Kickoff time, TV channel set for Michigan football vs. Minnesota

Kickoff time has been set for noon on Fox for “Big Noon Kickoff” between Michigan (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) and Minnesota (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten), which come off of very different weeks.

Michigan football is riding high after a thrilling 27-24 victory over USC to open Big Ten play while the Golden Gophers are licking their wounds after falling 31-14 in a home game against Iowa and former Michigan QB Cade McNamara.

The Wolverines win was as thrilling as it was improbable, with more swings than playground. It started out all Michigan, getting out to a quick 14-0 lead thanks to a pair of long touchdown runs from Kalel Mullings (53 yard score, more on him later) and Donovan Edwards (41 yard score). That ground control kept the defense fresh and on the sideline, then it was able to mix looks and coverages to cause problems for USC’s offense. At one point, Michigan had out-gained the Trojans 189-11 in the middle of the second quarter and it looked like it may be a rout.

USC scored a field goal late in the first half then opened the third quarter with a lengthy drive and a 9-yard third-down strike made it a four point game, however as soon as it came up with a stop and had the ball for the lead, Will Johnson came away with a 42-yard interception to go up 20-10.

MICHIGAN VS. USC GRADES: Complementary football back on display in gritty win

That was all the scoring it looked like Michigan would get as its offense stagnated. Five consecutive drives to open the second half resulted in three-and-outs or turnovers — an Edwards fumble — and the Trojans offense capitalized with two touchdown drives, including a go-ahead 24-yard touchdown strike with 7:01 to play.

But Michigan would get the last laugh. The Wolverines finished the game on a 10-play, 89-yard drive, highlighted by Mullings who ripped off a 63-yard rush on third-and-1 to go from deep in U-M’s territory to the USC red zone. Four runs, and one incompletion later, it was fourth-and-goal at the 1 and Michigan went with a heavy set and Mullings plowed in for the game-winning touchdown with 37 seconds to play.

Michigan’s defense would force a turnover on downs to end it.

Alex Orji, in his first career start, completed 7 of 12 passes for 32 yards — the fewest in a Michigan win in more than 35 years — and ran 13 times for 43 yards. Though it may not be sustainable forever, Minnesota, proved its susceptible to falling in the same way as Iowa passed for just 62 yards in its victory over the Gophers.

Michigan and Minnesota met last year in Minneapolis, with the Wolverines winning 52-7. Johnson, who set a U-M record with his third career interception return for a touchdown against the Trojans, had his first to open the scoring in last year’s romp.