Two notes of interest as the Gophers came out for the second half looking like a different team.
Minnesota received the opening kickoff of the second half, and it was returned 22 yards by Troy Stodermire, Jr. That set a B1G record for most kick return yards all time.
With MarQueis Gray fighting cramps again, Max Shortell started the second half and immediately took a read option keeper 22 yards to midfield, and one play later hit wide receiver Da’Jon McKnight for 22 yards down to the New Mexico State 25.
But from there the drive stalled, unfortunately. Duane Bennett was only to get 4 yards on a run, and Shortell missed on two passes. The second one was a skinny post pattern to McKnight, who was WIDE open on the NM State 10, and he could’ve walked in for the score. The throw from Shortell was a little high, but it was a catchable ball that went through McKnight’s hands.
On 4th down, K Chris Hawthorne pushed a 38 yard FG attempt just wide left. The Gophers defense has held NM State to three and out, and will have good field position at their own 44 with just over 12 minutes remaining in the third quarter.