Recap: Minnesota vs. Michigan
Sports Network | November 08, 2008
Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - K.C. Lopata kicked a school-record five field goals to lead the Michigan Wolverines to a 29-6 win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a Big Ten Conference showdown at the Metrodome.
Lopata had not attempted a single field goal over the previous three games for Michigan (3-7, 2-4 Big Ten). Nick Sheridan completed 18-of-30 passes for 203 yards and a touchdown.
Adam Weber had a rough day under center for the Golden Gophers (7-3, 3-3), completing 13-of-24 passes for 105 yards and an interception. He was also sacked four times.
The Wolverines drove 39 yards in seven plays on their opening drive, with Lopata nailing a 44-yard field goal to put Michigan on top, 3-0.
Lopata added a 34-yarder later in the quarter, and a 26-yarder midway through the second.
The Wolverines finally reached the end zone with just under two minutes remaining in the first half, when Sheridan found Greg Mathews for an eight- yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 16-0.
Michigan's opening drive of the third quarter stalled, and Lopata came on to kick a 48-yard field goal to make it a 19-0 game.
Midway through the third quarter, Minnesota got on the scoreboard on a 28-yard field goal by Joel Monroe.
But Lopata answered with another field goal, this time from 23 yards away, to put Michigan ahead, 22-3 with 2:15 remaining in the third quarter.
Monroe kicked a 32-yarder early in the fourth, but the Golden Gophers could draw no closer.
Michigan's Mark Moundros capped off the scoring with a three-yard touchdown run in the game's final minute.
Minnesota was held to a season-low 188 yards and six points.
