Takeaways: Michigan football squanders big lead but takes down Minnesota

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The #12 Michigan Wolverines took care of business on Saturday at home against the Minnesota Gophers. The maize and blue thoroughly dominated the football game in the first half before coming out of the locker room and flipping the script. The Gophers converted on Wolverines’ mistakes and made the game look much closer than how it felt.

Michigan was without several key players on Saturday. Guys like Will Johnson, Josaiah Stewart, and Semaj Morgan were all questionable prior to the game, and while they all warmed up, none of them played — but it didn’t matter in the end. The Wolverines made enough plays and enough stops to get to 4-1 on the year.

For the fifth time in a row, the Wolverines are the winners of the Little Brown Jug after knocking off Minnesota, 27-24. Here are my five takeaways from the game.

Sep 28, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Alex Orji (10) drops back to pass in the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Sep 28, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) rushes chased by Michigan Wolverines defensive end Derrick Moore (8) in the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK

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

Sep 28, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Alex Orji (10) rushes in the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

– Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI –