Three likes, two worries, one hope

After a huge season-saving win last week against USC, the Wolverines needed to make sure they closed out their five home games with another win. It was sloppy, but Michigan managed to beat Minnesota 27-24 and improve to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten play.

Opening trip: Michigan rushed 79 yards in 10 plays, striking first and taking a 7-0 lead. The offensive line looked sharp and there was a good mix of playmaking with 6 runs and 4 passes. Kalel Mullings capped it off with a 27-yard run into the end zone for his first of two scores on the day.

Jyaire Hill: The second-year cornerback has been playing much better lately. On Minnesota’s second possession, Hill read the screen perfectly on 3rd-and-8, resulting in a tackle for loss. The Gophers missed a field goal after losing three yards. Hill also made his first interception of the season in the second quarter after some fantastic play with the ball.

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

Difficulty moving the ball: With just over six minutes left in the first half, Michigan had totaled just 100 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per play. At halftime, Minnesota beat the Wolverines 130 to 107.

Teams cannot be put away: In the last three games, Michigan has led at halftime 21-3, 14-3 and 21-3. However, Michigan was outscored 57-26 in the second half of all three of these games and was unable to win comfortably. Minnesota scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter and almost had a chance to score the game had it not been for the onside kick penalty.

Move the ball successfully: It wasn’t easy for Michigan to move the ball against an average Minnesota defense. The Wolverines need to stick to their schedule and avoid being put in their place next week for their first road test of the season against Washington.

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

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