Ad Disclosure
Rapid Reaction: Minnesota disposes of Northwestern, now one win away from B1G Championship
Published:
Final Score: #10 Minnesota 38, Northwestern 22
Brief Recap: Minnesota led 21-0 early in the second quarter and displayed its dominance early in this game. The final score shows that Northwestern fought, and, it indeed did. The Wildcats had to have their fourth-string QB enter the game at one point due to an injury. That said, the Golden Gophers were always in control. A safety helped shift momentum to Pat Fitzgerald’s group briefly, but again, Minnesota took over when it needed to.
Key Moment: Early in the second quarter, Minnesota QB Tanner Morgan found WR Rashod Bateman for the second of Bateman’s three touchdowns on the day. The toe-tapping TD connection made the game 21-0, which again, proved to be too much for Northwestern to overcome.
Key Stat: Morgan had four touchdown passes in this game. One could look at total yardage as the telling sign, as Minnesota out-gained Northwestern by nearly 200 yards. However, Morgan’s four TD throws tells the tale as well. Northwestern couldn’t stop the incredible pass-catchers that Minnesota possesses. Whenever they really needed to, the Gophers could throw the ball efficiently.
Key Player: Bateman. The Minnesota WR recorded seven catches for 78 yards and three touchdowns. It wasn’t just the three touchdowns he had, either. It was the way he made the touchdowns look. They were all impressive in their own right and showed the kind of talent that he possesses. That talent, by the way, should take him to the NFL.
What it means for Minnesota: The Golden Gophers are now 10-1 overall and 7-1 in Big Ten play after bouncing back from their loss to Iowa a week ago. They are atop the Big Ten West standings, and as long as Wisconsin takes care of Purdue later today, Minnesota will need to beat Wisconsin at home to win the division and move on to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship. Ultimately, College Football Playoff hopes are still alive for the Gophers with this win.
What it means for Northwestern: 0-8. That’s the record the Wildcats own this season in Big Ten play. What a difference a year makes. Last season, Northwestern won the B1G West by three games. This year, it hasn’t won a single conference game. The end of the year is coming soon, Northwestern. It finishes with a road contest at Illinois next week.
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.