After struggling to get anything going offensively, the Gophers stormed back with 21 points in the fourth quarter before falling to Michigan State, 30-27. It was an impressive comeback considering the game could have easily gotten out of hand.
“I’m not into just showing hope, but what I saw in the last 10 minutes was a team I couldn’t wait to see,” said P.J. Fleck after the game.
By the Numbers
3 Touchdowns for the Tyler Johnson. The sophomore was a bright spot for the Gophers, snagging eight passes for 106 yards and three scores. It was the first time a Gopher had three TD receptions since Maxx Williams did it against Iowa in 2014.
“Look at Ty,” said Fleck. “Ty’s getting better and learning what it means to become a go-to guy. You don’t become a go-to guy after one game. You become a go-to guy after you do it over and over and over and make big plays in pressure situations. I thought he did that.”
245 Rushing yards for Michigan State. The Spartans had success getting to the outside and picking up big chunks of yards on the ground.
163 Yards, three touchdowns, and an interception for Demry Croft. He was also second on the team with 31 yards rushing.
“He showed me resiliency,” said Fleck. “I think he has come a long way. Failing is growth. I planned on possibly giving him reps today anyway. It just came to a point where I put him in and then talking about putting Conor [Rhoda] back in there. But then he started moving the team and I kept him in there.”
34 Minute rain delay before the game. It’s the second straight week Minnesota’s faced a significant rain delay.
8 Total fumbles between the two teams. The wet, rainy conditions contributed to MSU losing two and the Gophers losing one on the evening.
16 Tackles and two tackles for a loss for Thomas Barber. The Minnesota native’s play has been improving, and his teammates are taking notice.
“Thomas keeps developing each week…I’m happy Thomas is starting to develop into a nice mike-linebacker,” said Jonathan Celestin.
4 Field goal attempts for the Spartans, of which they made three. As Fleck pointed out after the game, the Gophers gave up lots of yards, but kept MSU out of the end zone enough times to keep things close at the end.