Shane Morris starts, Michigan Wolverines lose Little Brown Jug 30-14

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The Michigan Wolverines once again laid an egg.   Minnesota came to Ann Arbor and won the Little Brown jug for the first time since 2005.  Shane Morris got the start at quarterback today.  Michigan fans hoped Devin Gardner was the problem.  Unfortunately their issues run much deeper than QB.

How it happened

Michigan’s offense struggled early as Morris failed to find a rhythm until the second quarter.

Minnesota also struggled to move the ball, as the first quarter was scoreless.

Early in the second quarter, Michigan took advantage of great field position.  De’Veon Smith carried the Wolverines (and some Gophers) on his shoulders for 47 yards and a touchdown.

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Michigan pinned Minnesota at their 1 yard line with two minutes left in the first half.  The Gophers drove 92 yards and closed the half with a field goal to take the 10-7 lead.

After a pair of Shane Morris turnovers, the Michigan defense lost it’s will allowing the Golden Gophers to run the score up to 30-7.

Things just got uglier as the game went on.  Shane Morris had to be carted off after being injured in the fourth quarter.  Devin Funchess also re-aggravated a lingering leg injury late.

Noteworthy Nuggets

The Wolverines more effective change came on the offensive line as Kyle Kalis replaced Erik Magnusson at guard.  The run blocking seemed to be improved.  Then again, it’s hard to tell after one game.

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De’Veon Smith made a claim on the starting running back position.  He runs through contact, whereas current starter Derrick Green just doesn’t keep his legs churning.

The Michigan safeties were exposed time and again by play action.

Doug Nussmeier’s play calling today was incredibly conservative.  Minnesota new what the Michigan offense wanted to do the entire game.

Minnesota NFL talent in RB David Cobb and TE Maxx Williams

After Morris’ injury, Devin Gardner was forced in the game and gave the offense a spark, albeit in garbage time.

Up Next:  Michigan takes on Rutgers in New Jersey next Saturday at 7 p.m.