ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Nothing comes easy for this Michigan team.
After jumping out to a big lead against Minnesota (2-3, 0-2 Big Ten), the No. 12 Wolverines (4-1, 2-0) gave up 21 points in the fourth quarter and had to hang on for a 27-24 victory after the Golden Gophers were called for a controversial offside penalty on an onside kick they recovered. Here are three instant takeaways.
How Michigan avoided a fourth-quarter disaster
Michigan was cruising in the third quarter, and it looked as if the Wolverines might be headed for their easiest win of the season. Instead, the Wolverines nearly gave away the game and were fortunate to hold on.
When the Wolverines look back at this game, they’re going to have trouble counting the ways they left the door open for Minnesota. The Gophers scored touchdowns on their final three possessions after mustering only a field goal the first nine times they touched the ball. An interception thrown by Michigan quarterback Alex Orji, a long punt return and a penalty on fourth down were among the Michigan miscues that contributed to Minnesota’s comeback.
Max Brosmer hit Daniel Jackson for a 12-yard touchdown pass that pulled Minnesota within a field goal with 1:37 remaining. The Gophers recovered their first attempt at an onside kick, but the play was overturned by a questionable penalty that was not reviewable.
“I don’t think he’s offside” @MikePereira weighs in on the penalty called against Minnesota on the onside kick ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/DHtY6JqtNA
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 28, 2024
Michigan recovered the second onside kick try but nearly snapped the ball over Orji’s head while trying to run out the clock. This was not a clinic in late-game execution.
Questions about Michigan’s offense aren’t going away
Michigan built a 24-3 lead thanks to a turnover and a blocked punt that gave the Wolverines two short fields in the first half. Aside from those gift-wrapped scoring opportunities and an impressive opening drive, the offense did very little.
Minnesota outgained the Wolverines 296 yards to 241 and kept Michigan’s rushing attack largely in check, limiting the Wolverines to an average of 3.6 yards per carry. Michigan opened up the offense a bit for Orji, who completed 10 of 18 passes for 86 yards, but the passing game didn’t look radically different from a week ago when he threw for just 32 yards in a win against USC. And unlike last week, when Orji played turnover-free football, he threw an interception that opened the door for Minnesota’s comeback in the second half.
Orji had tight end Colston Loveland open on a seam route and Donovan Edwards open on a wheel route. His pass to Loveland was underthrown and intercepted by Ethan Robinson. Minnesota drove for a touchdown, stuffed Michigan on a third-and-short, then scored again after a 60-yard punt return.
Injuries adding up on defense
Michigan played without two of its defensive stars from last week, as cornerback Will Johnson and edge rusher Josaiah Stewart missed the game with injuries. Both were listed as questionable on the pregame injury report and both went through warmups in full uniform, but neither was in the starting lineup. Michigan also played without safety Wesley Walker and cornerback Ja’Den McBurrows, and safety Makari Paige left the game in the fourth quarter after a big hit.
Though the defense faded at the end, Michigan can thank its defense and special teams for doing enough to pull out this win. Zeke Berry’s play to rip the ball away from Jackson set up a Michigan touchdown, and cornerback Jyaire Hill also continued his strong play with an interception on a deep pass in single coverage. Those plays, plus a blocked punt to set up a touchdown, gave Michigan just enough cushion to escape with a win.
(Photo of Kalel Mullings: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
