Minnesota Vs. Nebraska Final Score: Gophers Shuck Huskers 28-24

By Ted Schwerzler | Nov 22, 2014

Nov 22, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defender David Santos (41) tackles Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Mitch Leidner (7) in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /

Looking for a statement victory and season defining win, the Gophers got it Saturday as they knocked off the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Lincoln.

The Minnesota Gophers traveled to Nebraska to take on the Cornhuskers in a pivotal Big Ten matchup. At 7-3 and 4-2 in the conference, Minnesota controls their own destiny. Beating the Cornhuskers today and taking down the Wisconsin Badgers next Saturday would leave the Gophers representing the Big Ten west in the conference title game.

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In a game that would be decided on the ground by two talented running backs, it turned out to be a war of attrition. Kenny Bell, Nebraska’s leading wide receiver left the game early while a multitude of injuries followed, including the Gophers losing their star running back David Cobb.

The scoring would be pretty even and remain close throughout. Nebraska got on the board first with an Ameer Abdullah touchdown run, but the Gophers answered with a touchdown of their own thanks to a Mitch Leidner quarterback sneak. After the first quarter, things were knotted up at 7.

In the second, Nebraska got on the board again as Tommy Armstrong Jr. found De’Mornay Pierson-El for an 18 yard touchdown reception. Minnesota would try to answer with a Ryan Santoso field goal, but the kick was blocked by Randy Gregory of the Huskers, and returned to the house to put Nebraska up 21-7 at the half.

Minnesota responded strong thanks to a David Cobb touchdown just four minutes into the third quarter to draw within seven at 14-21. Holding Nebraska on defense to a field goal, the Gophers then found themselves down 10 by a score of 24-14.

Taking over after CObb left with an injured hamstring, Rodrick Williams Jr. took a 4th and 1 carry 19 yards for a touchdown as the third quarter drew to a close, and in doing so, brought the Gophers within three by a score of 24-21.

A back and forth fourth quarter provided only one touchdown, but it was enough for the victory. Mitch Leidner got into the end zone with just 3:25 left in the game and put the Gophers up by a score of 28-24.

The victory marked the first time that the Gophers have won at Nebraska since 1960, and now have defeated the Huskers in back to back season. Minnesota moves to 8-3 on the season and 5-2 in the Big Ten. A win at Wisconsin would set the Gophers up for a rematch with Ohio State in the Big Ten title game.

Today’s victory should see the Gophers move into the top 20 in the rankings as well as give Jerry Kill and the football program a statement victory and the feeling of a step forward.

Minnesota will kick off from Camp Randall Stadium next Saturday against Wisconsin.

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