No. 12 Michigan holds off Minnesota in 4th quarter to win 27-24 and retain Little Brown Jug

ANN ARBOR, MI – Kalel Mullings made a standout debut at running back, rushing for 111 yards and two touchdowns as No. 12 Michigan clinched a thrilling 27-24 victory over Minnesota in rainy conditions on Saturday.

The Wolverines dominated early, leading 24-3 at the start of the fourth quarter. However, Minnesota surged back with three quick touchdowns, closing the gap to just three points with 1:37 remaining.

After recovering an onside kick, the Gophers were penalized for offsides, allowing Mullings to secure the second attempt and help Michigan run out the clock. With this win, the Wolverines improved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the Big Ten, extending their school-record conference winning streak to 27 games, a streak that dates back to a loss against Michigan State in 2021.

Minnesota, now 2-3 and 0-2 in the conference, was aiming to reclaim the Little Brown Jug for the first time in a decade, but fell short.

Mullings’ performance was crucial, especially given a lackluster showing from the passing game, where quarterback Alex Orji completed just 10 of 18 passes for 86 yards. Although he threw one touchdown, an interception contributed to Minnesota’s late-game comeback.

Mullings kicked off the scoring with a 27-yard touchdown run on Michigan’s first drive, and the Wolverines’ defense took charge, forcing a fumble early in the second quarter that set up another score. Mullings capped that drive with a 1-yard touchdown run for a 14-0 lead.

Later in the quarter, Kechaun Bennett blocked a Minnesota punt, and Orji quickly connected with Tyler Morris for an 11-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 21-0.

Minnesota finally got on the scoreboard just before halftime when Brosmer found Nick Kallerup for a 44-yard gain to the Michigan 1, leading to a 20-yard field goal by Dragan Kesich.

Dominic Zvada’s 53-yard field goal midway through the third quarter restored Michigan’s 21-point advantage, but an interception by Orji allowed Minnesota’s Darius Taylor to score on a 3-yard run. Following a three-and-out by Michigan, freshman Koi Perich returned a punt 60 yards to set up another touchdown for Taylor, making it 24-17 with just over 11 minutes remaining.

Michigan took time off the clock, leading to Zvada’s second field goal, extending their lead to 27-17 with 4:33 left. Minnesota responded with a touchdown pass from Brosmer to Daniel Jackson, closing the game to 27-24.

Next up, Minnesota will host No. 13 USC, while Michigan travels to Washington for their first road game of the season.