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Rapid Reaction: Minnesota rides huge days from Tyler Johnson, Mo Ibrahim to down Auburn in Outback Bowl
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Final score: #18 Minnesota 31 #12 Auburn 24
Brief recap: Minnesota had a chance to cap a memorable season with a top 25 win to close out the year, taking on No. 18 Auburn in the Outback Bowl. Despite some early miscues in the first quarter, the Golden Gopher offense was as prolific on New Year’s Day as it was all season long. Auburn jumped out to a 10-3 lead in the first quarter, but a 16-yard touchdown run by Mohamed Ibrahim late in the first quarter tied the game at 10-10. In the second quarter, Bryce Williams scored on a 1-yard touchdown pass from Seth Green to take a 17-10 lead. Minnesota never trailed after that. By halftime, it was 24-17, thanks to a miraculous one-handed touchdown grab by Tyler Johnson. The offense slowed down a bit in the second half. Auburn scored once in the third quarter on a 3-yard run from JaTarvious Whitlow to tie the game. In the fourth quarter, Tanner Morgan hit Johnson for a 73-yard touchdown strike, which ended up being the game-winning score.
Key moment: On a 4th-and-goal from the 1-yard line in the second quarter, Witham hauled in a pass from Green to give the Gophers their first lead of the contest. Auburn’s defense had shut down Minnesota on three straight runs and it could’ve been a turning point the other way in the game. But Minnesota’s ability to capitalize there was the difference.
Key stat: The overall offensive balance for Minnesota was impressive, but rushing for 215 yards, and having the ability to run down the clock late in the game was huge. Ibrahim had quite the day on the ground, rushing for 140 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries.
Key player: Johnson ended his career on such a high note with an unbelievable performance in the Outback Bowl. He hauled in 12 catches for 204 yards and two touchdowns, both scores gave the Gophers the lead at some point in the game. And how fitting that he scored the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter? An awesome way to go out for the senior.
What it means: Minnesota was raked over the coals this season for playing a weak schedule and having few marquee wins. There was a lot of criticism about how talented the Gophers really were this year. But that all goes quiet now after such an impressive outing over a 12th ranked Auburn team that finished the year 9-4. It’s also an indicator that this program is heading in such a positive direction. Not only will Minnesota be competitive in the B1G West, but it can be competitive on the national level, too. It’s going to be interesting to see what Fleck and the Gophers can do in 2020.
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