Minnesota Football: RAPID RECAP Gophers Comeback Falls Short, loses to #21 Michigan State 30-27

A game where Michigan State dominated the line of scrimmage and Minnesota compounded things by making several mental mistakes. LJ Scott was getting huge holes and making Gopher defenders miss on his way to 194 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Minnesota made it mildly interesting in the 4th quarter by scoring 21 points in the last quarter with Demry Croft under center. After an anemic offense in the 1st half and barely getting the ball in the 3rd quarter, the offense exploded. Three Tyler Johnson touchdowns cut the lead to 3. But Michigan State recovered the final onside kick and held on to win.

Quick Thoughts

• 245 yards rushing for the Spartans compared to 74 for Minnesota. This really was the story of the game. Turnovers early were a factor, but once both teams settled down it was the
• In addition to their inability to stop the run, the Gophers were particularly bad offensively on 3rd down.
• Three turnovers in the 1st quarter. Two by Michigan State that resulted in field goals for the Gophers. One turnover by Minnesota that was converted into a touchdown for the Spartans.
• Conner Rhoda, after starting the game 5/12 for 53 yards and a fumbled snap that lead to the Spartan’s first touchdown, was replaced late in the second quarter by Demry Croft. The sophomore connected on his first two passes for 27 yards before throwing an interception throwing into coverage down the sideline.
• Croft rebounded nicely as he
• Bright spot? Thomas Barber was all over the ball making 16 tackles and 2 for a loss on the night.
• Oh and Demry Croft was a second half bright spot. As I wrote about above.

Up Next

Up Next the Gophers host Illinois for Homecoming

TV: BTN
Time: 2:30