Minnesota Gophers flatten Oregon State in impressive fashion
By Travis Young
A crushing running game and strong defensive play lead the way for the Minnesota Gophers on the road.
Last week, the Minnesota Gophers looked lethargic in a 10 point home win over the Buffalo Bulls. In game two, in Corvallis against the Oregon State Beavers, the Gophers started quickly and consistently stuck to the running formula which amassed 253 yards on 58 carries and five touchdowns. This lead to 38 minutes in time of possession for the Gophers, which kept the defense fresh en route to a 48-14 win for Minnesota.
This contest began much the same way as the Bulls game did. The Gophers opened the scoring on a 67 yard catch and run play action pass from Conor Rhoda to Tyler Johnson. The sophomore from Minneapolis North caught the ball over the middle and out raced defensive backs to the end zone. It appeared to be the same play that he hit pay dirt on against Buffalo. Over two games, Johnson is proving to be a big play weapon. This week he caught four passes for 127 yards and over two games he has 10 receptions for 268 yards.
Only Conor Rhoda threw passes for the Gophers and he was more than efficient. He completed 7 of 8 for 158 yards and the one touchdown to Johnson.
Shannon Brooks and Rodney Smith shared the workload for the Gophers. Smith carried 17 times for 91 yards and three touchdowns. Brooks had 92 yards and a score on 30 touches. Kicker Emmit Carpenter was two for two as he hit on field goals from 26 and 49 yards. He also converted each touchdown.
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The Gophers led 20 -14 at half, but Minnesota’s defense blanked the Beavers in the second half. They allowed only 80 yards rushing. They also produced three turnovers and three sacks as well.
Head coach P.J. Fleck may have spun his motivational magic for this game. He was undoubtedly pleased with his club’s strong play in all three facets. He will now get his team ready for their third and final non-conference match-up, when they host the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders.
The Gophers will attempt to accomplish two goals next week. The first is to move to a perfect 3-0 record prior to conference play. The second is to avenge the Gophers basketball loss to the Blue Raiders in the NCAA tournament this past spring.
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The Gophers host the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders at 2:30 pm, central time at TCF Bank Stadium on Saturday.