The fourth installment of the series focusing on the Little Brown Jug takes us back to 2001. The Wolverines struggled through much of the 2001 season, and they fell to Michigan State one week before the Little Brown Jug. Michigan hadnโt played Minnesota since 1998, but the Jug proved to be just the tonic the Wolverines needed.
Michigan started by leaning on its offensive line, and the line opened holes for B.J. Askew, who scored on two runs in the first half to give the Wolverines a 14-10 halftime lead. Askew scored the points, but the defense and the special teams provided the critical plays to give Michigan the advantage. After the defense stopped Minnesota deep in its own territory, Tyrece Butler blocked a punt to set the Wolverines inside the Minnesota 10-yard line. Two plays later, Askew scored from three yards out to put the Wolverines ahead to stay.
Todd Howard returned the opening kickoff of the second half to the Minnesota 40-yard line; Howardโs second big return of the game. Howardโs return gave the Wolverines excellent field position, and wide receiver Calvin Bell made it pay off when he scored on a reverse to put Michigan up, 21-10.
As the shadows grew longer over the Michigan Stadium playing field, the Wolverines completely dominated Minnesota in the second half to pull away for a 31-10 victory, their 13th consecutive win in the rivalry.
The Wolverines concluded the 2001 season with a loss to Tennessee in the Florida Citrus Bowl, but receiver Marquise Walker and linebacker Larry Foote were named to both the All-America and All-Conference teams. With plenty of young talent on hand, the Wolverines were well stocked for the future.
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