Minnesota closed out the season on a strong note with an 18-6 victory vs. West Virginia in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. The victory for the Gophers was in large part because of the play of defensive back Tyler Nubin and running back Ky Thomas.

For their efforts, Nubin was named Defensive Player of the Game and Thomas earned Offensive Player of the Game:

Nubin tallied eight total tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection for a Minnesota defense that that held West Virginia to 206 total yards. Thomas rushed for 144 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.

This is a bounce-back season for Minnesota after going 3-4 during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign. Minnesota ends the season with a 9-4 record and finishes second place in the B1G West.