Michigan’s offense abysmal, hands Minnesota the Little Brown Jug.

MINNEAPOLIS — Michigan’s defense gave the Wolverines a lead. Their offense never gave them enough to keep it.

Minnesota rallied for a 20-14 victory Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium, scoring 13 unanswered points after halftime to win the 100th game played for the Little Brown Jug. Michigan slipped to 3-2 overall, heading into its bye week with an offense that continues to undermine its defense.

The Wolverines managed just 180 total yards and went scoreless in the second half. Their only offensive touchdown came on a short field created by an interception. The defense scored the other.

Bryce Underwood completed 10 of 21 passes for 101 yards, with two interceptions and no touchdowns. Both interceptions came after halftime, when Michigan needed possession and points to protect a 14-7 advantage.

Instead, they gave Minnesota the ball.

Andrew Marsh muffed a third-quarter punt that the Gophers recovered at Michigan’s 17-yard line. Michigan forced a field goal, but Underwood’s interception to Aydan West on the ensuing possession handed Minnesota another opportunity in Wolverines territory.

Luke Drzewiecki’s second field goal cut Michigan’s lead to 14-13 just two seconds into the fourth quarter. Underwood then threw an interception to Zack Harden on Michigan’s next offensive snap. Three plays later, Drake Lindsey found Darius Taylor for a 3-yard touchdown and the lead with 13:44 remaining.

Michigan still had time to respond, but it could not manufacture anything offensively.

Jordan Marshall provided some production, rushing for 50 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. But the Wolverines finished with only 79 rushing yards as a team, converted three of 10 third downs and never completed a pass longer than 17 yards.

The passing game offered too little consistency to sustain drives or overcome mistakes. Underwood’s performance leaves Michigan with pressing questions during the bye: How can it get its quarterback to execute consistently and stop giving the ball to the other team?

The defense supplied plenty of opportunities.

Smith Snowden’s first-quarter interception set up Marshall’s 5-yard touchdown run early in the second. Nathaniel Staehling then returned an interception 79 yards for a touchdown, putting Michigan ahead with 2:48 left before halftime.

Those plays temporarily covered for the offense’s shortcomings. They could not cover for an entire scoreless half.

Minnesota finished with 262 yards, but its defense and control of possession proved sufficient. The Gophers held the ball for 37:36 and improved to 4-1.

Michigan’s final chance ended with an incomplete fourth-down pass from midfield with 32 seconds remaining.

The Wolverines return Oct. 17 against Penn State. The bye offers time to make adjustments, but Saturday made the priority clear: Michigan needs an offense capable of turning defensive opportunities into a victory.

GO BLUE!!