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University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Secondary Shines in OT Victory
9/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Colorado State is known for having a potent passing attack, putting up 381 yards through the air in their previous game. The Minnesota secondary was up to the challenge on Saturday and shut down the Rams' aerial offense.
The Gophers secondary was stellar. After allowing 239 passing yards last week against TCU, they held the Rams to a meager 142. This shut down defense helped carry the Gophers to a 23-20 overtime victory. Minnesota's defense held Colorado State to fewer than 150 passing yards for the first time since August 29th, 2014 (vs. Colorado).
With starting safety Damarius Travis and his back up Ace Rogers injured, the Gophers called on their next men up to make plays. Sophomores Adekunle Ayinde, a walk-on, and Duke McGhee stepped up and displayed the depth of the Minnesota secondary. McGhee recorded three tackles while Ayinde tallied four, the first of his collegiate career. Ayinde also defended a pass on a third down during Colorado State's final drive of the fourth quarter with Minnesota up 20-17.
Minnesota's defensive backs also had a knack for taking the ball away, recording two interceptions on the afternoon. Senior Briean Boddy-Calhoun got Minnesota ahead in the turnover battle early, snagging a pass away from a Colorado State wideout on the first play from scrimmage. Junior Jalen Myrick accounted for the other Gopher interception with an over-the-shoulder pick in the third quarter. The Minnesota secondary now has three interceptions through two games.
The Gophers come home next Saturday (Sept. 19) to take on Kent State. That game will kick off at 11:00 a.m. at TCF Bank Stadium.
