Gophers survive scare in overtime victory over Colorado State
The Gophers pulled out their first win of the season in overtime over Colorado State 23-20 Saturday.
With 55 seconds left on the clock, Mitch Leidner connected with KJ Maye on a 22-yard touchdown pass to take the lead 20-17 in Fort Collins, Colorado.
It looked like the Gophers sealed the win, but a pass interference call put Colorado State in field goal range and they tied it up with a field goal as the clock ran out, pushing the nail-biter to overtime.
Minnesota took possession from CSU on the first overtime drive by forcing a fumble, the Daily Gopher reports.
The Gophers took possession with Rodney Williams running Minnesota to the one-yard line, and they took they won the game on a 18-yard field goal from Ryan Santoso.
Santoso was 3-4, missing a 47-yarder in with 8:08 left in the game. He drilled a 50-yard field goal right before halftime and also added a 35-yard attempt to get the Gophers on the board in the second quarter.
Leidner finished the day 23-of-45 in passing for 233 yards; he added 49 yards on the ground.
Smith led the Gophers in rushing with 111 yards.
Drew Wolitarsky was the leading receiver with 114 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.
Maye ended the day with 54 yards. His 22-yard touchdown was a "leaping, diving catch," according to the Star Tribune.
Reports say Maye stayed out of overtime play due to an injury sustained on the crucial play.
Minnesota is now 1-1 after the season-opening loss to No. 2 Texas Christian University.
Next up, the Gophers return to home turf to take on Kent State 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 at TCF Bank Stadium.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter – CSU Dalyn Dawkins 17-yard rush touchdown 7-0 CSU
2nd Quarter – UMN Ryan Santoso 35-yard field goal 7-3 CSU
2nd Quarter – UMN Ryan Santoso 50-yard field goal 7-6 CSU
3rd Quarter – UMN Mitch Leidner to Drew Wolitarsky for 38-yard touchdown pass 13-7 UMN
3rd Quarter – CSU Wyatt Bryan 26-yard field goal 13-10 UMN
4th Quarter – CSU Coleman Key to Joe Hansley for a 49-yard touchdown pass 14-17 CSU
4th Quarter – UMN Matt Leidner to KJ Maye for 22-yard touchdown pass 20-17 UMN
4th Quarter – CSU Wyatt Bryan 37-yard field goal 20-20 tie
OT – UMN Ryan Santoso 18-yard field goal 23-20 UMN