Minnesota used 514 total yards to run past the Nebraska Cornhuskers for a 54-21 win. The Gophers took advantage of a Nebraska defense, which has allowed 265 rushing yards per game over the past four weeks. Saturday was the first time since 1945 that Minnesota scored at least 40 points against Nebraska. Quarterback Demry Croft rushed for 183 yards, while the team notched 409 rushing yards and six touchdowns in the blowout victory.
Gophers offense tears up Nebraska’s defense
Minnesota’s offense opened the game with three long scoring drives, including drives of 75, 93 and 72 yards. The Gophers displayed their most explosive offensive performance as they attacked a reeling Cornhuskers squad. Minnesota had 408 rushing yards and used more read-option looks. Quarterback Demry Croft did a great job of selling fakes. The Gophers made an effort to get their playmakers in space. They also ran the ball well out of read-option, which opened interior lanes for rushers to have success. Croft sprinted for 183 yards, setting the Gophers’ single-game record for rushing yards by a quarterback. He was making good decisions and used his legs to power the Gophers to their fifth overall win.
Key offensive moments spurred by run-pass option looks
On their first offensive possession, Minnesota went on a 12-play, 75-yard drive and Demry Croft used his legs to keep the drive alive. He had 35 rushing yards on the first drive, including a 22-yard gain to set up a three-yard touchdown scamper out of a read-option look. He didn’t force throws, moved in the pocket to create and the Gophers even used a speed option to pick up a first down during a fourth-and-short situation.
The Gophers also ran read-option to spark a 73-yard rushing score by Croft. Croft sold the fake to running back Kobe McCrary and made one defensive back miss to spark the long touchdown. He started the game with four carries for 108 yards and two scores. Croft’s 73-yard scamper was the longest rushing score by a Minnesota quarterback since Marqueis Gray posted a 75-yard touchdown in 2012. Croft played well on Saturday afternoon and one could argue his lone mistake was taking a coverage sack on third down when the team was in field goal range.
The Gophers had a season-high 30 points at the half and scored over 20 points for just the fourth time this year. They also tallied 54 points, which was just seven points shy of the series record against Nebraska. Running backs Rodney Smith and Kobe McCrary took advantage of the early success Minnesota had in their run-pass option system. McCrary displayed impressive balance and used a nifty spin move to set up an 11-yard score. He added two additional scores, including a 43-yard scamper to finish his hat-trick.
Rodney Smith took advantage of the open interior and edge lanes, while running wild for 134 yards. He was showing incredible elusiveness and vision to run through the Nebraska defense. Fans saw what the offense can do when an athletic quarterback forces defenses to defend the edge. In this case, Nebraska just didn’t have the personnel to stop Minnesota’s rushing attack. Minnesota called more quick hitting plays, used more read-option and suited the offense better to the roster they currently have.
MORE: http://www.1500espn.com/gophers-2/2017/11/demry-crofts-legs-shred-nebraska-54-21-win/