The Gophers came into Saturday’s against Northwestern as an underdog, outplaying the visiting Wildcats en route to a 29-12 victory. The Maroon and Gold improved to 8-3 on the year, and will face Wisconsin to finish out the regular season next week.
20 Field goals for Emmit Carpenter, this season. That ties Dan Nystrom’s season total from 2002, which is good for second all-time. Nystrom set the record in 2000 with 25 field goals.
3 Conversions out of 19 attempts on third and fourth down for Northwestern. The Gophers defense was dominant on critical downs and prevented Northwestern from gaining consistent momentum on offense throughout much of the game.
7 Sacks for the Gophers’ front seven. Minnesota ranks third in the B1G in sacks per game and its pass-rushing proficiency was on display against Northwestern. Blake Cashman and Steven Richardson each notched two sacks for the Maroon and Gold. Richardson had some sharp words for the Northwestern staff after the game.
0 Offers out of high school from NU for Richardson, a Chicago native.
“It definitely brought a lot of motivation,” said about playing his hometown team. “I was really low-recruited based on my height. I saw a guy come to my high school coach’s office and just looked me up and down as if I was too short to play the game. It was really nice to play one of these types of games right in front of him because he doubted you.”
1.9 Rush yards per attempt for the Wildcats. NU rushed for just 63 yards on 33 rushes.
8 Wins for the Gophers, the third time in four years to reach the eight-win mark.
“It means a lot,” said Mitch Leidner. “At the same time, we are not finished yet. We are really looking forward to going out to Wisconsin next weekend and doing everything we can to prepare this week to make this a great football game.”
10 Tackles for Eden Prairie native Blake Cashman. The walk-on also had two sacks, and was all over the field on Saturday.
2 Brothers got to end their TCF Bank Stadium career together as Matt and Mitch Leidner ended the game on the field. Matt snapped to Mitch to close out the game.
“Especially getting that last snap with my brother [Matt Leidner] out there,” said Mitch. “It’s something we have always wanted to do together. I couldn’t wait to get in that locker room and celebrate with the guys.”