Running back Kalel Mullings made it on offense, rushing 27 yards untouched for Michigan’s first touchdown. Zeke Berry made it on defense by stripping the ball from Jackson and recovering it, setting up the Wolverines’ second touchdown. And Kechaun Bennett got it done on special teams, blocking a Mark Crawford punt that led to Michigan’s third touchdown and a 21-0 lead in the second quarter.

The Gophers (2-3, 0-2 Big Ten) ended the first half on a high note when Brosmer threw a Hail Mary pass that tight end Nick Kallerup caught at the Michigan 2 with two seconds left. Dragan Kesich rushed the field to score a 20-yard field goal as time expired, cutting Michigan’s lead to 21-3.

Michigan (4-1, 2-0) wasted time, especially in the third quarter, hitting a 55-yard field goal for a 24-3 lead on its first possession with 7:24 left in the third quarter ended.

Minnesota cut the score to 24-10 on Taylor’s 3-yard TD run with 14:01 left in the fourth quarter. Taylor added a 4-yard scoring run with 11:05 left to make the score 24-17.

Michigan’s bigger, stronger and faster athletes proved too much for the Gophers in the first half. From Mullings’ two TD runs to Orji throwing Minnesota off balance with his feet to a forced fumble and a blocked punt, Michigan made the big plays.

The Wolverines also prevented the Gophers from mounting a major offensive challenge heading into the fourth quarter. Minnesota rushed for just 16 yards in the first half.