Coming off a close win over Oregon State, the Gophers needed to play up to their potential and control a lesser opponent. They did just that; breaking out for 38 points in the first half to top Indiana State, 58-28.
3 Gophers scored their first career touchdowns. Wide receivers Tyler Johnson scored on a 13-yard reception and Brian Smith caught a 22-yard TD. JUCO RB transfer Kobe McCrary found the end zone from 6 yards out, and also added another score on a 50-yard run.
10.4 Yards per carry for Kobe McCrary. The 6-foot-1, 235-pounder gashed the Sycamores’ defense for 177 yards on just 17 carries.
“He reminds me so much of David Cobb,” said Mitch Leidner. “Just watching him run and everything he does is just so similar to Cobb. To see him finally get a number of reps to show what he can do, he’s an explosive player.”
125 Yards receiving for Drew Wolitarsky, a career high. The senior also had his first two-touchdown game in the Maroon and Gold.
“The way we practice, the way [Mitch and I] stay after together to throw routes; most of that stuff’s done in practice and when the game comes, it’s second nature,” said Wolitarsky of his connection with Leidner.
21 Points given up by the Gophers in the second half. The defensive starters played a full three quarters, but looked to be somewhat lax with a big lead.
“That definitely bothers us,” said Jalen Myrick. “It can get hard sometimes when you’re just dominating in a way, you just got to keep your energy up, keep telling yourself ‘we got to stop them.’”
0 Sacks given up by the offensive line. The clean pocket allowed Mitch Leidner to tie a career high with four touchdown passes. The senior quarterback looked stellar, completing 20-of-30 passes for 295 yards.
32 Career touchdown passes for Leidner. He moved into seventh place on Minnesota’s all-time list. He passed Billy Cockerham, who had 29 TDs.
2006 Was the last time the Gophers scored more than 58 points. Minnesota beat Indiana, 63-23, in November of that year. The point total is also the highest in TCF Bank Stadium history.
2 Weeks for the Gophers to prepare for Colorado State. The Rams come to town on September 24 with a game time to be announced.