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Rodney Smith first Gopher in over a decade with impressive rushing total
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Rodney Smith came up big against Illinois, and he has put up the best performance by a Minnesota running back in more than a decade.
During Saturday’s game, Smith was leaned on heavily to set the tone against the Illini. He did not disappoint, carrying the ball 24 times for 211 yards and a touchdown.
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Not only did that performance help guide Minnesota to a big win, but it was also a particularly noteworthy output. According to Gopher Hole, Smith’s 211 yards are the most by a Minnesota running back in a B1G game since Laurence Maroney in 2005:
211 yards by Rodney Smith are the most in a Big Ten game by a #Gophers RB since Laurence Maroney in 2005 vs. Wisconsin!!
— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) October 5, 2019
Maroney gained 258 yards on the ground, but the Gophers ultimately lost that game to Wisconsin. At least Smith’s impressive output will go alongside a win against the Illini.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.