The Little Brown Jug will stay in Ann Arbor as No. 12 Michigan football (4-1) came away with a 27-24 win on Saturday. Down 24-3 to start the fourth quarter, Minnesota (2-3) scored a touchdown on all three of its possessions in the final 15 minutes.
Hot Start for Michigan Football vs Minnesota
Early in the contest, it was all Michigan. To open the game, the maize and blue forced a punt on defense and subsequently ran the ball down the field for a touchdown on offense, which seemed to be the way things would go throughout the game.
Michigan senior running back Kalel Mullings had 45 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the first half. Junior quarterback Alex Orji was 4-for-8 passing with 36 yards and one touchdown as the Wolverines led 21-3 going into the locker room.
Once the second half began, Michigan’s offensive woes became much more apparent. Orji was moving fairly well in the pocket in the first half, and certain throws seemed to display some improvement, even in rainy weather.
Second Half Woes Continue for Orji, Offense
It only lasted for about two and a half quarters though, as a Minnesota interception midway through the third sparked a comeback effort that had Michigan fans holding their breath. Orji was targeting junior tight end Colston Loveland running down the right hash marks, but the throw was way too far towards the middle of the field.
On the ensuing drive, Minnesota sophomore running back and Detroit native Darius Taylor punched in a touchdown after a 14-play series to put the score at 24-10. The Wolverines went three and out on their next drive, but a perfect punt would’ve given Minnesota unfavorable field position.
Instead, Minnesota freshman safety Koi Perich returned the punt 60 yards to give his team the ball on the Michigan 17 yardline. Three plays later, Taylor scored his second touchdown of the game to make it 24-17.
The Wolverine offense was able to put together a 14-play drive ending in a field goal to follow up, putting them up 27-17 with 4:34 to go in the game. Minnesota proceeded to drive down the field and score a touchdown with just under two minutes left after a miraculous catch by senior receiver Daniel Jackson.
A Controversial Ending
The Golden Gophers needed an onside kick for a chance to win, and they almost got their wish. Minnesota recovered the onside kick but it was called back because one of the members of the kickoff team left before the ball was kicked. Multiple FOX television analysts disagreed with the call, but it couldn’t be reviewed.
With Minnesota holding just one timeout, all the Wolverines had to do was run the clock out. Even after a fumbled snap that made the Wolverines lose 12 yards on second down, they were able to leave with the win.
Key Stats from Michigan vs Minnesota
Mullings ended with 111 rushing yards and two touchdowns for the Wolverines. Loveland led his team with four catches for 41 yards.
The Michigan defense was the star of the show, but it shouldn’t have surprised anyone.
The Wolverines had five sacks as a team, and junior defensive lineman Mason Graham led the way with two. Sophomore Michigan defensive back Jyaire Hill came away with an interception and junior defensive back Zeke Berry recovered a fumble, both in the second quarter.
Michigan travels to Washington (3-2) next week, and it will be the first time the schools have faced off as Big Ten opponents.
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