Top five plays of Michigan’s big win over Minnesota

It was a hell of a weekend for Michigan fans as the Wolverines went to Minneapolis and pulverized the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Now, it’s Monday, and we all eagerly await the in-state rivalry of Michigan vs Michigan State coming up this weekend. But before we get into the stress that this week (and every week during the pandemic causes), let’s go back and reflect on all of the fun that happened on Saturday just one more time. Here are the Top-5 plays of the Wolverines huge road victory over the Golden Gophers:

No. 5: Mike Sainristil makes a nice snag

Sainristil’s got some big shoes to fill if he wants to be the No. 2 receiver in this crowded position group full of young talent. Catches like these will keep him in the good graces of both Joe Milton and the coaching staff.

No. 4: The puke and rally by Michael Barrett

Now, this play in and of itself may not be the stunning display on the field, but the backstory is what makes this play so impressive. Moments after, ESPN sideline reporter Maria Taylor said that Barrett had gotten sick on the sidelines before hitting the field to make this play. The classic puke and rally that set the Wolverines up for a two-possession lead.

P.S. The camera angle doesn’t necessarily do this justice as it was a 66-yard return that appeared much shorter.

No. 3: Ben Mason gets first receiving touchdown of his career

When you google football player, a picture of Ben Mason should pop up. It doesn’t matter where he is lined up, the big fella always finds a way to make plays. After playing defensive line a season ago, he scores his first career receiving touchdown in the most Ben Mason-fashion. The athleticism, the poise, the grit, Ben Mason has it all.

No. 2: Zach Charbonnet peels off a big run

As per usual in the Jim Harbaugh-era, Michigan had a slow start on the road against a Top-25 opponent following a three-and-out and blocked punt. But, Zach Charbonnet answered the rough start with this 75-yard house-call that tied the game up and ignited the offense to perform the way they did. On his first touch of the 2020 season, Charbonnet meets the endzone as he did 11 times last season.

No. 1: Big man defensive touchdown

When Minnesota announced moments before kickoff that two starting offensive linemen would miss the game, you better believe Don Brown was grinning from ear-to-ear. In fact, PFF graded them as the No. 1 pass rush in the country from over the weekend. Surely, this play where Barrett came off the edge on a blitz and crushed Tanner Morgan resulting in a scoop and score by Donovan Jeter, played a role in their impressive ranking.