ANN ARBOR, MICH. – The Little Brown Jug might be one of the most famous rivalry trophies in sports, but the ancient water container remains almost mythical to current Gophers.
"I don't even know what it looks like," senior David Cobb said.
The jug has spent only two of the previous 37 years in Minnesota. The Gophers won in 1986 and 2005, only to give it right back the following autumn both times.
On Saturday, the Gophers (3-1) will arrive at the Big House with a firm belief they'll be taking that 111-year-old jug home with them. There haven't been many times in the modern era when Michigan (2-2) has looked this vulnerable.
But a win would require a performance far better than anything the Gophers have shown this season, especially on offense.
"Michigan hasn't changed," coach Jerry Kill said. "Defensively, they're better than they were a year ago, by far."
The Wolverines, who beat the Gophers 42-13 last year, lead the Big Ten in total defense, averaging just 261 yards allowed per game. Last week, Utah entered Michigan Stadium averaging 57.5 points per game and scored one offensive touchdown in its 26-10 win.
The Wolverines have been especially stingy against the run, as their past three opponents — Notre Dame, Miami (Ohio) and Utah — rushed for 168 yards combined. Enter the Gophers, who have such a run-heavy offense, they threw seven passes last week against San Jose State, completing one.