The Wolverine Now

Oct. 6, 2013 LittleSure Jug Stays Home, 42-13 Brown Slug Wolverines Make T and we had two penalties. That speaks to how these guys have really worked. The bye week came at a good time for us in a lot of ways, and it was good to see us respond." Michigan responded with a revamped offensive line, featuring redshirt sophomore Graham Glasgow at center and redshirt sophomore Chris Bryant at left guard, and a determined attitude. "They told me they weren't going to let me get hit," Gardner said, with a grin. "I like that." By John Borton he Little Brown Jug stayed as snug as the football, Michigan steamrolling Minnesota's Golden Gophers in U-M's Big Ten opener at Michigan Stadium, 42-13. The Wolverines beat back the Gophers with their first turnover-free game since the 2011 battle with Minnesota. Quarterback Devin Gardner went an efficient 13-of-17 passing for 235 yards and one touchdown, while also running in another score. Fifth-year senior tailback Fitzgerald Toussaint tacked on 78 rushing yards and two TDs on 17 carries, and the Wolverines unleashed a not-so-secret weapon in eye-opening fashion. Sophomore tight end Devin Funchess split wide at times, hauled in seven passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. Michigan's defense got after the Gophers enough to limit them to 281 total yards of offense and one touchdown, which cornerback Blake Countess negated himself, racing back 72 yards with an interception return. All in all, the Wolverines (5-0) quelled some of the queasiness built up through a turbulent pre-bye week fortnight and moved forward like they mean business. U-M head coach Brady Hoke appeared to place as much emphasis on not dropping the football as he did on not dropping the Jug — and it worked. "It's huge," Hoke said. "No turnovers, 42 Fifth-year senior left tackle Taylor Lewan (left) and junior defensive end Frank Clark proudly displayed the Little Brown Jug after defeating the Golden Gophers. photo by lon horwedel 13 Meanwhile, the Gophers hit Michigan with a protracted early drive behind quarterback Mitch Leidner (14-of-21 passing, one TD, and 66 yards on 18 carries). But after that, Michigan outscored the visitors 35-6, sinking Minnesota's chances like a rock-filled rowboat in one of its 10,000 lakes. The Wolverines couldn't have concluded their football fast with any faster start. On the game's opening series, senior defensive lineman Jibreel Black forced a fumble by Leidner, and sophomore linebacker James Ross III dived on the loose ball at the Minnesota 35. Six runs later — behind the reordered Michigan offensive line — Toussaint took a Gardner pitch moving right, cut back left and dashed into the end zone from eight yards out. Just like that, the Wolverines were off and running — literally. "From my experience, offensive linemen

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