Insights and observations from Michigan’s 27-24 win over Minnesota

ANN ARBOR – Michigan’s football team defeated Minnesota 27-24 on Saturday to improve to 4-1 and 2-0 in Big Ten play.

Similar to last week’s 27-24 win over USC, the 12th-ranked Wolverines overcame some slow periods to emerge victorious. A 21-point fourth-quarter lead nearly evaporated, but Michigan ran out of time after the Golden Gophers (2-3, 0-2) got within three points with 1:37 left.

Minnesota outgained Michigan 296 yards to 241, but the Wolverines used some short fields to build an early lead. Here are takeaways and observations from Saturday’s win:

*Michigan’s offense below Alex Orji remains boom or bust. Outside of the team’s three touchdown drives, there were six possessions that lasted four plays or fewer, not including an interception by Orji in the third quarter. On Saturday, in the 15 drives with Orji behind center, four ended in touchdowns while six ended in three-and-outs.

*The wet and windy conditions weren’t ideal for ball throwing, but Orji had another tough day of passing ahead of him. He completed 10 of 18 passes for 86 yards, but several of his completions fell short. At his interception, Colston Loveland was open, but he floated the ball instead of making a pass and giving his receiver the lead. This gave the security guard more time to approach and intercept the attack. Most of his attempts were also short throws, as Michigan remains hesitant to make many deep throws with Orji.

*Special teams and key defensive plays were the main reason for Michigan’s early double-digit lead. Two of the Wolverines’ touchdown drives started in the red zone. The first was courtesy of the defensive back Zeke Berry, who ripped the ball out of receiver Daniel Jackson’s hands for a fumble. Mullings capped a 16-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run for a 14-0 lead. Later in the quarter Kechaun Bennett blocked a punt to give Michigan the ball at the Minnesota 11. Ten of the Gophers’ drives started inside their 25, while Michigan had five drives that started at its own 37 or better.

*Speaking of special teams, Minnesota missed a 55-yard field goal in the first quarter, while Michigan missed a 55-yard field goal Dominic Zvada continues to make money by drilling a 53-yarder that led to a 21-point game at the time but later proved crucial after two rushing Minnesota touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Then, at the 4:33 mark of the fourth, Zvada drilled a 35-yarder to make the score two.

*Cornerback from Michigan Jayaire Hill arguably had the highlight of the game when he made an acrobatic interception near the Minnesota sideline, tapping his toes to stay in the field. His selection once again gave Michigan excellent starting position, but the Wolverines didn’t capitalize on it.

*Hill was the team’s No. 1 cornerback on Saturday as an All-American Will Johnson is endured. He was listed as questionable on the pregame availability report and completed warmups but did not play. The same was true for Michigan’s No. 1 edge rusher and sacks leader Josaiah Stewart. The Wolverines seemed to have no chance without them in the first half. They forced two turnovers and three three-pointers in the first two quarters before the Gophers unleashed an offensive explosion in the second half. They scored a total of three points on their first three drives before scoring touchdowns on their final three possessions.

*Mason Graham has played his best games of the season in the past two weeks. He was dominant in the middle of Michigan’s defensive line against the Golden Gophers, finishing the game with four tackles and two sacks. He made a role model of a Minnesota offensive lineman in the first half with a swim for an 8-yard sack on third-and-11. The Gophers couldn’t get anything going on the ground, rushing for 38 yards on 25 attempts, and Graham’s presence under center was a big reason why.

*Back to the offense: The receivers had another quiet day. Tyler Morris caught an under route and made a leaping play to reach the pylon for an 11-yard touchdown, but the receivers combined for just three catches for 35 yards. Kendrick Bell had the other two receptions but also suffered a decline in the first half. The Wolverines also played without receivers Semaj Morganwho had been the team’s No. 1 target outside of that season Colston Loveland.

*Loveland returned after missing last week’s game and, as expected, led the team with four catches for 41 yards.

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