Ad Disclosure
Final score: Minnesota 48 Oregon State 14
Quick recap
After an underwhelming performance against Buffalo in Week 1, Minnesota was firing on all cylinders in a late-night bout with Oregon State. The Gophers put up 413 yards offensively, converted on 9-of-13 third down attempts and committed just one turnover Saturday. They rushed for 255 yards and had 158 passing yards while completing 7-of-8 attempts.
Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks both eclipsed 90 yards for the evening and Tyler Johnson was the top target, accounting for four of the team’s seven receptions.
The defense had an exceptional outing as well, forcing three turnovers and holding Oregon State to just 225 total yards. Minnesota really flexed its muscle in the second half, outscoring the Beavers 31-0 in the final two quarters.
Minnesota looked like a completely different team than the one that simply edged out Buffalo.
Key play: Oregon State fumble with 10:27 left in the third quarter
Oregon State trailed 20-14 and had the ball early in the third quarter. Granted, the Beavers started the possession backed up inside their 20, but a good drive could’ve give Oregon State the lead.
But on the second play of the drive, Ryan Nall fumbled the ball and Minnesota’s Jonathon Celestin recovered deep in Beavers territory. Three plays later, the Gophers scored and took a 27-14 advantage. It was the start of that 31-0 second half run.
Stat of the game: 17 points off turnovers
Minnesota forced three turnovers on Saturday and capitalized on each of those.
All of Oregon State’s turnovers were fumbles and eventually turned into points for the Gophers. Two fumbles in the first half helped Minnesota build a 17-0 lead in the first half, and that key play in the second half sparked an offensive surge.
Had the Beavers hung onto the football, the story might’ve been a little different in Corvallis.
What it means
This was the type of Minnesota everyone expected to see in Week 1. But it’s better late than never.
It still doesn’t mean that Fleck has the Gophers ready to compete for a B1G title – Oregon State isn’t exactly a high-caliber opponent – but it does prove Minnesota is capable of dominating an inferior team.
Minnesota showed incredible balance on both sides of the football in the win over Oregon State. The Gophers have already shown tremendous improvement from Week 1 to Week 2.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB