Gophers

Saturday's Gophers-Northwestern game recap

A look at the key players and stats from Minnesota's 41-14 victory.

By Randy Johnson

October 31, 2021 at 12:03AM
Minnesota running back Mar'Keise Irving, right, scores a touchdown past Northwestern linebacker Chris Bergin and defensive back Coco Azema during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Gophers running back Mar’Keise Irving, right, scored a touchdown past Northwestern linebacker Chris Bergin and defensive back Coco Azema during the second half Saturday. (Nam Y. Huh, Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

OFFENSIVE MVP

Mar'Keise Irving, Gophers

With Bryce Williams missing most of the game because of a first-quarter lower leg injury and Ky Thomas out for a while in the second and third quarters, Irving, a true freshman, rushed 19 times for 110 yards, including touchdown runs of 3 and 41 yards.

DEFENSIVE MVP

Marian Sori-Marin, Gophers

The linebacker made 11 tackles, 10 of them solo, and forced a first-quarter fumble that Justin Walley returned 25 yards for a touchdown.

BY THE NUMBERS

634 Rushing yards in the past two games for the Gophers.

10-for-14 The Gophers' performance on third down, contrasted with Northwestern's 4-for-11.

3-3 P.J. Fleck's coaching record against Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald: 2-2 at Minnesota, 1-1 at Western Michigan.

about the writer

about the writer

Randy Johnson

College football reporter

Randy Johnson covers University of Minnesota football and college football for the Minnesota Star Tribune, along with Gophers hockey and the Wild.

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