No. 12 Michigan Doesn't Allow Minnesota to Complete Comeback

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The No. 12 Michigan Wolverines (4-1, 2-0 Big Ten Conference) escaped with a win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-3, 0-2) on Sept. 28 in Ann Arbor, Mich. Head coach Sherrone Moore's Wolverines had to fight off a fourth-quarter comeback as they captured their second Big Ten win. This also marked their fifth-straight victory against Minnesota for the Little Brown Jug.

Game Summary

The Wolverines controlled the momentum early. They opened with a perfectly-executed drive, ending on a 27-yard touchdown run from star running back Kalel Mullings. Michigan continued their first half dominance. A fumble recovery and blocked punt set the Wolverine offense up inside the Minnesota 20-yard line on two consecutive drives. Mullings scored his second touchdown on one of those possessions. Quarterback Alex Orji hit wide receiver Tyler Morris for the score on the next one. Minnesota avoided a first half shutout when they completed a 44-yard prayer of a pass to wide receiver Nick Kallerup with two seconds remaining in the quarter without any timeouts. They quickly ran their field goal unit out and perfectly executed a successful field goal as time expired, going into the break down 21-3.

The game seemed to be under Michigan's control as they looked to coast to the win. Head coach PJ Fleck's team had other plans. Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham was called for a hands to the face penalty on a key fourth down, allowing Minnesota to move the chains. They capitalized just plays later with a 3-yard touchdown run from running back Darius Taylor.

The Gopher defense forced a quick three-and-out and Koi Perich returned the punt 61 yards deep into Wolverine territory. That would lead to a second Taylor score, cutting the lead to seven in just a matter of minutes. Michigan retaliated with a long, time-consuming field goal drive. Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer then lead an incredible drive down the field. Brosmer hit wide receiver Daniel Jackson on a 12-yard highlight-reel touchdown as he fought through pass interference from the defender.

Minnesota, now only down three, miraculously recovered an onside kick. However, it was called back due to a controversial offsides penalty on the kick by just a fraction of a yard. There was then a wild near-turnover where the snap hit a player in motion before Orji was able to fall on the ball. Michigan avoided the late collapse as they ran out the clock and came out with the 27-24 victory.

Turning Point for Michigan

Minnesota was still in the game early despite their lack of success on offense. Michigan's offense was not gashing the defense by any means. The Minnesota offense also was able to move the chains somewhat consistently before being stalled each time in the half. With the score being 7-0, defensive back Zeke Berry stripped the ball right out of Daniel Jackson's hands. That set up another Wolverine touchdown shortly after, making it a two-touchdown game. Without that key sequence, the late comeback would have likely resulted in a Michigan loss.

What it Means for Michigan?

The Wolverines looked solid through three quarters. Having an 18-point lead disappear so quickly however, is major cause for concern. The defense struggled against a high-tempo style of play. Offensively, Orji looked somewhat better in terms of passing.

He still left much to be desired apart from a handful of solid throws. This outing continued to show that there are serious holes on both sides of the ball. They were without two key defenders in cornerback Will Johnson and edge rusher Josaiah Stewart. They will look to hopefully get the two back soon. Moore's Wolverines will travel to face the Washington Huskies (3-2, 1-1) next on Oct. 5 in another conference matchup.

What it Means for Minnesota?

Fleck and his squad won't get an easy opponent to bounce back against. They will face the No. 13 USC Trojans (2-1, 0-1) on Oct. 5 in Minneapolis. The Golden Gophers showed an ability to be very explosive as they fought back late. They will need to be sharper and eliminate the turnover problem they had today in order to be competitive in another tough conference game.