Behind a dominant, opportunistic defense and a rejuvenated run game, the Minnesota Gophers Football team ran over an outgunned Nevada squad 27-0 at Huntington Bank Stadium. The Gophers forced three turnovers and sacked Wolf Pack quarterback Brendon Lewis four times as they disrupted the Nevada backfield all game.
Max Brosmer once again distributed the ball liberally, hitting six different receivers, and running back Darius Taylor broke out of his early-season snide dashing for an 80-yard third-quarter touchdown.
Gophers Offense Sputters Early
The Gophers’ first drive started convincingly enough. Two receptions by wideout Elijah Spencer netted 40 yards and moved Minnesota to the Nevada 35-yard line. Unfortunately, that is where the drive stalled, but kicker Dragan Kesich salvaged some points with a 52-yard field goal, and the Gophers were on the board.
The defenses dominated early, as neither team could move the ball on the ground. Sparked by a Jah Joyner hit on Lewis, Gophers defensive back Kerry Brown intercepted a pass, and Minnesota started their drive at their 45-yard line. From there, Brosmer connected twice with Daniel Jackson for 49 yards, bringing the ball down to the Nevada four-yard line. But once again, Minnesota could do nothing on the ground, settling instead for a Kesich 21-yard field goal to make it 6-0 Gophers.
Gophers Finally Break Through
Nevada’s defense continued to shut down the Gophers’ vaulted running game, and Minnesota’s defense continued to harass the Wolf Pack Backfield. Standouts in bringing the heat for Minnesota were defensive linemen Joyner, Jalen Logan-Redding, and last week’s standout monster back Jack Henderson.
The defense gave Minnesota its first break of the game. In the second quarter, Brown intercepted another Lewis pass 17 yards to the Nevada 16-yard line. From there, two short passes to Taylor earned the Gophers their first touchdown of the afternoon and a 13-0 lead.
One More Before Halftime
Starting on their 31-yard line with 1:55 left in the half, Brosmer weaved a little two-minute drill magic, Hitting Taylor for an 11-yard completion, Jackson for a 14-yarder, and tight end Jameson Geers for another 22; the Gophers weaved their way down the field in rapid progression.
A pass interference call on Nevada moved the ball down to their four-yard line. From there, Taylor punched it in for a touchdown. The half ended with Minnesota in front 20-0.
Taylor Explodes
Nevada had the first possession of the second half, but an extended drive netted no points for the Wolf Pack. Minnesota started their first drive of the half on the Nevada nine-yard line. Three plays later, Taylor exploited a huge hole in the Wolf Pack defensive line, and like a flash, he galloped 80 yards for another Gophers touchdown. Minnesota’s lead was now 27-0.
The Gopher would put one more long drive together later in that third quarter. A 9-play drive highlighted by an 18-yard scamper by Oklahoma transfer Marcus Major and a nice 11-yard rush by Taylor put them in field goal range. But Kesich would miss a 50-yarder, ending Minnesota’s scoring opportunities.
Game Balls
There were many worthy contenders, especially on defense, where the Gphers pitched two shutout games in a row. That has not happened at Minnesota since 1962. Brosmer certainly earned one for his 16-26, 191-yard passing performance. He was steady all day and looked in total command of the offense. Taylor rushed 11 times for 127 yards on the ground and added three touchdowns, including the one through the air.
On defense, while he did not record any sacks for the game, Joyner was a disruptive force in the Wolf Pack backfield all day. Kerry Brown will get a mention for his two-interception effort. And cornerback Ethan Robinson perhaps had the best game of any Gophers player. He led Minnesota with eight tackles, had one interception, and two pass breakups. He was everywhere in the defensive backfield, wreaking havoc on Nevada receivers.
Reflection and What’s Next
Gopher’s coach, P.J. Fleck, commented on Robinsons performance post-game. “I think he’s fearless, he’s tough, and he’s got a lot of confidence. I think he plays the ball really well in the area. Plays the man through the ball really well, which is, I think that’s…you can teach it, but it’s even more instinctual than that.”
The Gophers will host the Iowa Hawkeyes at Huntington Bank Stadium next week, and the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy will be on the line.
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