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The Michigan Wolverines looked well on their way to an easy Big Ten victory over Minnesota on Saturday.
The Wolverines held a 24-3 lead midway through the third quarter and were dominating on both sides of the ball. But Golden Gophers came storming back. The Gophers outscored Michigan 21-3 in the final quarter and after perhaps the catch of the year from wideout Daniel Jackson, pulled within 3 points at 27-24 with under two minutes go.
Minnesota then attempted an onside kick and appeared to make a miraculous recovery, but an offsides flag brought the play back and the Wolverines recovered on the second attempt.
that is so close on the offside, timing a bit off pic.twitter.com/mXNkcKvIMW
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) September 28, 2024
The call left the Gophers, their fans, and much of the college football world in shock.
That offsides penalty was ridiculous.
Michigan bailed out by the refs.
— The Daily Gopher (@TheDailyGopher) September 28, 2024
Michigan bailed out by the refs… a tale as old as time 😔
This is not offsides if you have eyes pic.twitter.com/u4I6PdEZDR
— Jake (@FindingUrPasswd) September 28, 2024
Michigan rig job. Minnesota got screwed. And how is this not reviewable? pic.twitter.com/Iu5H66rLJf
— Will Desautelle III (@wdesautelle) September 28, 2024
Michigan dominated the first three quarters of the contest, even with superstar running back Donovan Edwards playing a limited role. But Minnesota turned up the tempo in the fourth quarter and the Wolverines seemingly had no answer.
They held on by the skin of their teeth to move to 4-1. But it certainly didn’t come without controversy.