Throwback Thursday: Michigan vs Minnesota (10/10/03)

This week we look back to the famous 2003 meeting between Michigan and Minnesota at the recently, partially demolished Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis. Why Minnesota? Well the Michigan hoops squad plays the Gophers this Saturday night. And also because the HHH Metrodome is in the process of being dismantled after its somewhat illustrious 32-year multi-sport career.

Factoid: Michigan was 12-0 all-time at the Metrodome.

The anticipation for 2003 game was special for a few reasons. First, it was the 100th anniversary of the first ever meeting in this series way back in 1903. Also, and I'll have to go back and check my records, but this was the first time that I could remember that both schools were ranked going into this game, with the #13 Gophers being the higher ranked squad (UM was #19).

Cue incredible in-game win probability chart via MGoBlog:

Down 28-7 going into the 4th quarter, the outlook was grim for the Maize & Blue. They'd never come back from such a deficit before. But the comeback started quickly in the 4th with a John Navarre to Chris Perry TD pass, and then a pick-6 by Jacob Stewart on the ensuing Minnesota possession. Michigan's defense held the potent Gopher attack in check just enough for Navarre, Perry, Braylon Edwards and the rest of the Michigan offense to rack up an impressive, improbable 31-point 4th quarter.

And with just  47 seconds left, Michigan's Garrett Rivas nailed the 33-yard field goal to secure the largest comeback in school history (previous record was 17-point deficit against Virginia in 1995), and keep the Little Brown Jug safe in Ann Arbor for another 12 months.

Part 1:
Part 2:

Previously:
• Throwback Thursday: Michigan vs Michigan State (10/25/97)