Gophers survive scare in overtime victory over Colorado State

Author:
BMTN Staff
Updated:
Mar 8, 2018
Original:
Sep 12, 2015

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.