Observations on the first half with Minnesota, 14-7

Michigan spots Minnesota a 0-7 lead, and storms back in the 2nd quarter with 2 TDs to take the halftime lead. Both teams convert their only red zone into a TD. Minnesota fails to score a point off one Wolverine turnover. Michigan starts with 2 three and outs and doesn't get a first down until the 2nd quarter.

Offense gains 192 net yards and 11 first downs behind Devin Gardner, and comes back to gain time of possession advantage at the half after being behind by 8 minutes after the first quarter. Gardner was 8 of 12 for 119 yards, and gained 25 yards in 7 carries plus converted 4 of 6 in 3rd down conversions. Thomas Rawls ran 8 times for 27 yards and a TD. Fitz Touissaint gained 12 yards in 5 carries. Drew Dileo had 3 catches for 58 yards. We have outgained them rushing 73 to 64.

Defense had a solid first half despite giving up a red zone TD. We stopped the Gophers on a 4th down, and stopped their only drive after a turnover at midfield. Desmond Morgan and J.T. Floyd had 4 tackles each. We held the Gophers to 132 net yards of offense after giving up 93 in the first quarter. They had 8 first downs and were 2 of 8 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Nelson is 6 of 12 for 58 yards

Special Teams were horrid! Jeremy Gallon fumbles a punt, and pick it up inside his 10 and brings it to the 30; however, Marvin Robinson takes a stupid block in the back penalty bringing it back to the 9. Mike Jones also took a bad holding penalty on a kickoff bring back a gain inside the 10. Will Hagerup had a 22 yard punt giving the Gophers great field position.

2nd Half will be tight, don't expect an easy win. Turnovers will be the key. Defense must continue to play well, offense needs to be poised and composed, no turnovers. Go Blue!