Oct. 30, 2021: The Golden Gophers claimed their sixth win of the season and became bowl eligible Saturday when they dominated Northwestern 41-14 in a Halloween-eve Big Ten matchup.
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Full Game Recap:
- Pregame/injuries: The Gophers got some reinforcements, with Daniel Jackson making his return from injury, but starting DT Trill Carter was out of the lineup against Northwestern.
- First-Quarter: Minnesota’s offense started with some explosiveness, as seven total players received a touch on the opening drive, but they would settle for a field goal. After star freshman Justin Walley‘s first career scoop and score on Northwestern’s opening drive, the Gophers lead 10-0. After another Matthew Trickett field goal, Minnesota led 13-0 after one.
- Second-Quarter: Northwestern’s back was against the wall, and it answered. Maple Grove (MN) native Evan Hull led the Wildcats down the field, shortening Minnesota’s lead to 13-7. The Gophers responded with a clinical drive of their own, as Bucko Irving‘s 3-yard TD extended the lead to 20-7. After forcing another Wildcats’ punt, the Gophers were unable to take advantage, as a Tanner Morgan INT ended the half.
Second Half:
- Third-Quarter: After alternating three straight punts, the Gophers were able to finally find some offensive success with a long drive carrying into the fourth quarter.
- Fourth-Quarter: An 18 yard Tanner Morgan TD to start the quarter, yes you read that right, extended the Gophers lead to 27-7. After forcing another Northwestern turnover on downs. Bucko Irving responded with a 40 yard house call, extending Minnesota’s lead to 34-7. Afer a garbage Nortwestern TD, former walk-on LB Derik LeCaptain added a 24 TD making it a 41-14 Minnesota lead.
Instant Reaction & Takeaways:
The Gophers took care of business. This win was the situation of a good football team doing what needed to be done. This wasn’t a statement game, this was the Maroon & Gold handling business from the first whistle. There was a lot to like from the Gophers once again. In the first game this season, with every Minnesota WR 100% healthy I thought it resulted in the best game of the season from the pass catchers. Even thought Chris Autman-Bell had only two targets, I thought Daniel Jackson looked great in his first game back, Mike Brown-Stephens is only getting better, Dylan Wright got his first catch since the Nebraska game, and the running backs even got involved with Irving and Thomas combining for three catches. Bryce Williams unfortunately suffered an injury early in the game, but there is hope it is not serious. As for Thomas and Irving’s contribution in the running game it was another dominant performance from the dynamic duo.
The defensive side of the ball continues to look terrific. Justin Walley‘s early scoop and score set the tone for another dominant performance. If Walley continues to improve I think, he might be the player that could take this defense to the next level. The defensive line was its same dominant self, with sacks from both Boye Mafe and MJ Anderson. As a whole it was really a performance that we have grown accustomed to for this defense. Overall, there was very little to criticize about the Gophers’ performance today.
What is Next?:
The Gophers now have four regular season games remaining. Home games against Illinois and Wisconsin with road games against Iowa and Indiana is all that is standing between Minnesota and a trip to the Big Ten Championship game. My biggest takeaway from this game is that Bryce Williams‘ injury could be a concern. Thomas and Irving are beyond special, but at some point their extreme lack of depth at the RB position will eventually catch up with them, but lets hope that Williams is not out for an extended period of time. But hey, Derik LeCaptain looked like he might be able to provide some depth at the position.
I feel like a broken record, but it is remarkable how well this team is playing after suffering a crushing loss to Bowling Green. Minnesota is playing like a top-20 football team in the country and there is zero reason why this season cannot be as special or more special than 2019.