The Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-1) overcame a 14-0 first-half deficit to beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-2) in a 31-28 victory, kicking off Big Ten conference play on Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium.
The Standouts
Facing a Robb Smith-coached defense that surrenders an average of 151.5 rushing yards per game, you might expect a P.J. Fleck-led team to lean heavily on the run. However, the ground game struggled to find rhythm, prompting Fleck and offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh Jr. to rely on redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey. The young QB rose to the occasion, completing 31 of 41 passes (75.6%) for 324 yards and three touchdowns, spreading the ball to nine different receivers.
In the second quarter, Lindsey sparked the offense with a 78-yard bomb to Jalen Smith, igniting the Gophers’ comeback. After halftime, Harbaugh unleashed an up-tempo passing attack, with Lindsey going 9-of-11 for 76 yards and a touchdown to knot the score. On the decisive game-winning drive, he was nearly flawless, completing 6 of 7 passes for 72 yards and a touchdown.
Drake Lindsey’s Stellar Performance
Facing a Rutgers defense allowing 151.5 rushing yards per game, expectations leaned toward a run-heavy approach from P.J. Fleck’s Gophers. However, with the ground game faltering, Fleck and Greg Harbaugh Jr. relied on redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey. He delivered, going 31-of-41 (75.6%) for 324 yards and three touchdowns, spreading the ball to nine receivers. A 78-yard pass to Jalen Smith in the second quarter ignited the comeback, and on the game-winning drive, Lindsey was 6-of-7 for 72 yards and a touchdown.
Minnesota’s Dominant Pass Rush: The Gophers’ defensive line, doubted for their ability to pressure Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis, erupted after a quiet first quarter. They tallied seven sacks, with Anthony Smith leading at 1.5 and Jaxon Howard, Karter Menz, Deven Eastern, and Rushawn Lawrence combining for 3.5, disrupting Rutgers’ offense.
Kerry Brown’s Momentum-Shifting Pick: A critical three-minute span in the second quarter turned the game, fueled by Lindsey’s 78-yard pass and Kerry Brown’s interception. Brown returned an errant Kaliakmanis pass 28 yards, setting up the Gophers at Rutgers’ 8-yard line for a game-tying touchdown on the next play.
Rushawn Lawrence’s Crucial Block: In a three-point game, Rushawn Lawrence’s block of a 22-yard Rutgers field goal on the opening drive was pivotal, preserving Minnesota’s narrow victory.
Koi Perich’s Redemption: After a tough game against Cal, Koi Perich bounced back with 11 tackles and a third-down sack. Despite muffing a kickoff and punt return (both recovered), he added a 56-yard kickoff return to spark the Gophers late in the first half.
Athan Kaliakmanis’ Rough Return: Former Gopher Athan Kaliakmanis started with a 14-yard touchdown pass and taunted the Minnesota crowd, but the Gophers’ defense took over. He completed just 57% of his passes (11-of-19) after the second quarter, was sacked six times, and threw an interception, enduring a tough homecoming.
The Shrug
Minnesota Secondary’s Mixed Success: Facing one of the season’s most talented receiver trios, the Gophers’ secondary limited NFL prospect Ian Strong to a season-low 46 receiving yards. However, this opened opportunities for K.J. Duff and D.T. Sheffield, who each surpassed 70 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. The secondary’s performance was inconsistent but ultimately more positive than negative.
Brady Denaburg’s Struggles: Special teams coordinator Bob Ligashesky recruited Brady Denaburg from Syracuse, but the kicker’s Big Ten fit is questionable. With a career 3-for-9 record on field goals from 40+ yards, Denaburg is now 0-for-2 from that range as a Gopher, including a missed 50-yarder before halftime against Rutgers. Minnesota may need to consider another kicker, like Alexandria native Daniel Jackson, or Fleck must rethink relying on field goals, as Denaburg’s inconsistency risks leaving points on the table.
The Disasters
First Quarter Struggles: Coming off a bye week, the Gophers’ first quarter disappointed fans. The offense managed just one first down and 26 total yards across two possessions, both ending in punts. The defense looked equally unprepared, allowing 133 yards on Rutgers’ first two drives, with Athan Kaliakmanis starting 8-for-8 for 99 passing yards and a touchdown.
Minnesota’s Run Defense Woes: The Gophers’ run defense was plagued by missed tackles, allowing Rutgers’ Antwan Raymond to average 6.2 yards per carry, totaling 161 yards on 26 carries. The tackling issues were glaring and costly.
Gophers’ Stalled Ground Game: Despite a bye week, star running back Darius Taylor remained sidelined by a Week 2 hamstring injury and didn’t participate in pregame warm-ups, raising concerns for his availability. With Marshall transfer A.J. Turner also out for the season due to a leg injury from Week 3, the Gophers’ run game faltered against a weak Rutgers defense. Fame Ijeboi led with 37 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, while Cam Davis managed just eight yards on three carries.
Short-Yardage Struggles Persist: Minnesota’s inability to convert in short-yardage situations, evident since Week 1, continued into Week 5. Failing to gain yards on 3rd & 2 and 4th & 1 remains a critical weakness for Big Ten competition.
Source: TheDailyGopher
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