After multiple heartbreaks this year, the Gophers finally closed out a win with a 32-23 victory over Illinois. The injury-plagued Maroon and Gold squad saw production from a number of freshmen as Minnesota won their first game under new head coach Tracy Claeys.
Freshmen Dominate
It’s no secret that the Gophers have been banged up this season. With the injuries comes an opportunity for young players to step up and fill the roles.
“That’s one thing about injuries, we’re not as good as we probably should be because of some of the injuries we’ve had, but at the same time, those freshmen and those other kids, the way they’ve reacted,” said Claeys. “This will payoff big time in the future years for Gopher football. We’re excited about those freshmen.”
Shannon Brooks ran for 174 yards and three touchdowns, Rashad Still caught a huge touchdown at the end of the first half, and KiAnte Harden and Julian Huff made big plays on defense. All together, the freshmen class put on a show against Illinois.
“They were all over the place, Rashad (Still) making a touchdown catch and Shannon (Brooks) running like crazy,” said Leidner. “It’s a good group, they’ve just gotta continue to stay focused and enjoy the process. You can’t get too big-headed or anything like that when you have games like this. So you just have to stay humble and enjoy the process.”
The play of freshmen shows how much the youngsters have worked in order to see the field in their first year.
“We all work hard in practice,” said Brooks. “We definitely came up this summer, studying the playbook and getting in as many reps as we can. It showed it paid off today. You’ve always got to come in with a good mindset. Don’t be negative, and stay positive. Work hard and learn as much as you can. And when your opportunity comes, take it.”
Big Plays
The Gophers didn’t dominate the Illini, by any means. They were outgained 433-343 on the game and recorded just 17 yards through the first 28+ minutes of the second half.
“All of a sudden we couldn’t run the football so they were able to run the ball a little bit,” said Claeys. “Our defensive kids, we lost Steve (Richardson) there in the first half and I give them credit. They gave up some yards but kept battling and kept them out of the end zone.”
Fortunately, the Gophers were able to create big plays on both sides of the ball. Late in the game with Illinois driving and trailing by one, Julian Huff took down quarterback Wes Lunt for an 11-yard loss. The Minnesota defense held strong and forced the punt.
“He did a nice move on the tackle and got around him and then the quarterback, rather than throw it away, tried to escape and JuJu is a pretty good athlete,” said Claeys. “He’s strong. So when he turned out there he just added more yardage and the sack was enough so they couldn’t recover off of it.”
Following the defensive stand, the Gophers needed just one first down to end the game. Instead, Brooks broke a 75-yard run for a touchdown. Minnesota converted the two-point conversion and took a nine-point lead.
“It’s the greatest feeling, especially for a running back—they dream of long touchdowns,” said Brooks. “It’s good to see the line open up a hole anybody could run through, really. It’s a great feeling.”
For Claeys
Not only did the Gophers victory mean a chance at bowl eligibility next week, it gave new head coach Tracy Claeys his first victory.
“He’s a great coach and we’re glad he got the job,” said Brooks. “He does a great job with us. It’s great to have him.”
Despite the big win, Claeys was already looking toward next week at Minnesota’s matchup with Wisconsin.
“I want that Axe,” said Claeys.
With the victory, Minnesota has momentum entering the rivalry game.
“The win will help us with the energy, but here’s the thing with the Axe: Even with Coach Kill we put an awful lot of work into it and that’s the one trophy he didn’t get,” said Claeys. “We are going to put as much into this as we can because what a great way to reward him if we could get that Axe.”
By the Numbers
2 Sacks by the Gophers compared to zero for the Illini. Huff’s sack late in the game forced a punt and Minnesota took advantage.
554 Rushing yards in Big Ten games for Shannon Brooks. The freshman is averaging 6.2 yards per carry and has six touchdowns against conference opponents.
12 Tackles by safety Duke McGhee, a career high for the Georgia native.