The Minnesota Gophers Football Team vented their frustrations at an outmanned Rhode Island Rams squad, defeating them 48-0 at Huntington Bank Stadium. Minnesota was trying to put last week's home loss against North Carolina behind them. The victory pushed the Gophers' season record to 1-1, and Rhode Island fell to 1-1.
Now, a victory over the FCS contender Rams wasn't unexpected. But it was a good shot in the arm after losing to the Tar Heels in the game's closing seconds. The win was born out of a dynamic passing attack, some big defensive plays, and some contributions from some of the younger Gopher players.
The Gophers almost immediately put points on the board. After Rhode Island's three-and-out, Minnesota went on a seven-play, 44-yard drive highlighted by a 20-yard completion from quarterback Max Brosmer to wideout Christian Driver. That led to a 53-yard field goal by Dragan Kesich to put the Gophers up 3-0.
Then, both defenses would dominate until Minnesota marched down the field on a 13-play drive. Brosmer spread the ball around in the short passing game, and it all culminated in Darius Taylor running it in off left tackle from 1-one yard out, raising the Gophers lead to 10-0. The Gophers' next scoring drive would start with a rolling interception by safety Aidan Gousby, downed at the Minnesota 10-yard line.
Brosmer would then orchestrate a magnificent drive, hitting Jameson Geers, Le'Meke Brockington, Taylor, and Marcus Major en route to a Major two-yard plunge for a score and a 17-0 Gophers lead.
On the Rams' next series, Minnesota defensive tackle Deven Eastern would jar the ball out of Rhode Island quarterback Devin Farrell's grip into the waiting arms of Gopher safety Jack Henderson at the Rams' 19-yard line. But the drive would stall out with a missed 55-yard Kesich field goal attempt as the first half ended.
Second Half Dominance
But the Gophers would put the game away in the third quarter. Two long Minnesota scoring drives that ate up over 11 minutes of the clock put the game out of reach for the Rams. Three catches by receiver Elijah Spencer would lead to a six-yard scoring pass from Brosmer to Driver for a 24-point Minnesota lead.
Next, in the waning minutes of the third quarter, Brosmer hit Daniel Jackson, Major, and Taylor for key receptions that brought the ball down to the Rhode Island 29-yard line. Then Brosmer would end his day with a touchdown strike to Brockington for a 31-0 Minnesota lead.
Defense and Younger Gophers Play Their Parts
The fourth quarter would belong to the Gophers defense and some of their upcoming playmakers. As the fourth quarter started, Farrell attempted a pass to the right that was tipped by middle linebacker Cody Lindenberg. It was snatched out of the air by Gopher freshman Koi Perich, who returned it to the Rams' 48-yard line.
Freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey completed a nice pitch and catch to tight end Nathan Jones for a first down, but three successive plays only netted six yards. Kesich came in and hit a 47-field goal to move it to 41-0 Gophers. Nice redemption for Kesich, who uncharacteristically missed two field goals last week, including what would have been the game-winner as time ran out against North Carolina.
On the Rams' next series, Rhode Island backup quarterback Hunter Helms had a pass picked off by Henderson, who ran in untouched for a pick-six. Minnesota now led 41-0. To close out the scoring for Minnesota, Lindsey would hit wideout Tyler Williams with an eight-yard score. The play was set up by a dynamic 28-yard punt return by Perich. The Rams could do nothing with their last possession, and the Gophers left the field with a gratifying 48-0 win.
Next Week
Gophers Coach P.J. Fleck and his team stay home again next week to face the Nevada Wolf Pack in another non-conference tilt. Kickoff time for the game is scheduled for 2:30 pm CST. Go Gophers!
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