Minneapolis, MN — October 24, 2020
The Big Ten season started six weeks late, with their first full slate of games a week before Halloween. With the early non-conference games wiped away by COVID-19, each team will play an 8-game season between conference foes.
Michigan vs Minnesota
The University of Michigan Wolverines traveled to Minnesota to take on the Golden Gophers for their opener. The Gophers were less than cordial hosts as they blocked a punt on Michigan’s first possession and converted the turnover into an early touchdown.
The Wolverines responded quickly. After receiving the kickoff Zach Charbonnet ran 70 yards on first down, untouched right up the middle, to answer the Minnesota score. In all, 31 points were scored in the first quarter. Donovan Jeter grabbed a fumble out of mid-air and rumbled for a 15-yard touchdown.
Minnesota added a field goal and then Michigan scored again late on an 8-yard pass, Joe Milton to Ben Mason.
Two Hassan Haskins touchdown runs in the second quarter built the lead to 35-17 and Michigan cruised to an impressive rout of 49-24
Michigan State vs Rutgers
Michigan State entered Saturday’s home matchup against Rutgers on a 21-game home opener winning streak. Rutgers came to town on a 21-game Big Ten losing streak. After seven turnovers by the Spartans, both streaks were over.
Rutgers scored on their opening drive after receiving the kickoff. A 10-play, 75-yard drive was capped off by a 12-yard Isaih Pacheco run.
On the Spartans 1st possession, Jayden Reed coughed up the football after a 19 yard 1st down reception and Rutgers was back in business. Michigan State’s defense held and Rutgers was forced to punt pinning State deep in their own territory.
Michigan State quarterback Rocky Lombardi was sacked on 3rd down and fumbled. Rutgers recovered on the 1-yard line. It took the Scarlet Knights 5 plays to score, they were helped by an MSU pass interference penalty on 3rd down that allowed them a second chance to punch it in for a 14-0 lead.
While they traded scores through the remainder of the afternoon, Michigan State took, probably, the most winnable game on their schedule and turned it into a 38-27 defeat. Not the way you want to start the season or prep for their big rivalry game with Michigan next Saturday.
Other Big Ten Scores
Friday, Oct. 23
No. 14 Wisconsin 45, Illinois 7
Saturday, Oct. 24
Rutgers 38, Michigan State 27
No. 5 Ohio State 52, Nebraska 17
Indiana 36, No. 8 Penn State 35 (OT)
Purdue 24, Iowa 20
No. 18 Michigan 49, No. 21 Minnesota 24
Northwestern 43, Maryland 3
