Minnesota defeated Oregon State in ugly fashion last night, 30-23. After the game, Golden Gophers head coach Tracy Claeys spoke to the media.

“It’s one of those things where we shot ourselves in the foot on some plays,” Claeys said. “But I’ll tell you first games are a problem. We didn’t know what they were going to do. They did a good job changing things and slowed us down in the beginning on offense.

“But I thought that coach (Jay) Johnson and our guys made some good play calls down at the end and got points on the board. They had us scrambling on defense. We lost those kids to the penalties and then an injury. But I’ll tell you, I’m all for that penalty. They are reviewing it and for making the game safer.”

Claeys also talked about his offense after relinquishing the lead.

“I think they had a good plan and knew what they could get,” he said. “I thought they did a good job of mixing it up there. We had a really good night, I think if it weren’t for the two really bad snaps on offense. I never like the first two or three drives for them go out and there not be many plays. But also we weren’t ready for something that they showed us there and they changed their defense.

“That’s the hard part about the opening game. I’m glad it’s over. You get a chance to get some video and know what you’re going to work on. We can’t have those penalties and we can’t shoot ourselves in the foot.”

Claeys and his Gophers’ next game is scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. CST on Sept. 10 against Indiana State at home.

Full game quotes against Oregon State can be found here.