Here are some quick halftime thoughts:

- The Minnesota defense is not as sharp today, particularly on 3rd and 4th down.

- Mitch Leidner is 10-12 (83%) for 113 yards, no TD's, and no INT's. His two misses? Back to back deep balls.

- The good news on those misses? Essentially the same routes he underthrew last week for interceptions. The bad news? He's still not dialed in going long. Everything else though? Pretty solid.

- WELCOME TO THE NCAA SHANNON BROOKS! 6 carries for 75 yards this half, with one being a 40 yard TD!

- Rodney Smith also looking nice, with a total of 72 yards on 9 total touches (7 rushing, 2 receiving).

Gophers receive the ball to start the 2nd half. This game should be much easier if the defense adjusts and starts shutting Ohio down.

GO GOPHERS!