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Michigan looks to reclaim Little Brown Jug

Sep 26, 2006 - 10:15 PM No. 6 Michigan (4-0) at Minnesota (2-2), 8:00 pm EDT

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) - Sixth-ranked Michigan looks to restore order in its rivalry with Big Ten Conference foe Minnesota when the teams meet for the Little Brown Jug on Saturday night.

Last year, the Golden Gophers beat the Wolverines for the first time since 1986 with a 23-20 triumph in Ann Arbor. Minnesota was playing for overtime before Gary Russell ran 61 yards down the right sideline, setting up Jason Giannini's 30-yard field goal with one second left.

"Unfortunately, I was unable to show our team what it (jug) looks like," Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said at his weekly news conference. "I love the Little Brown Jug. I think looking back at it, the history, the tradition of that trophy, it's the oldest in college football history, which you all know, and you probably don't care. If you're a Michigan football player, if you're a Minnesota football player, I guarantee you care."

However, Minnesota is 0-10 against Michigan in the Metrodome, which will play host to a Minnesota Twins game earlier in the day.

After trouncing Notre Dame in South Bend two weeks ago, the Wolverines (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) successfully avenged another of their five 2005 losses with a 27-13 home win over Wisconsin last Saturday. Sophomore Mario Manningham had two touchdown receptions, including a go-ahead 38-yard score in the third quarter, to give him five in the last two weeks.

Michigan was tied at the half before forcing Wisconsin into six straight three-and-out possessions. The Wolverines limited the Badgers to 12 rushing yards and lead the nation with an average of 18.5 per game. Michigan also ranks fifth in total defense, limiting opponents to just 217 yards.

Minnesota (2-2, 0-1) opened Big Ten play with a 27-21 setback at Purdue last weekend.

Bryan Cupito threw for 205 yards and two touchdowns and Amir Pinnix rushed for 173 yards on 28 carries for the Gophers, who rank eighth in the nation in rushing (226.75).