3 takeaways from Michigan football’s decimation of Minnesota

Michigan football remains undefeated since 1977 at Minnesota after they planted the Gophers on their home turf by six touchdowns to keep the little brown jug.

Will Johnson didn’t waste any time by taking the second play from scrimmage to the house. Athan Kaliakmanis gifted him a pick-six as he stared down his receiver and Johnson gave Michigan football the early 7-0 advantage. The next drive resulted in three after Cornelius Johnson dropped a for-sure first down on third down and maybe even a walk-in house call.

Donovan Edwards nearly scored his first touchdown of the year in the second quarter. He wound up a yard short of the goal line, giving way to Blake Corum to record his 10th score of the year. Later in the stanza, J.J. McCarthy hooked up deep with Johnson, which set up a McCarthy run to the outside for six. Minnesota connected on a 35-yard pass to Daniel Jackson to put up the most points on the board all season against the Michigan defense.

McCarthy finished off a 78-yard drive in the third to extend the lead to 21. Then, Colston Loveland caught his first pass and only pass for a trip to the endzone, and McCarthy got roughed up on the play. Keon Sabb joined the celebration moments later by intercepting Kaliakmanis for the second defensive pick-six of the night. The rout was on.

Michigan football drubbed Minnesota to the tune of 28-0 following the break. Coach Harbaugh had to put the backups in again as the fourth quarter commenced. Leon Franklin, who changed his number to 31, recorded his first career touchdown in a Michigan uniform. A moment he won’t soon forget, as his hard work did not go unnoticed. It’s safe to say that this team is hitting its stride at the midway part of the season.

Here are the three takeaways from the overwhelming win.