Michigan made some offensive tweaks for this past Saturday's game with Minnesota, and it paid off in a rout and the Wolverines' first turnover-free game in more than two years.
Michigan won 42-13 over the Golden Gophers. Coincidentally, Michigan's most recent game without a turnover happened Oct. 1, 2011, in a 58-0 rout of Minnesota.
Michigan went into the game with a minus-five turnover ratio, having committed 12 turnovers through the first four games.
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The biggest change was a makeover of the offensive line. Sophomore Graham Glasgow moved from guard to center, and sophomore Chris Bryant stepped in at Glasgow's former spot at guard. Minnesota has one of the best defensive tackles in the nation in senior Ra'Shede Hageman, but he was neutralized, finishing with three tackles and one stop for a loss. In addition, there was noticeably less pressure coming from the middle of the defensive line.
At times, Michigan went to a power formation, with stud left tackle Taylor Lewan -- considered one of the three best tackles in the nation -- lining up as a blocking tight end next to right tackle Michael Schofield.
That helped quarterback Devin Gardner, who had been a turnover machine this season, with seven turnovers in the previous two games. For the first time in nine career starts, Gardner played a turnover-free game. The revamping of the offensive line led to a more concerted effort to run, and Gardner was 13 of 17 for 235 yards and a TD. When Gardner did throw, they generally were shorter throws than he had been asked to make before.
The re-emphasis on the running game paid off with three rushing TDs from the tailbacks, with two from senior Fitzgerald Toussaint and one from true freshman Derrick Green.
The biggest beneficiary, though, was sophomore tight end Devin Funchess, who had seven receptions for 151 yards and a TD. He came in with eight receptions for 145 yards, and Michigan coaches obviously made it a priority to get him the ball. He lined up at tight end, wide receiver and in the slot, showing off his freakish athleticism for a guy his size (6-feet-4, 235 pounds).
Funchess had 15 receptions last season, with five going for touchdowns. Funchess certainly can add bulk and strength and become a better blocker, but his receiving ability already has impressed observers.
Michigan plays at Penn State this Saturday. The Nittany Lions' defense has been a disappointment, and they are coming off a loss in which they surrendered 44 points to Indiana.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
