Michigan football: What we learned in thrilling win vs. USC, what to watch vs. Minnesota

Free Press sports writer Tony Garcia looks back at Michigan football’s 27-24 victory over USC and looks ahead to the Wolverines’ next conference clash against Minnesota on Saturday:

Next up for the Wolverines: Minnesota Golden Gophers

Matchup: No. 12 Michigan (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) vs. Minnesota (2-2, 0-1).

Kickoff: Noon Saturday; Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor.

TV/radio: Fox; WXYT-FM (97.1).

Line: Wolverines by 11½.

Know the foe

Gophers coach PJ Fleck is in his eighth season in Minneapolis. They are perennially in the middle of the Big Ten, seemingly destined for a lower-tier bowl. The Gophers have two losses to Power Four schools — North Carolina (19-17) in Week 1 and Saturday to Iowa (31-14) — and both their wins came against smaller programs in FCS-level Rhode Island (48-0) and Mountain West foe Nevada (27-0).

Minnesota led Iowa 14-7 at the half, but the defense allowed a touchdown, touchdown, field goal and touchdown on the first four possessions, while the offense started punt, three-and-out, three-and-out, interception. It’s a welcome sight for the Wolverines, as the Hawkeyes were able to win the game despite passing for just 62 yards (much like U-M defeated USC while passing for only 32).

ALL ABOARD: This is what Michigan football is. Time will tell if it’s enough to get back to the CFP

Minnesota is No. 105 in total offense (335 yards per game) and No. 88 in scoring offense (26.5 points per game), with a rushing attack ranked No. 108 in the nation in rushing yards (117.2), even with a solid lead back in former Walled Lake Western standout Darius Taylor. The sophomore missed the opener and has run 35 times for 222 yards (6.3 yards per carry) and three scores.

Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer hands the ball off to running back Darius Taylor during the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-football-learned-thrilling-win-200028877.html

Author : Detroit Free Press

Publish date : 2024-09-22 20:00:28

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