Minnesota runs all over Northwestern to win 41-14

On what I am told from our man on the ground was a lovely day at Ryan Field, Minnesota routed a not very good Northwestern team 41-14. The Gophers ran for 308 yards and held the ball for over forty minutes to Tressel ball their way to bowl eligibility.

Minnesota plodded their way down the field for a field goal to start the game, helped enormously by a silly roughing the passer penalty on Northwestern. It was clear from the get go that the Gophers were going to run the ball as much as possible. And run they did. 53 of the 70 plays from scrimmage were runs today. Bucko Irving and Ky Thomas each ran for over 100 yards and two touchdowns between them. The two freshmen running backs are shaping up to be the next excellent Minnesota running back tandem.

Minnesota also got a scoring play from the defense. An excellent play from the Minnesota linebackers forced a fumble that Justin Walley returned 25 yards for the scoop and score.

Just because the running backs were having too much fun, Tanner Morgan decided to honor the screams of many a fan by keeping it on the read option. The result was an 18 yard touchdown run.

Minnesota now sits atop the Big Ten West. The team did exactly what they were supposed to do against an inferior opponent. As a result, the Gophers continue to control their destiny.