Gopher Football
The offense started out quick, scoring on a one-yard run by DeLeon Eskridge on the first drive of the game. That possession was keyed by an Adam Weber-to-Troy Stoudermire connection for 56 yards down to the 15-yard line. Eskridge then carried four straight times to pound it into the end zone. Five minutes later, the offense got a 20-yard field goal from Eric Ellestad. The offense led 10-6 after one quarter.
With 7:30 left in the second quarter, the defense picked up a sack and forced a three-and-out on the same play. That gave the Gopher defenders a lead they would never relinquish, 15-10. The offense put up a pair of Eric Ellestad field goals in the second quarter. But the defense held an 18-16 advantage at halftime.
Eric Ellestad converted a 50-yard field goal in the third quarter. But the defense recorded two three-and-out possessions and an interception in the third quarter to take control in the third quarter. The offense had a few fireworks in the fourth quarter, led by a 38-yard touchdown pass from MarQueis Gray to Hayo Carpenter.
Duane Bennett led the ground attack with 55 yards on nine attempts. Eskridge finished the day with 51 yards on 12 carries. Weber passed for 144 yards on 8-of-20 passing. Gray was 4-of-7 for 66 yards and a touchdown with one interception. Troy Stoudermire caught two passes for 68 yards, while McKnight added three receptions for 53.
Linebacker Mike Rallis led the defense with six total tackles, including three tackles-for-loss and two sacks. Linebacker Spencer Reeves tallied five unassisted tackles, while linebacker Sam Maresh tallied five total tackles (three solo). Linebacker Pat Sveum also tallied a total of five stops. Linebacker Keanon Cooper recorded the lone interception of the game, returning it 19 yards. Defensive back Kyle Henderson recorded three pass break-ups to lead the secondary.
Eric Ellestad was 4-of-4 on field goals, with a long of 50. Dan Orseske averaged 38.7 yards on three punts, while David Schwerman punted twice for a 38.0-yard average.
The point system awarded the defense points for the following: forced punt or field goal (1 point), tackle for loss (1), sack (2), three-and-out (3), turnovers (5), and a defensive score (6). Minnesota’s defense recorded five three-and-outs, while junior defensive end Anthony Jacobs recovered a fumble forced by freshman defensive back Chase Haviland, and Cooper tallied the aforementioned interception to highlight the defense’s scoring.
