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University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
2-1
Kent State
1-2
Defense Leads Minnesota Past Kent State 10-7
9/19/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
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Final Stats | Quotes | Notes | Photo Gallery 
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota defense put on its best performance of the season to spark a 10-7 win against Kent State on Saturday afternoon at TCF Bank Stadium.
As a unit, the Gophers' (2-1) defense limited Kent State to just 142 yards of offense on 59 plays. The Golden Flashes (1-2) were unable to cause any damage on the scoreboard and were held to three offensive plays in Minnesota territory. All three plays came in the fourth quarter.
Cody Poock set the table for the defense with a career-high 10 tackles, including 1.0 tackle-for-loss. Alex Keith provided pressure and put together an all-around performance with five tackles, 1.0 tackle-for-loss and two pass breakups.
Offensively, quarterback Mitch Leidner went 17-for-27 with 184 passing yards and a 14-yard touchdown pass to KJ Maye that was the lone offensive touchdown by either side. Kent State scored on a fumble that was returned 80 yards for a touchdown by Demetrius Monday.
With the game in the balance, freshman linebacker Julian Huff was called upon in Kent State's final chance with the score at 10-7, in favor of the Gophers. Huff came off the edge and sacked quarterback Colin Reardon on third down. Minnesota would force an incomplete pass on the ensuing play to end the Golden Flashes final attempt.
Freshman running back Rodney Smith touted the rock for a career-high 30 carries for 73 yards. Smith also caught four passes out of the backfield for 24 yards.
The Gophers return to action next Saturday at home versus Ohio. Game time is set for 2:30 p.m. Central.
Team Stats
KENT 0, MINN 3
MINN - Santoso, Ryan 42 yd field goal 10 plays, 43 yards, TOP 5:08
KENT 0, MINN 10
MINN - Maye, KJ 14 yd pass from Leidner, Mitch (Santoso, Ryan kick) 9 plays, 63 yards, TOP 3:53
KENT 7, MINN 10
KENT - MONDAY, D. 80 yd fumble recovery (HYNES, Shane kick)
