With one half in the books, the Gophers trail the New Mexico State Aggies 21-14, but it could’ve been much, much worse.
After going down 21-7, the Gophers pinned New Mexico State deep in their own territory, and Troy Stoudirmire, Jr., grabbed a terribly underthrown pass by Aggie QB Andrew Manley, returning it to the NM State 41. It was Manley’s only mistake of the first half, as he has been a very sharp 14-17 for 226 yards, three TD’s, and the aforementioned interception.
On the very next play, Gophers QB MarQueis Gray turned it right back over to New Mexico State, and on the ensuing NM State drive, they were unable to convert on a 49 yard field goal, as kicker Tyler Stamper pushed it just wide right.
The Gophers took over at their own 31 with just :51 remaining in the half, and the offense shook off their doldrums and marched down the field and scored. Gray passed and ran with ease on the drive, which culminated in a 10 yard touchdown reception to TE Collin McGarry with just 8 seconds remaining in the half.