The Gophers beat Nebraska 13-10 Thursday on a walk-off 47-yard field goal by kicker Dragan Kesich as time expired. Kesich, who had never kicked a collegiate field goal prior to the game, showed poised as he nailed the kick through the uprights. The late-game heroics made up for a shaky offensive performance for the Gophers, who also were sloppy on special teams. Daniel Jackson finished with nine catches for 68 yards, including a game-tying highlight reel touchdown catch late in the fourth quarter. Despite the late-game heroics of Jackson and Kesich, the star of the game was Tyler Nubin, who had two interceptions and was the best player on the field for the Gophers.
Elite Defense
The Gophers’ defense picked up where they left off last year as one of the top units in FBS and held Nebraska to ten points. While Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims caused some headaches with his running ability, the Gophers neutralized his impact when it mattered most. Sims finished 11-19 for 114 yards, one touchdown, three interceptions, and rushed for 19 times for 91 yards. The Gopher defensive line performed well and had three sacks in the game. The Cornhuskers’ lone offensive touchdown came on a broken double-pass play that surprised the Gophers defensive backs.
Offense Struggles
Offensively, the Gophers were in unfamiliar territory as they struggled to establish the run game. They finished with 25 attempts for 55 yards and an abysmal 2.2 yards per carry. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis showed flashes of potential with his quick release and running ability and also his lack of experience and propensity to force throws. The Greek Rifle went 24-44 for 196 yards, with one touchdown and an interception. His 24 completions and 44 attempts were both career highs. The Gophers had three pass-catchers, Jackson, Corey Crooms Jr., and Brevyn Spann-Ford , with at least five receptions.
In his post-game presser, P.J. Fleck gave credit to Nebraska’s game 3-3-5 defensive scheme, which attacked the Gophers from, “every angle, every level, and every front.” Fleck also noted the challenge of game planning against a Big Ten opponent with limited game film. Gophers offensive coordinators Greg Harbough Jr. and Matt Simon used a lot of presnap motion to keep the Huskers moving and help the Gophers beat Nebraska
Unspecial Teams
The Gophers’ special teams woes continued, and it could have cost them the game. They gave up a 63-yard kick return to start the second half, and Sims hit Alex Bullock for a 34-yard touchdown two plays later. Kesich missed a 54-yard attempt in the first half, and the Gophers committed a roughing the punter penalty on fourth and 19.
Sold Out, Gold Out
Gophers fans showed up in full force to watch the Gophers beat Nebraska, with an announced sell-out of 53,629. The game was the fifth‐largest in Huntington Bank Stadium history and the first since the 2021 season opener. This was the fourth sell-out in Fleck’s tenure with the Gophers.
Players Making Plays
- Nubin led the team with two interceptions and also had three tackles. He has ten career interceptions and is tied for sixth all‐time for the Gophers.
- Jackson had a career‐best nine catches for 68 yards and the game‐tying touchdown. He has caught four TDs in the past three games and now has seven career touchdowns.
- Spann‐Ford caught five passes for 45 yards and now has 75 career receptions. He is currently third all‐time among Minnesota tight ends.
- Kesich finished 2-3 on field goals, including the game-winning 47-yarder. This was the first game‐ending field goal for Minnesota since Ryan Santoso made an 18‐yard field goal to beat Colorado State in 2015.
- Tre’Von Jones led the team with nine tackles and also had an interception.
- Justin Walley had a career-high eight tackles and one forced fumble.
- Danny Striggow had a career-high seven tackles, including 1.5 sacks.
My Prediction Grade: B-
Here is my original prediction about the game:
The Huskers’s defense will cause problems for Minnesota, but the Gophers’ depth, experience, and home-field advantage will prove too much. The game might not be pretty, but the Gophers will come out on top. Gophers win 27-13
Yeah, I was way off on the final score prediction, but right about the Husker’s defense causing problems for the Gophers. I was also right about the game not being pretty and the Gophers coming out on top.
Next Up
- Opponent: Eastern Michigan
- Date: Saturday, September 9
- Game: 6:30 PM CST
- Location: Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
Photo courtesy: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
