Minnesota vs. Kent State score, recap, analysis and reaction from the showdown in Minneapolis between the Golden Gophers and Rockets.
Final Score: Minnesota 10, Kent State 7
1. In a rough, sloppy game, Minnesota overcame three turnovers with a 42-yard Ryan Santoso field goal in the first quarter and a 14-yard K.J. Maye touchdown catch in the second.
2. Kent State couldn’t move the ball, gaining just 142 yards, but managed a score in the third quarter on an 80-yard fumble return for a score from Demetrius Monday, who also came up with two picks.
3. Kent State couldn’t move the ball and never threatened when Minnesota wasn’t giving the ball away.
– Fortunately, that came against Kent State. The offense was miserable, with nothing happening for a ground game that’s supposed to be dangerous, but there’s one more shot to tune up with Ohio up next.
– Mitch Leidner completed 17-of-27 passes for 184 yards and a score with two picks, and he ran seven times for 15 yards.
– Rodney Smith ran 30 times for 73 yards, but there weren’t any big dashes.
– The defense did a phenomenal job of keeping the game close, with Demetrius Monday putting up a huge day with three takeaways. The offense just didn’t provide any help with no real drives of note.
– Colin Reardon completed 10-of-28 passes for 63 yards, and Nick Holley ran 17 times for 58 yards.
– Kent State came up with just 142 yards of total offense, converting just 3-of-17 third down chances.