MINNEAPOLIS (WKZO-AM) — The Michigan Wolverines have reclaimed the Little Brown Jug, but it wasn’t easy and it came down to a goal-yard stand in the final seconds of the game.
Michigan’s much-heralded defense did its job and kept the Minnesota Golden Gophers’ quarterback from burrowing his way into the end-zone from point blank range.
It took an official review to declare the winner: Michigan 29, Minnesota 26.
Michigan quarterback Jake Ruddock was knocked out of the game by a vicious hit in the third quarter that ripped off his helmet. Some observers thought could have easily been called targeting by the refs.
Ruddock did not return to the game, but was back out of the locker room in the fourth quarter tossing the ball on the sideline.
U-M Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said after the game that he thought it was a soft tissue injury and that Ruddick should be able to play next week, saying there were no signs of a concussion.
The ball was handed to Michigan sophomore quarterback Wilton Speight who was able to lead the Wolverines downfield in the fourth quarter for a touchdown drive and converted for the critical two extra points that prompted Minnesota to go for the win instead of the tie in the final seconds.
Without those two points, the Gophers would have only needed a field goal to win.
It was an emotional game for the Minnesota players who lost head coach Jerry Kill this past week. He was forced to retire for health reasons and the team chose to wear its grey uniforms for the first time as a show of respect.
The big star of the game for Michigan was rookie Jabril Peppers, who played mostly defense but also lined up on the offense, and got two impressive returns on special teams that set up two Wolverine touchdowns.
He got his own TD, the first of his college career on a running play.
Michigan takes on Rutgers next Saturday.
The Michigan State Spartans were off this week. They will take on Nebraska, who lost to Purdue 55-44.
– John McNeill
