Michigan has Moo Deng stare down Minnesota in The Big House

Moo Deng infiltrated Michigan Stadium as the Wolverines played host to the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Leading 27-17 in the fourth quarter, Michigan’s stadium ops attempted to distract Minnesota.

With the Gophers driving and facing a 3rd and 12 from the 44 yard line, Moo Deng was used as a distraction. Unfortunately, the cute and famous hippo couldn’t keep Minnesota from converting a fourth down.

You can see the attempt below.

.@nocontextcfb pic.twitter.com/ponroaEA8s

— Isaiah Hole (@isaiahhole) September 28, 2024

In any event, it’s hard not to look at Moo Deng, who captured the internet and social media in recent weeks. Minnesota actually ended up scoring on the drive to cut Michigan’s lead to 27-24 with 1:37 to go in the game.

Background on Moo Deng

Moo Deng became popular once images of the pygmy hippopotamus was posted on the official Facebook page of the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand.

She is more playful and energetic than other hippos in the zoo, according to officials. So with that, merchandise and tourism increased.

In early September, visitors to the zoo reportedly doubled. The zoo is in the process of trademarking “Moo Deng the hippo.”

Maybe this technique will work for other teams across college football. Putting anything on a big jumbotron can be distracting for the opposing team.

In any event, Michigan held on for a 27-24 win despite Minnesota’s best shot at an upset. Long live the cute hippo!

Michigan improved to 4-1 on the season while Minnesota dropped to 2-3 on the 2024 campaign. The conference records are now 2-0 and 0-2, respectively.

Celebration at the zoo anyone?