Golden Gophers outlast Trojans to earn first Big Ten win of season
Minnesota defensive back Koi Perich (3) celebrates with teammates after a game-clinching interception during the fourth quarter Saturday October 5, 2024 at Huntington Bank Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
MINNEAPOLIS — There were many reasons why it was pandemonium as time expired at Huntington Bank Stadium Saturday night, and one was because the home team represented for the 50,913 fans in attendance.
Minnesota took down USC 24-17, snapped a two-game losing skid and won its’ first Big Ten contest of the season. Not to mention the Golden Gophers beat a top-15 team for the first time since 2019. Coach P.J. Fleck wanted his team to play a full 60 minutes, and they finally responded.
Minnesota’s defense set the tone early, and dictated the flow of the game. Besides a couple of explosive plays from USC’s offense, the game was played in a phone booth. The Golden Gophers were physical, and even drew first blood after kicker Dragan Kesich connected on a 32-yard field goal.
At that point Fleck thought the Trojans were in for a dog fight. Minnesota also held USC scoreless in the first quarter. The Trojans got on the scoreboard after a touchdown pass from Miller Moss midway through the second quarter. However, quarterback Max Brosmer responded with a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive of his own that gave the Golden Gophers the lead.
It was short-lived though, because USC tied the game up at 10 at halftime, and Fleck knew he had to keep his players focused on the task at hand. Still, he was confident in his team, because they were no strangers to tight games.
“We talked about 60 minutes of football being the only thing that really mattered this week, we’ve played some really good football teams and came out on some short ends, but this team has been resilient and tough,” Fleck said. “They’ve learned from those mistakes, and they’ve learned from those times.”
Fleck kept his foot on the gas and didn’t let off the intensity. The Golden Gophers pounded the ball with Darius Taylor and Marcus Major in the second half, which started to wear down the Trojans’ defensive line. Despite the fact that No. 11 USC had a touchdown lead early in the fourth quarter, Minnesota never panicked.
Brosmer was cool in the clutch, and led the Golden Gophers on two touchdown drives in the final eight minutes of the game. His third rushing score drew some controversy though. Minnesota (3-3) faced a fourth and goal at USC’s one-yard line. The nose of the ball appeared to break the end zone on Brosmer’s quarterback sneak.
The play initially was ruled a turnover on downs, and the Trojans ball. After replay review, the call was overturned, and changed to a Minnesota touchdown. The Golden Gophers took the lead for good. Fleck was glad that he decided to go for it too, instead of settling for a field goal.
Regardless, USC had one last possession, and drove the ball all the way down to Minnesota’s 28-yard line. Fortunately for the Golden Gophers, defensive back Koi Perich intercepted Moss’ pass, and sealed the victory for the home team.
“Huge win for our program, unbelievable individual performances, but what a team effort,” he said. “We knew we were going to have to take risks, to me they weren’t hard decisions because of the team you’re playing, and you don’t get many to beat a top-11 team.”
Once the smoke cleared, the Trojans were held to their lowest point total in the past 28 games. Although USC led in plays, total offense and time of possession, Minnesota averaged more yards per play, and had the most first downs. In Fleck’s eyes that meant the Golden Gophers executed when it mattered the most.
Brosmer completed 15 of his 19 passes for 169 yards. Taylor rushed for a game-high, 144 yards, and led Minnesota in receptions. Defensively the Golden Gophers made a statement. Defensive back Jai’Onte’ McMillan generated a team-high, eight tackles. Linebacker Cody Lindenberg added seven stops. Defensive lineman Jah Joyner sacked Moss.
No doubt Fleck’s squad raised some eyebrows with the upset win, considering their injuries, having no bye-weeks, and a couple of close losses along the way. Regardless, Fleck believes the humility has made his team stronger, and they finally delivered under the lights.
“I’ve said it before, this is one of the best 2-3 teams in the country, that was gutsy, that was courage, that was bravery and leadership.”
