Minnesota bounced back from the brutal overtime loss to Northwestern with a win over Louisiana at home. After dropping two games in a row the Golden Gophers are heading into Week 6 at 3-2.

Saturday was the first time that the Golden Gophers and Ragin’ Cajuns played each other since the 2003 season. Minnesota is now 4-0 all-time against Louisiana. The final score of the game was 35-24.

Before Minnesota takes on Michigan, here are three takeaways from Saturday’s action:

Zach Evans shines in Darius Taylor’s absence

Zach Evans filled in for the injured Darius Taylor on Saturday. Taylor missed the game with a leg injury.

It’s no easy task being the understudy for the B1G’s leading rusher. Taylor led the conference through four games with 532 yards rushing heading into Week 5. While it’s easy to write off the performance since it was against Louisiana, Evans still showed up when his team needed him.

Evans’ first and only touchdown of the game wasn’t that long of a run, but he ran through multiple tackles on his way to the endzone.

After playing in one game last season Evans showed what he can do in Week 5.

Minnesota offense struggles outside of Zach Evans, Daniel Jackson

The Minnesota offense outside of Zach Evans and Daniel Jackson looked rough. The Golden Gophers are dealing with not having Tanner Morgan and Mohamed Ibrahim this season.

Athan Kaliakmanis managed the game and did enough to earn the win. If it hadn’t been for Jackson, Kaliakmanis would’ve had under 100 yards passing.

There’s no telling who will take control of the B1G West with as wild as it’s been in recent years. Minnesota’s offense will need to improve in the long run as more B1G teams will be on the schedule.

Defense arrives at Huntingdon Bank Stadium in second half

Minnesota fans were able to breathe a sigh of relief after only being up 21-17 going into halftime. The defense finally woke up and started to take advantage of the Louisiana offense. The Golden Gophers allowed just seven points in the second half.

Tyler Nubin and Jack Henderson both had interceptions. Veteran leadership led the way in the win.

Nubin made a great catch on the sidelines to take the ball away from quarterback Zeon Chriss.

Henderson had to make an adjustment after Chriss made a dangerous pass on the run, but the Minnesota defender still secured the pick.

Minnesota will need to play a lot better if it wants to compete against Michigan in its next game.