“It all fell into place with just not playing at a high level,” Gophers coach PJ Fleck said of the Iowa game. “Whether it was coaching, or whether it was progress, or whether it was open people that we couldn’t get the ball to, or whether it was maybe a missed block here or there, we were out of sync in the second half ultimately falls on me.”

“Darius is a very loyal kid,” said Kory Cioroch, Taylor’s high school coach. “The early attention and early relationships he developed with Minnesota and its coaches, kids and staff were the final part of the decision. Michigan and Michigan State came late and didn’t show confidence in him early enough, and he didn’t like that. He wanted to go somewhere where he was loved.”

Taylor and the Gophers face a difficult challenge against Michigan, the defending champions are coming off a 27-24 victory over USC. The Wolverines (3-1, 1-0) feature a strong defensive line led by massive tackle duo Mason Graham and preseason All-America Kenneth Grant. Michigan ranks 11th nationally with 76.5 rushing yards allowed per game.

“They’re outstanding up front,” Harbaugh said. “Their two interior designers are elite. Their defensive ends are elite. Their linebackers are exceptional on the run. … I have a lot of confidence in our guys at the top. We challenged them this week to get the ball away and do their job because at the end of the day that’s what matters. It’s just the attitude from the front.”

The Gophers average 117.3 yards rushing, which ranks 118th nationally. This is a significant decrease compared to previous seasons. Last year they averaged 157.5 (66th), in 2022 they averaged 207.5 (16th) and in 2021 they averaged 198.0 (27th).