Observations on the first half with Minnesota, 14-16

Michigan converts two red zones for 14 points; Minnesota converts three red zones for 9 points including 6 points off two Wolverine turnovers. Minnesota won the toss, opted for the ball so we'll get the ball first to start the second half. The Gophers capitalized on a one minute time of possession advantage to get off 2 more offensive plays than we did.

Offense continues to be unimpressive with 11 first downs, 145 net yards with only 45 on the ground. Jake Rudock was 9 of 16 for 100 yards and a TD, but also had two turnovers with a fumble and an interception. Amara Darboh had 4 catches for 43 yards, and Jake Butt caught 3 passes for 29 yards. Jabrill Peppers had a 9 yard gain on a run, and drew a pass interference call to also gain us a first down. DeVondre Campbell leads the Gophers with 8 tackles.

Defense looked really bad especially in the 2nd quarter! Minnesota gained 11 first downs, 256 net yards with 77 on the ground. Mitch Leidner was 8 of 19 for 179 yards including a 52 yard TD strike to Rashad Still, and a 39 yard pass to Brandon Lingen setting up the go ahead field goal. The offense gave the defense a 14-3 lead, but they couldn't hold it as they gave up 13 points in the 2nd quarter. Our safety play continues to embarass in coverage. Jarrod Wilson led the defense with 5 tackles, and our linebackers are not filling in the gaps; Joe Bolden had 4 tackles, Desmond Morgan and James Ross had 3 tackles each as did linemen Ryan Glasgow and Maurice Hurst. Hurst had a red zone stopping tackle for loss. We have only forced the Gophers into 2 punts.

Special Teams did pretty well! Jabrill Peppers highlighted play with a 41 yard punt return setting up our second score plus a 43 yard kickoff return. Kenny Allen hit two touchbacks in 3 kickoffs. Blake O'Neill only punted once with a 32 yarder that he failed to nail inside the 20.

2nd Half promises to be a nailbiter! Minnesota is playing with passion, and we are not. Hope we play better and get some breaks to escape Minneapolis with the Brown Jug and a win! Go Blue!