Michigan survives late scare: Three likes, two concerns, and one hope

Elijah Kaye | Sep 29, 2024

Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore looks at the ref during a time out during first-half action between Michigan and Minnesota at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. / Eric Seals / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After a massive win last week against USC that salvaged the season, the Wolverines needed to ensure they finished their five-game home stand with another win. It was sloppy, but Michigan got the job done defeating Minnesota 27-24 to improve to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten play.

Three likes

Opening drive: Michigan went 79 yards in 10 plays to strike first and grab a 7-0 lead. The offensive line looked sharp and there was a good mix of play calling with 6 runs and 4 passes. Kalel Mullings capped it off with a 27-yard dash to the end zone for his first of two scores on the day.

Jyaire Hill: The sophomore cornerback has been playing much better as of late. On Minnesota's second possession, Hill read a screen perfectly on 3rd & 8 resulting in a tackle for loss. The Gophers missed a field goal after the loss of three yards. Hill also grabbed his first interception of the season in the second quarter after making a fantastic play on the ball.

The front four: The pressure created by the front four, especially without blitzing was impressive. Mason Graham finished with two sacks and TJ Guy recorded his first sack of the season.

Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham celebrates after sacking Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer, in the background, during first-half action between Michigan and Minnesota at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. / Eric Seals / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Two concerns

Struggle to move the ball: Michigan had only racked up 100 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per play with just over six minutes to go in the first half. Minnesota outgained the Wolverines 130 to 107 at halftime.

Can't put teams away: Over the last three games, Michigan has held halftime leads of 21-3, 14-3, and 21-3. However, Michigan has been outscored 57-26 in the second half of all three of these games and has not been able to win comfortably. Minnesota scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter and nearly had a chance at the game-winner if it weren't for the penalty on the onside kick.

Sep 28, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Kalel Mullings (20) rushes in the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

One hope for next week

Find success moving the ball: It wasn't easy for Michigan to move the ball against an average Minnesota defense. The Wolverines will have to stay on schedule and avoid putting themselves behind the chains next week for their first road test of the season against Washington.

Michigan (4-1) travels to Seattle to face Washington (3-2) on Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

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