Minnesota storms field after first home win over Michigan since 1977: ‘Might be the best day of my life’

· New York Post

Minnesota hadn’t posted a home win in its Big Ten rivalry with Michigan since 1977.

So you can forgive their fans for storming — and swarming — the field at Huntington Bank Stadium following the Golden Gophers’ 20-14 victory Saturday over the Wolverines.

“Besides my marriage, besides my kids being born, this might be the best day of my life,” Minnesota coach PJ Fleck said after the game in an on-field interview.

Minnesota running back Darius Taylor (1) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, in Minneapolis. AP Photo/Abbie Parr
Fans storm the field following the game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Michigan Wolverines at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. Getty Images
Fans take over the field after the Minnesota Golden Gophers defeated the Michigan Wolverines at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck signals to players on the field in the fourth quarter of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Huntington Bank Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, in Minneapolis. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With Fox sending its “Big Noon Kickoff” pregame show to Minnesota for the first time, Michigan carried a 14-7 lead into halftime after a 79-yard interception return for a touchdown by Nathaniel Staehling late in the second quarter.

But the Wolverines committed three turnovers after intermission, and Minnesota’s Drake Lindsey threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Darius Taylor in the fourth quarter.

The Minnesota defense held Michigan to 180 yards of offense in the game to improve to 4-1 and take the Little Brown Jug for the first time since 2014.

Michigan (3-2) also lost to Iowa last week after winning its first three games, including its extra-second victory over Western Michigan on Sept. 5 in the season opener.