Observations on the win over Minnesota, 49-24

Michigan converted 8 red zone opportunities into 35 points; Minnesota gained 5 red zones for 24 points, and the Wolverines scored 7 points off two Gopher turnovers.

Offense gained 18 first downs, and 481 net yards with 256 on the ground with only 6 first downs rushing, but 5 TDs on the ground. Joe Milton was 15 of 22 for 225 yards and a TD with 9 different receivers; he also ran 8 times for 52 yards with one sack and a TD. Zach Charbonnet ran 4 times for 70 yards including a 64 yard burst for a TD. Hassan Haskins ran 6 times for 82 yards and 2 TDs. Chris Evans also scored a TD, and had 5 carries for 19 yards. Ronnie Bell caught 4 passes for 74 yards. Ben Mason caught a TD pass, but took another stupid penalty for overaggressiveness that put the offense in a "hole" early after a nice drive. We were 4 of 9 in third and fourth down conversions. Tyler Nubin led the Gophers with 8 tackles including a forced fumble. Overall, the offensive performance for a first game on the road exceeded expectations, and Milton certainly looks to be much better than Shea Patterson over the last two seasons. Nick Eubanks did not make the trip to Minnesota; it was not disclosed whether it was injury or disciplinary related.

The Gophers had 21 first downs, 326 net yards with 129 on the ground. Tanner Morgan threw 31 times with 18 complete for 197 yards and a TD, but was sacked 5 times. Mohamed Ibrahim gained 140 yards in 26 carries for 2 TDs plus 4 receptions for 17 yards. Rashod Bateman had 9 receptions for 101 yards. The Gophers were 7 of 17 in 3rd and 4th down conversions, and had a 10 minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 16 more offensive plays. Josh Ross led the defense with 9 tackles including an interception; Michael Barrett and Brad Hawkins had 7 tackles each, and Barrett forced a fumble that resulted in a defensive TD. Hawkins did not look good in coverage, and Makari Paige played significantly in the second half when Daxton Hill went to Nickel. Aidan Hutchinson had 6 tackles including a TD saver and a tipped pass. Cam McGrone had 5 tackles, but played the game with a huge cast on his left arm. Overall, Michigan fans were satisfied by the defensive performance with a win, but it was obvious that this defense has significant work to do if they are to be considered a contender. The two new defensive backs, Gemon Green and Vincent Gray had their "hands full" with trying to cover Rashod Bateman, but game up with 6 tackles and two pass break ups; Green looked better than Gray in coverage.

Special Teams were not good. Jake Moody missed 3 field goals; he certainly didn't look better than Quinn Nordin, but he apparently beat him out for starter. We had a punt blocked that resulted in a Gopher Red Zone that they converted for an early lead. We did stop a fake punt with a strong tackle by Hassan Haskins. The Gophers were without their starting punter and kicker, and did not had a great night punting; Matthew Stephenson punted 4 times for a 35 yard average. Brock Walker was only capable of "pooch" kicks on his 5 kickoffs with an average of less than 37 yards per boot, but he did make all extra points and added a field goal. Michael Barrett had a great kickoff return for 66 yards to set up a Wolverine Red Zone that was converted for a TD. Moody kicked off 8 times with no touchbacks.

On to entertaining the Spartans! Go Blue!

Observations on the first half with the Gophers Box Score Player Participation Post Game Press Conference: Harbaugh P.J. Fleck Post Game