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Rapid Reaction: Tanner Morgan flawless, Minnesota improves to 4-0 with win over Purdue
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Final score: Minnesota 38 Purdue 31
Brief recap: Early on, it looked like the week off really benefited Minnesota. Tanner Morgan started the game completing 10-of-10 passes for 239 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the first half. The Golden Gophers built a 38-17 lead in the fourth quarter and appeared to be in complete control of the game for the first time this season. Undermanned and inexperienced, Purdue fought back, closing the gap to 38-31 with a chance to tie the game with a stop and a score. But the Boilermakers’ valiant effort came up short and Minnesota improved to 4-0 on the year.
Key moment: Not to take anything away from Minnesota — there were plenty of big plays the Gophers made throughout the game — but Elijah Sindelar and Rondale Moore both suffering injuries on the same play was a pretty huge blow to the Boilermakers. While Purdue’s offense still played fairly well, it just wasn’t quite as explosive.
Key stat: This game was all about the aerial attack for Minnesota. The Gophers averaged 18 yards per pass in the game, didn’t throw an interception and piled up 396 yards through the air. Minnesota put on a clinic, especially early.
Key player: When you complete 21-of-22 passes for 396 yards and four touchdowns, you’re going to get the honor. Congrats to Tanner Morgan, who put together the best performance of his career on the road in a B1G atmosphere.
What it means for Minnesota: Once again, the Gophers found a way to survive and advance. Minnesota built a 21-point lead and nearly squandered it. But the offense did just enough to hang on for the victory. The bottom line is the Gophers are 4-0 and continue to win hard-fought games. That’s all that matters.
What it means for Purdue: Where do you go from here? Especially if Rondale Moore and Elijah Sindelar are sidelined for a significant amount of time. The good news for Purdue is that the young freshmen players who Jeff Brohm is hoping will make an impact should see plenty of snaps. That could definitely pay off down the road, not only this season, but in future years. Purdue is 1-3 and life doesn’t get any easier, going on the road to Penn State next week.
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