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University of Minnesota Athletics
Leidner, Smith Power Gophers To Win
9/2/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
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By Daniel Kobren
Athletic Communications Student Assistant
Mitch Leidner and Rodney Smith led the Gophers' running game to a triumphant performance in their 30-23 win against Oregon State last night.
The duo totaled 201 yards on the ground and each scored two touchdowns as Minnesota powered its way past the Beavers.
Leidner rushed for two touchdowns and earned a spot in the Minnesota record books. His second touchdown was the 25th rushing score of his career, which is the most in history by a Gopher quarterback. Rickey Foggie previously held the record with 24.
"It's definitely a good record to have especially with a guy like Rickey Foggie," said Leidner. "I have a lot of respect for him. I have gotten to know him throughout my Gopher career and he was an impressive player. So to be able to put up a number like that is huge and exciting. But all the credit goes to the guys up front and the guys blocking on the edge because if it were not for them I would not be able to get in the end zone."
The Lakeville, Minn. native proved once again that he can win games with his legs and his arm. Leidner passed for 130 yards through the air and added 76 yards on the group on 13 carries. The senior eclipsed 75 yards rushing for the first time in a little more than a year and the fifth time in his career.
With fellow running back Shannon Brooks sidelined due to injury, Smith proved that he can be a load-carrying back. He ran the ball 25 times, which is the second most in his young career.
"I was prepared for it," said Smith. "The coaches made sure I was prepared. I knew headed in that Shannon was banged up and was going to be out. I had to do my best to put the team on my back the best that I could."
The sophomore made the most of all of his carries, as he churned out a career high 125 yards and equaled his touchdown output from all of last season.
Smith made perhaps one of the most important plays of the game early in the fourth quarter when it appeared he was going to be stopped for a loss in the backfield. Instead he pinballed off an Oregon State defender and found the end zone for the go-ahead score.
