RECAP: Gophers roll in 66-0 rout of Northwestern State

The game has been called with 6:15 remaining as severe weather is moving into the area. Minnesota wins 66-0, the second-largest win in the last 100 years for the program.

The third quarter is officially in the books. Minnesota leads 66-0 and has outgained Northwestern State 432 to 37. Minnesota is averaging 17.4 yards per completion and 5.7 yards per carry.

With Dylan Wittke in at quarterback, the Gophers were looking to put up 70-points for the first time in almost 100 years. However, a Dylan Wittke interception in the red zone would give Northwestern State possession. It’s only the third incompletion of the day for the Gophers.

Coming out of halftime, the Golden Gophers continued their onslaught with a six-play, 75-yard scoring drive. Max Shikenjanski had a tremendous 52-yard pass to Kenric Lanier that would later set up an 8-yard touchdown run by the walk-on quarterback.

Shikenjanksi is 4-for-4 for 80 yards and one touchdown on the day with two total touchdowns.

Halftime has finally arrived. Minnesota is up 59-0 in a near-perfect first half. Gophers outgained Northwestern State 285-18.

Gophers have 124 rushing yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Drake Lindsey and Max Shikenjanski are a combined 10-for-11 for 161 yards and two touchdowns. Gophers’ defense has four turnovers, two sacks, and five tackles for loss.

The Gophers’ offense is going conservative at this point, and understandably so. They settle for a chip-shot field goal from Brady Denaburg after the Matt Kingsbury fumble recovery. The Gophers now lead 59-0 with just over two-and-a-half minutes left in the first half.

The Golden Gophers will take over at the Northwestern State 6-yard line after Garrison Monroe forced a fumble. Matt Kingsbury with his second recovery of the day.

With Max Shikenjanski in at quarterback, Fame Ijeboi gets his first career touchdown with a 22-yard touchdown reception to make it 56-0.

Minnesota continues its ferocious scoring pace as Cam Davis caps off a 4-play, 31-yard drive with a seven-yard touchdown. The scoring drive comes after John Nestor’s second interception of the day. Minnesota has just 235 total yards of offense thanks to two defensive scores and three total turnovers.

This one is well out of hand at this point. The Golden Gophers find themselves up 42-0 after Drake Lindsey hits a wide-open Javon Tracy for a 45-yard touchdown. Lindey is now 7-for-8 for 134 yards and 1 TD. He also has two carries for three yards and one touchdown.

Gophers starting defensive tackle Jalen Logan-Redding was down on the field with his knee being checked out after getting hit with a cut block by a Northwestern State offensive lineman. He limped off the field under his own power.

Another defensive touchdown for Minnesota makes it a 35-0 game for the Gophers as cornerback Za’Quan Bryan forces a fumble and Matt Kingsbury picks it up, returning it for a 25-yard touchdown. It’s now 28-0 Minnesota.

The rout is already on as Minnesota extends its lead to 28-0 following a one-yard touchdown run from quarterback Drake Lindsey. On the scoring drive, Koi Perich had a 24-yard reception while Fame Ijeboi had his first carry of the season, a 10-yard run. Minnesota outgains NSU 135 to -10 with just under a minute left in the first quarter.

This one is getting out of hand, very fast. With over five minutes still remaining in the first quarter, the Gophers find themselves up 21-0 on Northwestern State, this time after a Le’Meke Brockington seven-yard end-around run.

Another three-and-out for the Gophers defense. They start just around midfield for their second offensive drive.

The Golden Gophers’ first offensive drive is a successful one as they drive down the field to take a 14-0 lead as A.J. Turner punches it in from one yard out. Star running back Darius Taylor, however, did leave the game with an injury after grabbing the back of his leg following a 17-yard gain. It is unclear if he’ll return; he entered the injury tent following the injury.

The second Northwestern State is a three-and-out for the Gophers defense. After a punt, Minnesota takes over at the 50-yard line.

After winning the toss and deferring to the second half, the Gophers open up the game with a pick-six at Iowa transfer John Nestor jumps a hitch route and picks off an Abram Johnson pass, returning it 29-yard touchdown.

It’s a small visitors list for the Gophers on Saturday. Gophers Nation subscribers can check out the list, here.

The Golden Gophers’ injury report has been released.

QUESTIONABLE

S Darius Green

OUT

WR Cristian Driver
WR Bradley Martino
CB Mike Gerald
WR Legend Lyons
LB Drew Wilson
Sam Henson
DT Mo Omonode
OL Daniel Shipp
OL Spencer Alvarez
DT Theorin Randle

Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Stadium: Huntington Bank Stadium (50,805)

Weather: It will be a cooler day in the Twin Cities on Saturday with a high of 61. There’s a low chance of rain, but it will likely be cloudy throughout the afternoon. Winds will be between 10 and 15 mph.

Odds: 42.5 points according to BetMGM