Minnesota Gophers fall to mediocre Nebraska Cornhuskers
The golden defense of the Minnesota Golden Gophers has disappeared and gave up 48 points to a mediocre Nebraska Cornhuskers team on Saturday afternoon in Minneapolis. The Gophers tried to make a comeback in the fourth quarter, but Nebraska prevailed 48-25.
It was known going into the game that Nebraska’s run defense was much better than it’s pass defense which showed in the Gophers’ offensive ability. After having a grand game on the ground last week, the Gophers only ran for 65 total yards.
Minnesota didn’t even attempt to go ground much. Both Shannon Brooks and Rodney Smith received eight carries each with Brooks gaining 25 yards and Smith gaining 20 yards. KJ Maye also had a pair of runs for 21 yards.
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The passing game for the Gophers didn’t look as horrid as it had earlier in the season and two late fourth quarter interceptions made Mitch Leidner’s stat line look a lot worse than what was truly the case on Saturday afternoon. Leidner went 26/40 for 301 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions in the ballgame.
Eric Carter caught the touchdown. Carter racked up 91 receiving yards on only four catches. Maye had 11 catches on the day for 94 yards.
While Leidner looked better than usual, so did Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. Armstrong has struggled this season, but broke out of the funk at TCF Bank Stadium. Armstrong went 18/26 for 261 yards and three touchdowns to three different receivers.
Cornhuskers running back Terrell Newby had a Golden Gopher like day on the ground. Newby gathered 116 rushing yards on only 13 carries which was good for two scores.
The Nebraska win brings them to a tie with Minnesota in the Big Ten at a conference record of 1-2. Nebraska is now 3-4 overall. The Gophers stand at 4-3.
The Golden Gophers have a bye next week before hitting an incredibly touch section of the schedule with three straight ranked opponents. The Gophers’ next game is Halloween night when the Michigan Wolverines come into town.
Next: Gophers should be looking run!