The Minnesota Golden Gophers' defense has forced the Miami (Ohio) Redhawks into three consecutive three-and-outs, and the offense is taking advantage.

Minnesota started their most recent drive with a 43-yard connection from MarQueis Gray to tight end Eric Lair, moving Minnesota all the way down to the Redhawks' 16-yard line. After converting on a third down and setting themselves up with a first-and-goal situation, the Gophers were stuffed on three consecutive plays. Kicker Chris Hawthorne converted his second field goal of the afternoon, this one measuring 19 yards, to give the Gophers a 13-3 lead over the Redhawks.

On the previous three drives, the Redhawks had gained a total of 11 yards, including going four yards backwards on their last drive. The Gophers even racked up their first sack of the year on defense, as Michael Amaefula got to Miami (Ohio) quarterback Zac Dysert for a four-yard loss on the Redhawks' last drive.

With a little more than eight minutes left in the first half at TCF Bank Stadium, the Minnesota Golden Gophers lead the Miami (Ohio) Redhawks by a score of 13-3.