Observations on the win over Minnesota, 27-24
Michigan converted three red zones for 17 points; Minnesota gained 4 red zones for 24 points. The Gophers got 7 points off one Wolverine turnover, and Michigan got 7 points off two Minnesota turnovers. The meek Wolverine offense could only muster two field goals in the second half, but it was enough to prevail, and retain the Little Brown Jug!
Offense gained 241 net yards with 155 on the ground; they were 7 of 16 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 15 first downs, and four "3 and outs." Kalel Mullings ran 24 times for 111 yards and 2 TDs. Alex Orji ran 9 times for 12 yards, and was 10 of 18 in the air for 86 yards with a TD and an interception. Colston Loveland caught 4 passes for 41 yards. Tyler Morris got an 11 yard TD pass. Marlin Klein caught a 9 yarder. Donovan Edwards ran 9 times for 34 yards, and caught 2 passes for 1 yard. Kendrick Bell caught 2 passes for 24 yards. The Wolverine offense is lackluster, and not a championship offense. Our offensive line is weak; we have weak wide receivers, and a quarterback who is athletic, but unable to pass effectively. We are 4-1, but in for a "long season" that will probably not end well; my prediction is 7-5 or 6-6 depending on how we do on the road with Illinois and Indiana. We will certainly not be up to the challenge of Ohio State and Oregon this year, and we could lose to Washington, Illinois, and/or Indiana as well. The Wolverines held a 6:30 time of possession advantage, but the Gophers had a 5 play advantage. Maverick Baranowski and Cody Lindenberg led the Minnesota defense with 9 tackles each.
The Gopher offense has a great second half utilizing "tempo" to wear down weary Wolverine defense with 21 4th quarter points. Minnesota gained 296 total yards with only 38 on the ground; they were was 8 of 17 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 20 first downs. Max Brosmer completed 27 of 40 for 258 yards with a TD and an interception by Jyaire Hill; Brosmer overcame 4 first half sacks, and 5 quarterback hits to rally his team. Walled Lake's Darius Taylor ran 13 times for 36 yards with 2 TDs, and caught 10 passes for 52 yards. Daniel Jackson caught 7 passes for 58 yards and a TD. Elijah Spencer caught 6 passes for 67 yards. Ernest Hausmann led the Wolverine defense with 9 tackles.
Special Teams were great in the first half, but the Gophers special teams dominated the second half. A 60 yard punt return by Koi Perich gave them a red zone, and we only forced Minnesota into one punt in the second half. The officials call on the onside kick saved the day, and I don't think it was the right call; however, sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. It took two field goals by Dominic Zvada in the second half to squeak out a win! It turned out the the Dragan Kesich miss in the first quarter was the difference.
Our first road game looms next week to Washington, and the Huskies will be gunning for revenge from the National Championship game earlier in the year. Go Blue!
