Minnesota takes down Michigan in classic Big 10 rivalry

Today the Golden Gophers welcome Michigan to Huntington Bank Stadium. These two teams have been facing off for over 125 years in one of the oldest rivalries in American sports. Minnesota has not beaten the Wolverines in 12 years, and haven't beaten Michigan in Minneapolis sense 1977 (Memorial Stadium). Michigan open as slight favorites, but their on-and-off success this season makes it feel like this one could go either way.

The opening drives went perfect for Minnesota. They stopped the Wolverines quickly, and responded with a quick and efficient march down the field, with Drake Lindsay throwing a perfect 3/3 for 66 yards, and ended in a 2 yard rushing touchdown for Darius Taylor. After kicking the ball back to Michigan, the Gopher defense stood strong, stopping the Wolverines just past midfield again.

Through the first quarter all the momentum seemed to be going the way of Minnesota, but with 1 minute left, Lindsey takes a big hit and throws an interception, setting the Wolverines up on the 34 yard line. Michigan carried the momentum of their interception into the 2nd quarter, where they quickly scored thanks to a 5 yard rush from Jordan Marshall, tying the game at 7-7.

After a pair of defensive stops, Minnesota's offense gets back on track and slowly works their way down the field. After chewing through most of the 2nd quarter, and nearly reaching the red zone, Drake Lindsey throws another interception to Minnesota native Nathaniel Staehling, which gets returned all the way for a Michigan touchdown. Score is 14-7 and Minnesota has 3 minutes left in the half to try to get their momentum back. Minnesota is unable to get the ball moving, and are forced to punt the ball back to Michigan with 1:35 left on the clock. The Minnesota defense comes up big with a 1st down sack, which is enough to scare Michigan off from trying to score.

Coming out of the half, Minnesota's offense looked good, however their drive stalled out after a false start penalty and screen pass that went for -4 yards. Minnesota was forced to punt the ball back to the Wolverines, but they muff the punt and Minnesota recovers on the 17 yard line. The Michigan defense responds with a 3 and out, forcing a field goal, 14-10.

With the ball back in the hands of Bryce Underwood, Michigan looks to further their lead. Their plan was short lived, as Ayden West picks off Michigans first pass of the drive, setting Minnesota up at the 42 yard line. After a pair of explosive runs from TJ Thomas, the drive would stall out on the 8 yard line, forcing another field goal, bringing the score to 14-13.

Michigan has struggled to get anything moving on offense the entire game. Michigan goes back to the air, However, Bryce Underwood is intercepted on his first pass again, this time by Zach Harden. An explosive 31 yard run from Noah Jennings sets up Drake Lindsey to deliver his first passing touchdown of the game to running back Darious Taylor, and the Golden Gophers retake the lead, 20-14.

Kyle Whittingham and Jason Beck show their confidence in Underwood by going straight back to the air on the first play. This time, he is able to complete his pass for JJ Buchanan for 12 yards. After getting behind the sticks due to a personal foul penalty, Underwood scrambles for a 14 yard gain, getting the 1st down. Shortly after that, he has another 9 yard rush. Clearly unshaken by his back to back interceptions, Underwood is playing with confidence. However, the Minnesota defense is quick to take away any momentum after sacking Underwood on a 3rd and 9.

With a 6 point lead and 8 minutes left on the clock, Minnesota gets the ball back on their own 12 yard line. Obviously trying to chew clock, the Minnesota drive stalls after just 5 plays, but they are able to drain 3 minutes off the clock, leaving a Michigan offense that hasn't gotten rolling all day 5 minutes to work. Like they have all day, Minnesota gets a timely 10 yard sack, forcing a 3rd and 20, where despite no pressure, the D-Line tips Underwoods pass, forcing an incompletion and punt with just over 3 minutes remaining.

Minnesota is unable to drain the rest of the clock, and after a 3 and out, punt it back to Michigan on the other side of the 2 minute warning. Underwood and the Wolverines have one more chance to march 87 yards down the field, score a touchdown, and leave Minneapolis with the win. As the Wolverines approach mid field, again, the offense stalls and they turn it over on downs, effectively ending the game.

The students rush the field as Minnesota snaps their 12 year losing streak to Michigan, reclaim the Little Brown Jug, and treat the Minnesota faithful to a win they will never forget. Next week, Minnesota heads to Indiana to take on Purdue, where they look to maintin their undefeated record in Big 10 conference play.

Photos courtesy of the University of Minnesota