A week after losing to Iowa, Michigan lost again.
The Wolverines were upset 20-14 at Minnesota on Saturday after turning the ball over on downs with 32 seconds remaining in another ugly offensive performance.
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This is Minnesota’s first win over Michigan since 2014 and only the second in the last 40 years for the Gophers. It is also Minnesota’s first home victory against Michigan since 1977.
Michigan’s offense gained just 180 yards on 49 plays as Bryce Underwood struggled. The sophomore completed just 10 of 21 passes and threw interceptions on back-to-back passes in the second half.
Minnesota cut the lead to 14-13 after the first interception, needing eight plays to go 34 yards. Underwood was then hit while throwing, and Zack Harden spotted him.
One play later, Minnesota was inside the 5-yard line thanks to a 31-yard run by Noah Jennings, then quarterback Drake Lindsey found Darius Taylor for the go-ahead touchdown.
What are the answers to Michigan’s offense?
The Wolverines’ 52-17 win over UTEP in Week 3 is looking more and more like an aberration.
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Michigan has now failed to score more than 19 points in its other four games this season. That’s a staggering stat considering the promise Underwood showed as a rookie and the success coach Kyle Whittingham and coordinator Jason Beck have had with their offense at Utah in 2025.
Instead, Underwood has thrown one more touchdown (five) than interceptions (four) and is not completing 60 percent of his passes.
The racing game also cannot be unlocked. Jordan Marshall rushed 10 times for 50 yards and freshman Savion Hiter had eight carries for 9 yards.
After the match, Whittingham said this season had been the biggest challenge he had faced.
That’s quite a statement. Whittingham had incredible success at Utah after taking over for Urban Meyer. But he was also hired into a Michigan athletic department that was in the midst of serious turmoil following the abrupt firing of Sherrone Moore and the upcoming transition of current athletic director Warde Manuel.
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Things also don’t get any easier after Michigan’s bye week in Week 6. The Wolverines will face Penn State on October 17 before hosting Indiana on October 24. There is a very real chance that Michigan could start playing 0-4 in the Big Ten.
Minnesota, meanwhile, is now 4-1 and 2-0 in the Big Ten. The Gophers will be heavily favored at Purdue in Week 6, heading into three straight games against ranked opponents at No. 14 Iowa, No. 6 Indiana and No. 23 UCLA.
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