Observations on recapturing the Brown Jug from Minnesota, 28-14!

1-The game was a defensive struggle in the second half; we ended up with 4 red zones for only 14 points while the Gophers had two red zones for 7 points. Each team failed to convert a critical second half red zone opportunity. There were no turnovers for either side, and that was also a big factor for both teams. Grady did fumble, but Breaston recovered. 14 minutes time of possession advantage was most critical factor in the win due to the net rushing advantage.

2-Henne was 18 of 25 for 291 yards and 3 TDs, two to Arrington and one to Manningham. Arrington had 3 catches for 59 yards while Manningham had 5 for 131 yards. Breaston added 5 catches for 49 yards and Massey had 3 catches for 15 yards. Offense netted 511 yards, 23 first downs and was 10 of 16 in 3rd and 4th down conversions.

3-Mr. Mike Hart had 31 carries for 194 yards, and our offense netted 221 yards in rushing on 41 carries. Hart also grabbed a critical 31 yard pass setting up our final red zone score.

4-Defense allowed 18 first downs and 322 net offensive yards. Cupito was 17 of 34 for 218 yards and two TDs to Payne who had 6 catches for 108 yards. We forced Minnesota into 7 punts. We held Pinnix to 90 yards in 20 carries, and only 107 net rushing yards. Defense held the Gophers to only 4 of 14 on 3rd and 4th down conversions. David Harris led the defense with 9 tackles, but we could get no sacks on Cupito. Sherels led both teams with 12 tackles for the Gophers.

5-Tyler Ecker missed most of the game with an ankle sprain, Carson Butler was suspended so we are down to Massey, Thompson and McLaurin at tight end (possibly Will Paul could also play if needed). Morgan Trent did not play so the internet rumors on MgoBlog were true; he must have a broken hand. Carlos Brown played so this means he won't redshirt, and Mister Simpson is no longer on the team with his transfer to Cincinnati.

6-Special teams were up and down. Mesko did a nice job on 3 punts including a 54 yarder to the 8, and two others inside the 20; one went for a touchback although it was almost downed at the one inch line. Rivas blew a chip shot 22 yarder. Breaston had 3 punts for 5 yards and one kickoff for 16 yards. Minnesota converted an onside kick on us when Breaston didn't handle the kick.

7-Bring on the Sparties! Got to like our chances next week at home with our stout defense. If we can win at Happy Valley, and win at home against Iowa; we'll set up a probable showdown in Columbus for the Big Ten title and possible ticket to a BCS Championship title game. We have a lot of improvement to do though between now and then.

Observations on the first half with Minnesota, 21-7!

1-Hart has rushed for 85 yards on 15 carries, and Michigan has netted 95 yards on 19 carries.

2-Henne is 10 of 12 for 166 yards and 3 TDs, two to Arrington and one to Manningham. Arrington has 3 catches for 59 yards while Manningham has 2 for 56 yards. Breaston has added 2 catches for 38 yards and Massey has 2 catches for 13 yards. Offense has 267 yards, 14 first downs and is 4 of 7 in 3rd and 4th down conversions.

3-Defense has allowed 8 first downs and 75 net rushing yards. Cupito is 8 of 11 for 73 yards and one TD to Payne who has 3 catches for 45 yards. Minnesota has 148 yards in total offense. Harris leads the defense with 7 tackles; we have no sacks on Capito. Sherels leads the Gophers with 8 tackles.

4-Tyler Ecker may miss the rest of the game with an ankle sprain, Carson Butler is suspended so we are down to Massey and Thompson at tight end.

5-Turnovers or the lack of turnovers will determine the outcome in the second half. We really need to get more pressure on Cupito. Only one penalty called in the first half, and no turnovers or special teams advantage. Mesko had a nice 54 yard punt to the 8, but it was returned to the 21. We have nearly a 5 minute time of possession advantage.