Gophers Secure Bowl Eligibility with Overtime Victory Against Michigan State
The Minnesota Gophers secured their bowl eligibility with a thrilling 23-20 overtime victory against Michigan State. This win marked the Gophers’ sixth win of the season, showcasing their resilience despite ongoing injury challenges.
Key Moments from the Game
Missing star player Darius Taylor, who sat out for the third consecutive game, the Gophers turned to redshirt freshman Fame Ijeboi. Ijeboi energized the offense with a 49-yard run early in the game, contributing to their first first-quarter touchdown since Week 2. This lead was notable as it marked the first time all season Minnesota led after the first quarter against an FBS opponent.
First Half Performance
- Gophers took early lead, 7-0, after the first quarter.
- A subsequent 10-play, 51-yard drive resulted in a field goal.
- Despite controlling the first half, Minnesota only managed a 10-0 lead at halftime.
Injuries affected Minnesota’s play-calling, which became a point of contention as the offense struggled to maintain momentum. The Spartans managed to score with a surprising 71-yard touchdown from rookie quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, who had an impressive debut, throwing for 311 yards.
Climactic Finish
As the game neared its end, a missed field goal by Michigan State kept Minnesota’s hopes alive. The Gophers responded with a swift nine-play drive, tying the game at 17-17 with just 29 seconds remaining. This touchdown sent the game into overtime for the first time since a previous loss to Northwestern.
Overtime and Victory
In overtime, Minnesota’s defense held Michigan State to a three-and-out, creating an opportunity for the offense. Following a couple of crucial pass interference calls, Drake Lindsey scored the decisive rushing touchdown, clinching the game at 23-20.
With this victory, the Gophers improved their record to 6-3. They will head into their final bye week of the season, preparing for a significant away game against Oregon on November 14.
