3 Key Takeaways from Michigan Football’s Narrow Win Over Minnesota

Another narrow win for Michigan football left a lot to be desired. The offense continued its second-half struggles, nearly blowing a 24-3 lead in the fourth quarter.

Here are my three biggest takeaways from the Wolverines’ 27-24 win for the Little Brown Jug:

➡️ MORE: Michigan escapes Big House with 27-24 win over Minnesota

1. The offense might be unsolvable

Through five games, U-M head coach Sherrone Moore made numerous changes, including a change at quarterback and running back. Still, the product on the field hasn’t changed enough to make an impact on the game.

Over the last three games, the Michigan offense has combined for two touchdowns and two field goals in the second half. And it’s not trending well, as they were held to just three points in the second half against a Minnesota team that allowed an Iowa running back to eclipse 200 yards rushing a week prior.

When Moore made the change from Davis Warren to Alex Orji, the expectation was a dynamic offense with various run threats that would cause defensive headaches.

However, since becoming the starter last week, Orji has less combined rushing yards in those two games (55 yards) than he did in the three games he hardly played in (59 yards).

As a backup/rotational quarterback, Orji was more than just run-first – he was run-only. And, now, as the starter, they’re trying to force him to throw the ball in odd situations; first down, second-and-medium, etc.

Apparently, Orji the starter is different than Orji the backup, at least based on how this staff continues to utilize him.

By the second half, teams adjust to bottling up the run game with a focus on the backs and hardly accounting for Orji as a threat – his best asset at the position – and completely ignoring the passing game (Note: Minnesota left slot receivers uncovered multiple times on Saturday.)

Given his obvious flaws as a passer, if they’re not using Orji as an effective runner, there’s no clear path to success here.

2. The Defense Impressed Despite Key Missing Pieces

The unanimous top cornerback in the 2025 NFL Draft (Will Johnson) & Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded defensive player in the country (Josaiah Stewart) both play on the same defense – and they were both out yesterday.

Still, this Michigan defense played more than good enough to win. While Minnesota’s 24 points is the most they’ve scored against a Power Four opponent all season, the defensive unit is directly impacted by the offense’s inability to possess the ball in the second half.

Last week, the offense couldn’t manage a first down until late in the fourth and a late-game Donovan Edwards fumble put a Michigan defense with tired legs back on the field only one play into a new possession.

Against Minnesota, an Orji interception started an improbable rally for the Minnesota offense that nearly erased a 24-3 fourth-quarter lead.

Despite all that, the defense held up enough to win, thanks to a dominant first half.

Without Johnson, redshirt freshman Jyaire Hill rose to the occasion with an absurd interception that, of course, the offense couldn’t capitalize on.

How’d Jyaire Hill get that foot down on this INT?! 🤯@JyaireSuga x @UMichFootball#B1GFootball on @CFBONFOX 📺 pic.twitter.com/vbrw9Ciqo8

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 28, 2024

And without Stewart, projected first-round pick Mason Graham had two sacks.

While Wink Martindale’s blitz rates have gradually decreased and the unit is clearly trending up, the offense continues to have short possessions late in the game. That forces a defense with tired legs to go out there and win the game.

Eventually, a straw will break the camel’s back – this isn’t sustainable, especially with the injury bug hitting the defense hard.

3. Offensive Coaching Lacking Detail of Previous Regime

One thing about Jim Harbaugh-led teams is they will be detailed, especially in clock/game management.

During a drive late in the fourth, when the Wolverines had a chance to end the game, offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell asked Orji to pass the ball multiple times nearing the red zone on Minnesota’s side of the field.

More importantly, Orji had no control over the clock in these situations, snapping the ball with more than 10 seconds left on the play clock in a game where they had a narrow lead with less than five minutes left.

Joel Klatt rightfully criticizing Sherrone Moore and Alex Orji for mismanaging the end of that scoring drive. Absolutely no reason to be snapping the ball with 8-10 seconds left on the play clock. No reason to pass on 3rd down and stop the clock. My goodness.

— Andrew Keck (@andrewkeck) September 28, 2024

I mean, this is elementary stuff but mismanaging it can be monumental to the game’s outcome.

And, if not for a controversial call on an onside kick recovered by the Golden Gophers, those mistakes nearly cost Michigan the game.

When it comes to scheme, play-calling and talent, there’s not much a coach can do if the player isn’t executing during the game. As fans, you quickly fire the hate-tweets at coaches for the in-game decisions. While that may be necessary in some scenarios, others are simply lack of execution – after all, players and talent win games.

However, when the starting quarterback of the defending national champions mismanages the clock multiple times on the most important drive of the game, there’s no excuse – that is coaching.

You could say this team is only as good as its defense, but it’s starting to look like it’s only as good as its offense allows its defense to be.