Minnesota Golden Gophers get stuffed at the goal line, surrender Little Brown Jug to Michigan

Just days after the Minnesota Golden Gophers Head Coach Jerry Kill had to suddenly retire due to health concerns; his team was on their home field for Halloween’s night matchup against the Michigan Wolverines. The end was not exactly a treat for Gophers’ fans.

The Gophers fell 29-26 after being stuffed at the goal line. Minnesota had the ball just one yard from taking the lead, but couldn’t convert. The Gophers got to the one on a huge 22-yard pass from Mitch Leidner to Drew Wolitarsky that was initially called a touchdown, but after review the ball was spotted at the one. Minnesota still had a timeout left, but wasted a lot of time with the clocking running after the review on a play with a lot of pre-snap motion that resulted in an incomplete pass. The first play from the one started with 19 seconds left, once the play was over only two seconds remained.

Interim Head Coach Tracy Claeys had a big decision to make. Take it to overtime, kicker Ryan Santoso had already made four kicks in the game, or try to win the Little Brown Jug in regulation. Claeys rolled the dice and a QB sneak by Leidner was stuffed easily by the Michigan Wolverines and they retook the Jug from the Gophers. With it the Gophers lost their chance to hold the jug for consecutive seasons for the first time since 1962-1963.

The Gophers looked inspired to win, but did keep their emotions in check. Minnesota didn’t look amazing, but they looked a lot better than some of their showings that they have put up so far this season. It also helped that the Gophers got a lucky on a couple big plays that the Wolverines should have easily broken up.

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Leidner went 16/33 for 317 passing yards and a touchdown. He also ran 11 times for 37 yards and a TD on the ground. Rodney Smith was the hot back on the night getting 12 carries for 74 yards. Shannon Brooks also had 12 carries and ran for 33 yards.

KJ Maye had the most receptions with six for 58 yards. Brandon Lingen had five grabs for 111 yards in the contest. Rashad Still had the one receiving TD on a 52-yard play.

Late in the game, kicker Santoso attempted a punt. Claeys after the game said that he had benched punter Peter Mortell, but there are reports that Mortell is actually hurt. It’s a weird situation there.

Minnesota falls to 4-4 overall and 1-3 in the Big Ten with the loss. #15 Michigan improves to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in conference.

It doesn’t get easier for the Gophers next week. Next Saturday, the Gophers travel to Columbus to take on #1 Ohio State.

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