The Minnesota Golden Gophers' defense held up for a while, but the Northwestern Wildcats have broken through again thanks to a long, impressive drive.
The Wildcats started out at their own 20-yard line after intercepting MarQueis Gray in the end zone. The Wildcats put together a 15-play drive, largely in hurry-up mode, and mostly behind the running game. The Wildcats were actually facing a 4th-and-6 from the Minnesota 30-yard line, and elected to go for it. They converted it with an 11-yard pass to Kain Colter from Dan Persa, and the drive stayed alive.
Adonis Smith then carried it three straight times for 18 yards to put the ball on the 1-yard line, and on 3rd-and-goal from the 1, Persa took the snap, ran to the left, and pitched it to Jacob Schmidt, who walked in untouched for the touchdown and a 28-10 lead.
The touchdown marked the first points for the Wildcats since the first quarter, but the Gophers haven't been able to take advantage of the spirited play by their defense. Now, needed three scores, Minnesota will have to mount a furious comeback in this one.