ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – It was the defense that shined for the Wolverines as they held off Minnesota, 27-24, to keep the “Little Brown Jug” in Ann Arbor for another year. Michigan’s defense was the best it has been all season in the first 30 minutes, forcing two turnovers, collecting four sacks, eight tackles for loss, and a blocked punt.

“It doesn’t always look as pretty as we want it, but at the end of the day we got the job done,” said defensive lineman Mason Graham. “We came away with the win and that was our goal coming into it. You are always going to get in dog fights in the season and I’m glad it’s happening pretty early in the season.”

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The defense finished the game with nine tackles for loss, five sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble. Minnesota rushed for just 38 yards and had 258 yards passing.

Kalel Mullings, for the second week in a row, was the offense’s backbone. He rushed for 111 yards on 24 carries for two touchdowns. Alex Orji completed just 10 passes for 86 yards as Tyler Morris had a touchdown.

Orji says, “It’s good to start quick. I think when we say quick, its subjective, as we start at our pace to dictate how the terms of how we start. We need to have better physical and mental stamina out there to maintain for the whole game.”

Michigan is now 4-1 on the year and moves to 2-0 in the Big Ten. They travel to Washington on October 5 to face the Huskies at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.