because you're in the Big Ten season. As soon as the game is over, you have to start game-planning for the next weekend. Obviously you don't want to lose. But how else are you going to win if you don't recover from a loss? We're 4-1. The season is not down the drain. Not even close."

That is the correct attitude -- the kind that the Gophers have not been able to muster in the past. If that prevails through the Minnesota locker room -- and Shevlin is not just mouthing words -- the Gophers have a solid chance at ending their frustration against the Wolverines.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: Laurence Maroney is still the key to the Minnesota offense. He was held in check by Penn State, but Maroney leads the Big Ten with 746 rushing yards and is averaging 5.8 yards per crack. He needs to bounce back from his 48-yard performance vs. Penn State if he wants his name to be mentioned with Heisman contenders. QB Bryan Cupito must continue his development vs. Michigan's improving defense.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The defense fell apart last week as Penn State's running game ripped them for 364 yards. Michigan appears to be a much stronger running team than Penn State because of the return of Mike Hart and Lloyd Carr will try to pound the Gophers. Defensive coordinator David Lockwood is under pressure to prevent one bad game from turning into a slump.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I don't think anyone is going to go undefeated in the conference this year. This hurts us, but we can still bounce back." -- QB Bryan Cupito on Minnesota's mindset after the 44-14 defeat at Penn State.

THIS WEEK'S GAME: at Michigan, Oct. 8 -- In the past couple years, Minnesota has gone into a tailspin following its first loss of the year. Glen Mason has to prevent a negative attitude from sweeping into the locker room as the Gophers prepare for their chief tormentors.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Bryan Cupito -- Since the Michigan defense will key on Laurence Maroney, Cupito must stand in the pocket and take advantage of what the defense gives him. Look for Ernie Wheelwright and Jared Ellerson to break free downfield. The offensive line must give Cupito time and he must throw the ball accurately.

RB Laurence Maroney -- A superior runner coming off a below-average game. Look for Maroney to bounce back against a Michigan defense that is playing better than initially expected this season.

C Greg Eslinger -- The key to Minnesota's prolific offense is the dominating play of the offensive line. Eslinger leads this group with a ferocious blocking style and a keen understanding of what opposing defenses are trying to do.

S John Pawielski -- He has taken on the role of leader in the locker room and has challenged his teammates to put the Penn State loss in the past. If they can do that against Michigan, the hard-hitting Pawielski will deserve much of the credit.

ROSTER REPORT: Safety Terrance Campbell (undisclosed) and offensive lineman Joe Ainslie (hand) are questionable against Michigan. Safety Brandon Owens (shoulder) is sidelined indefinitely.