The Minnesota Golden Gophers' offense is continuing to move the football behind backup quarterback Max Shortell, and they've added another touchdown to increase their lead over the Western Michigan Broncos back to eleven points.
Starting on their own 34-yard line, Shortell converted a third down early on by finding Marcus Jones, and then found A.J. Barker to move the Gophers into Bronco territory. Shortell then did his best MarQueis Gray impression, converting a first down with his legs to move the Gophers inside of the Western Michigan 20-yard line.
Barker nearly had his fourth touchdown catch of the afternoon two plays later, as the Gophers attempted an end around pass with receiver (and former high school quarterback) K.J. Maye. The pass fell incomplete, but a personal foul on the play moved the ball to the 10-yard line. Donnell Kirkwood carried the ball on first down and, after a false start penalty, Shortell found backup tight end Drew Goodger for a 9-yard touchdown pass. It was Shortell's third scoring strike of the afternoon, and it increased the Minnesota lead to 28-17.
Shortell is 8-of-10 on the afternoon for 168 yards and three touchdowns, and has looked very impressive in relief of the injured MarQueis Gray.
The Gophers appear to have intercepted Alex Carder in Western Michigan territory, but the play is currently under review. If it stands, the Gophers will have the ball in Bronco territory once again.
With just under seven minutes left in the third quarter, the Minnesota Golden Gophers lead the Western Michigan Broncos 28-17.