Observations on the first half with Minnesota, 7-10

The Gophers earn two red zones, and convert both for 10 points. The Wolverines earn only one red zone for 7 points. No turnovers for either team.

Offense managed only 6 first downs and 106 net yards behind Shane Morris who started; he was 6 of 10 for 41 yards. Devin Funches caught 3 passes for 25 yards. DeVeon Smith earned 55 yards in 8 carries including a TD. Offense was 2 of 6 on 3rd down conversions, and was forced into 4 punts.

Defense looked bad on the last drive, and is having difficulty stopping David Cobb. He rushed 19 times for 111 yards plus caught 3 passes for 50 yards. Can our coaches make the adjustments necessary? Mitch Leidner hit 10 of 16 for 115 yards, and ran for the only Gopher TD. Joe Bolden led the defense with 8 tackles; Jarrod Wilson was in on 5 stops. Taco Charlton and Frank Clark combined for a sack. The Gophers held a 4 minute time of possession advantage which resulted in 15 more offensive plays, and were 4 of 9 in 3rd and 4th down conversions; they accumulated 229 yards in total offense with 12 first downs.

Special Teams were not good. Dennis Norfleet looked horrid on kickoffs with a 13 yarder. Will Hagerup punted 4 times for a 48.5 yard average thanks to a lucky roll on one punt with another downed at the one yard line just before half.

Second Half promises to be a low scoring nailbiter favoring the Gophers who have stopped the Wolverines on Offense, and showing that they are wearing down Michigan's defense with their offensive line. Hope the Wolverines can re-group, re-adjust and triumph to retain the Jug! Go Blue!