Minnesota falls to No. 12 Michigan and hits under .500 with Gov. Tim Walz in attendance

The audition went much better for Tim Walz than his state’s college football program.

The University of Minnesota traveled to Ann Arbor for a Big Ten matchup against No. 12 Michigan, and the reigning champions dominated early.

The Golden Gophers fought back late, scoring three touchdowns in the fourth quarter alone, but it wasn’t enough.

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Kalel Mullings, #20 of the Michigan Wolverines, celebrates a first-half touchdown run with Tyler Morris, #8, while playing against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on September 28, 2024. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Overall, the Minnesota governor watched the Golden Gophers lose 27-24 to the Wolverines in a suite with Beto O’Rourke.

Minnesota cut the game to a three-point game with 1:36 left and actually recovered an onside kick, but a special teams player was called offside, negating the game, and the Wolverines were able to play out the remainder of the period .

Before the game, Walz huddled with fans in front of the Big House.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz wears a camouflage hunting cap and greets UM students after his flight arrives in the rain at Willow Run Airport on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (Paul Egan/Detroit Free Press/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

“A little rain can’t stop us from the big Michigan-Minnesota game! And it won’t stop these students from making sure everyone on their campus is eligible to vote,” Walz posted on X.

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When asked by the Michigan College Democrats

“I’m excited to be in the Big House, I’m excited to watch this incredible game. I’m even more excited to see young people looking forward to their future.” he replied.

After he finished tailgating, Walz and his wife walked onto the field to greet Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck.

Michigan running back Kalel Mullings continued his dominance on the ground, reaching the end zone twice.

The Wolverines are now 5-1 and have won four straight since their loss to Texas, now ranked No. 1 in the country. The Gophers are now 2-3 this season and have lost both conference games.

Kalel Mullings, #20 of the Michigan Wolverines, celebrates a first half touchdown with his teammates while playing against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Michigan Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

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Michigan plays its first road game next week in a national championship rematch against Washington, while Minnesota hosts No. 13 USC.

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