Observations on losing the Brown Jug to Minnesota, 14-30

The Gophers earned 5 red zones, and converted 4 of them into 20 points. The Wolverines earned two red zone for 14 points. Minnesota converted two Michigan turnovers into 7 points.

Offense managed only 12 first downs and 171 net yards behind Shane Morris who started; he was 7 of 19 for 49 yards plus two turnovers. Devin Gardner came in and was 3 of 6 for 39 yards plus ran 5 times for 23 yards and a TD. DeVeon Smith earned 57 yards in 9 carries including a TD. Offense was 4 of 13 on 3rd down conversions, and was forced into 8 punts and two turnovers.

Defense looked bad on the last drive of the first half, and continued to struggle in the second half. David Cobb rushed 32 times for 183 yards plus caught 3 passes for 50 yards. Mitch Leidner hit 14 of 22 for 167 yards, a TD, and ran for another Gopher TD. Joe Bolden led the defense with 10 tackles; Jarrod Wilson was in on 9 stops. The Gophers held nearly a 10 minute time of possession advantage which resulted in 17 more offensive plays, and were 6 of 15 in 3rd and 4th down conversions; they accumulated 373 yards in total offense, 206 on the ground with 20 first downs.

Special Teams were not good. Dennis Norfleet looked horrid on kickoffs and punts. Will Hagerup punted 8 times for a 50 yard average thanks to a lucky roll on a few punts, but really hurt us with poor field position most of the day.

We have the worst offense of 14 Big Ten teams, and if we can't move the ball, we are destined to finish with a 2-10 record. It will be interesting to listen to Brady Hoke's explanation for leaving Morris in while he was injured, but the whole second half was an embarassment to the Michigan football program. There is no doubt that this will be this staff's final season, and changes will be forthcoming in December.

Post Game Press Conference Box Score and Player Participation Highlights

Observations on the first half with Minnesota

Minnesota Press Conference Tuesday Practice Report

Brady Hoke Presser on September 24 Ready for Big Ten Season