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Michigan stars reflect on added significance of the ‘Little Brown Jug’ game vs. Minnesota

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Michigan is gearing up for a Week 5 game against Minnesota this weekend. With a trophy on the line, this one means a little bit more for the Wolverines and Golden Gophers.

In one of the oldest college football series, the two sides have 105 all-time meetings prior to Saturday in a matchup that dates back to 1892. As for the jug, its story begins in 1903, but the two teams have battled it out for the jug trophy since 1909.

Now, the matchup between the Gophers and Wolverines means a bit more.

“It’s our jug. That’s how I can describe it best,” said Michigan DE TJ Guy. “It’s ours. We want it every time we play for it, we know we can’t leave without it.”

For star cornerback Will Johnson, the jug is a testament to all the history tied to the game:

“That’s what it’s really all about, all the history behind it and all the players that have played in that game before,” Johnson described. “… When you step on the field for games like that, you feel it and you know it’s a different level of importance.”

Over the years, the series has been dominated by Michigan with a 77-25-3 all-time advantage against Minnesota. The Wolverines have produced blowout victories in 3 straight games, and they will be a healthy favorite this Saturday once again.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.