The Minnesota Golden Gophers moved to 3-0 Saturday by defeating the Western Michigan Broncos, 28-23.

Minnesota won behind the effort of backup quarterback Max Shortell, who entered the game after starter MarQueis Gray was carted off the field in the second quarter with an ankle injury. Shortell came in and performed well, passing for 188 yards and three touchdowns, and wide receiver A.J. Barker starred, catching five passes for 101 yards and three touchdowns.

The game was not perfect by any means, but for a team coming off a 3-9 season in 2011 and now with questions at the quarterback position, Minnesota will take any win it can get.

SB Nation's Minnesota Golden Gophers blog, The Daily Gopher, reacted with pleasure at the win and the performance of their star wide receiver.

After today, regardless of the health of MarQueis Gray, they now have to asks themselves one question on every single play. Where is AJ Barker?

...Overall this was a very good effort by the Gopher pass defense. And the offense was pretty good too, especially when you consider Gray didn't play for over half of the game. We move on. It may not have been the prettiest win, but it was a win. The Gophers are 3-0 and hosing a BCS level opponent next Saturday, under the lights.

Minnesota's next contest comes next week at home against the Syracuse Orange.

For all things Golden Gopher, check out The Daily Gopher. Stay here at SB Nation Minnesota for more coverage of Minnesota football, and SB Nation's college football hub has all the news and analysis you need from around the NCAA.