{"id":50124,"date":"2023-09-01T18:00:10","date_gmt":"2023-09-01T22:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/?p=50124"},"modified":"2023-09-01T17:43:05","modified_gmt":"2023-09-01T21:43:05","slug":"gophers-beat-nebraska-13-10-on-walk-off-field-goal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2023\/09\/01\/gophers-beat-nebraska-13-10-on-walk-off-field-goal\/","title":{"rendered":"Gophers Beat Nebraska 13-10 on Walk-Off Field Goal"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Gophers beat Nebraska 13-10 Thursday on a walk-off 47-yard field goal by kicker Dragan Kesich<\/a> 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 <\/span>made up for a shaky offensive performance for the Gophers, who also were sloppy on special teams. Daniel Jackson<\/a> 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<\/a>, who had two interceptions and was the best player on the field for the Gophers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Elite Defense<\/b><\/h3>\n

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<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Offense Struggles<\/b><\/h3>\n

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<\/a> 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<\/a> Jr., and Brevyn Spann-Ford<\/a> , with at least five receptions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In his post-game presser, P.J. Fleck<\/strong> gave credit to Nebraska\u2019s game 3-3-5 defensive scheme, which attacked the Gophers from, <\/span>\u201cevery angle, every level, and every front.<\/span><\/a>\u201d Fleck also noted the challenge of game planning against a Big Ten opponent with limited game film. Gophers offensive coordinators Greg Harbough Jr.<\/strong> and Matt Simon<\/strong> used a lot of presnap motion to keep the Huskers moving and help the Gophers beat Nebraska\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unspecial Teams<\/b><\/h3>\n

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<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sold Out, Gold Out<\/b><\/h3>\n

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\u2010largest in Huntington Bank Stadium history and the first since the 2021 season opener. This was the fourth sell-out in Fleck\u2019s tenure with the Gophers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Players Making Plays<\/b><\/h3>\n