Stoudermire, Gray Star in 2009 Gopher Spring Game

Troy Stoudermire accounted for 274 all-purpose yards and a touchdown and MarQueis Gray connected on two touchdown passes with Brodrick Smith to lead the Gophers this afternoon in Minnesota’s annual Spring Game. An overflow crowd of more than 7,700 fans showed up at O’Shaughnessy Stadium on the campus of the University of St. Thomas for the contest. The Spring Game marked the Gophers’ final appearance prior to the opening of TCF Bank Stadium this fall.

The Gophers’ offensive units combined for 34 points on four touchdowns and two field goals. Gray led the way completing 8-of-10 passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Smith caught four passes for 98 yards, including a 59-yard scoring strike from Gray in the fourth quarter. Returning starter Adam Weber also had a strong showing, completing 9-of-12 passes for 77 yards. Freshman Kevin Whaley had 12 carries for 63 yards and a score to lead the Gophers on the ground.

However, Stoudermire was the overall star of the game. The sophomore ran for 63 yards on two carries, including a 54-yard scoring scamper in the fourth quarter. He returned three kickoffs for 143 yards, including a 60-yard return in the third quarter. Stoudermire also snagged three passes for 31 yards and returned two punts for 37 yards.

On the defensive side, senior defensive end Cedric McKinley was dominant, racking up six tackles, four of which were for losses. He recorded three sacks as well. Eight other players had four tackles apiece, including junior transfer Kim Royston, Brandon Kirksey, Lee Campbell and Sam Maresh. Simoni Lawrence, Keanon Cooper and Terrell Combs also tallied sacks.

In the first quarter, the Gophers’ No. 1 offense scored first on a 47-yard field goal by junior Eric Ellestad. The field goal capped a 6-play, 19-yard drive. The second team offense answered with a 21-yard field goal by Ellestad, capping a nine-play, 37-yard drive. Gray connected on 3-of-4 passes on the possession.

The offense really started to click in the third quarter. Smith caught a 17-yard scoring strike from Gray, ending a seven-play scoring drive for the No. 2 offense. On the drive, Whaley had two 10-yard runs and Gray hooked up with Eric Lair over the middle for an 18-yard gain on third-and-21.

Weber directed a scoring drive by the No. 1 offense on the next series. After Stoudermire’s 60-yard kickoff return, Weber connected on passes with Stoudermire and DeLeon Eskridge before Whaley took it to the end zone on a 16-yard touchdown run.

In the fourth quarter, Stoudermire took the broke away on an end-around for a 54-yard touchdown run (Video) and Gray hooked up with Smith on a 59-yard scoring play (Video), both on first down plays to start drives.

Saturday’s spring game was technically the last of 15 practices allowed by the NCAA. The Gophers open the 2009 season Sept. 5 at Syracuse University. Minnesota’s home opener and first game ever at TCF Bank Stadium will be played Sept. 12, when the Gophers host the United States Air Force Academy 6 p.m. CT.

-UM-

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