Last Week at The Wolverine Den
Tailgate Attendance
78
Michigan 27 - Minnesota 24 (Military Appreciation Game)
Michigan Stadium
September 28, 2024 - 12:00 p.m. ET
Tailgate Pictures
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Game Preview
The Michigan Wolverines return to the gridiron on Saturday to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers. It's the battle for the Little Brown Jug, the oldest trophy in college football. You all know the story, Michigan left their water jug in 1909 and asked for it to be returned. Minnesota responded by saying come win it back. And the jug became part of college football lore. The programs were both powerhouses in college football when the Jug first started but the teams have moved in divergent directions over the last 50 years. Since the start of the Bo era at Michigan, the Wolverines have won the Jug 42 times and only lost it 4. But two of those "recent" Minnesota wins were against highly ranked Michigan teams. In 1977, #1 ranked Michigan left without the Jug in 16-0 loss (the last time Michigan was shutout in a game). Then in 1986, #2 ranked Michigan was beaten on a last second field goal. Michigan turned the ball over 5 times in that game, and the QB? That was Jim Harbaugh's senior year.
Pre-game Menu
Eggs Benedict
Hash Brown Casserole
Fruit Salad
Muffins
Post-game Menu
Burgers
Snacks
Minnesota is led by the face of their program, head coach P.J. Fleck. He came from Western Michigan to Minnesota after parlaying a 13-1 season and trip to the Cotton Bowl for Western Michigan in 2016. This is his 8th year with the Golden Gophers and the "Row The Boat" scene is alive and well in Minnesota. Fleck has turned a below average team into an above average team. His 52-36 record at Minnesota is the best since the legendary Bernie Bierman was winning back-to-back-to-back National Championships at Minnesota in the 1930's. The Gophers are better but nowhere near the talent or success of Michigan.
The Minnesota offense is led by QB Max Brosmer. He is a transfer from FBS New Hampshire where he was 1st team All-American last year. For his career, he has over 9,500 passing yards with 75 TDs and 28 INTs. But moving up to power 4 football has been difficult. In 4 games this year, Brosmer is averaging 209 passing yards with 5 TDs. Last year's stating QB for Minnesota transferred to Rutgers where he has led the Scarlet Knights to a 4-0 start. Running back Darius Taylor is a sophomore from Walled Lake Western. He rushed for 2,450 yards and 36 TDs in his senior year, but was not offered a scholarship by Michigan.
The Wolverine Den Trivia
Q: Michigan leads the nation is 4 statistical categories, what are they?
A: There are actually 6 statistical categories that are led by Michigan: Will Johnson with 2 interceptions returned for TDs; Dominic Zvada field gal percentage; Defense allowing the lowest 4th down conversion rate; Offense highest red zone scoring percentage; Special Teams fewest blocked punts allowed; and, of course, attendance.
The Gopher defense has been solid but not great. They did shut out Rhode Island (FCS) and Nevada in back-to-back games, the first consecutive shutouts for Minnesota since 1962. But they also gave up 270 yards rushing and 31 points to Iowa last week.
After a big win over USC, Michigan will look to put it all together this week. The game will be a battle of the trenches, but the Gopher offense just doesn't have the firepower to stay with the Wolverines. Minnesota scored only 17 points in their loss to North Carolina and UNC just gave up 70 points to James Madison. Minnesota is +5 in turnover margin (4th in the nation) while Michigan is -4. But these things have a way of equaling out. The Michigan defense will shut down the Minnesota offense and should easily top 250 yards on the ground.
Michigan leads the all-time series with Minnesota 77-25-3. The Wolverines are ranked #12 in the polls this week.
The Wolverines are a 9½-point favorite. The Jug stays in Ann Arbor!
Post-Game Summary
The Little Brown Jug stays in Ann Arbor after the Michigan Wolverines escaped with a 27-24 victory over the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Michigan jumped out to a 21-3 halftime lead and extended that to 24-3 in the 3rd quarter. The game appeared to be over. But Minnesota fought back and pulled within 3 points in the final two minutes. The onside kick attempt was covered by the Gophers, but an offsides penalty resulted in a re-kick which was covered by the Maize and Blue. Whew!
Kalel Mullings had another outstanding game with 117 rushing yards and 2 TDs. Alex Orji was better, completing 10-18 but for only 86 yards. He also threw his first interception of the year. Michigan played without standout edge Josaiah Stewart and All-American Will Johnson. But the D-Line was excellent with 5 sacks and 9 TFLs, two of the sacks by Mason Graham. Minnesota was held to 38 rushing yards but was able to complete short passes over the middle to mount their comeback. Michigan was outgained for the second straight game but still came out on top. The last time that happened was in 2005. Michigan has now won 4 games this year while throwing for less than 135 yards while their lone game of passing over 200 yards came in their only loss. Dominic Zvada kicked his 4th field goal over 50 yards this year, the most ever in a season for Michigan.
Even with the close game, the Wolverines moved up to #10 in the polls this week. They take to the road for the first time this season with a rematch of last year’s National Championship game against Washington.
Steve's Prediction
27-13
Brown's Prediction
27-10
Tim's Prediction
24-13
Craig's Prediction
31-10
Brown 14½, Craig 13, Tim 12½, Steve 10