Ibrahim, Gophers Rout Buffaloes 49-7

A Tale of Two Offenses

No, I’m not talking about Colorado and Minnesota’s offense. I’m strictly talking about the Gophers. Minnesota’s offense was completely different after Ibrahim’s third touchdown. Ibrahim rushed for 202 yards on 23 carries and three touchdowns, averaging 8.7 yards per carry, in a dominant performance. His best carry came on a 3-and-21 where he broke free getting the first down.

After the Mohamed Ibrahim show ended after the first 20 minutes, Tanner Morgan and company took over, lighting up the Buffaloes secondary. Morgan threw for 157 yards with a completion percentage of 68.7% with three touchdowns and one interception (that was tipped). Chris Autman-Bell also had a good game before leaving in the second quarter with three receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown. It was good to see Minnesota air it out today, after being heavily reliant on the run game. In Minnesota’s first two games they scored only one passing touchdown to 12 rushing. Today they scored three passing and four rushing, a much more balanced look heading into Big 10 play.

Chris Autman-Bell Injured

The Gophers number one receiver and sixth year senior Chris Autman-Bell left the game in the second quarter with a right knee injury, leaving Gopher fans holding their breath. Autman-Bell was running a route when he fell to the ground grabbing his right knee. Many fear that it is his ACL, which would end his season if he tore it. There is no update as to what his status is, but we all hope he is okay.

Game Highlights

Ibrahim Ties Gopher Touchdown Record

Mohamed Ibrahim had a fantastic day rushing for over 200-yards and scoring three times. His third rushing touchdown also tied the record for most rushing touchdowns in school history with Darrell Thompson.

Morgan Goes Off For Three Touchdowns

Tanner Morgan reminded everyone that even with their great running game, they can still beat you throwing the ball. After going up 21-0 in the second quarter, Minnesota started airing it out starting with a 39-yard touchdown to Chris Autman-Bell.

Late in the second quarter, Morgan found Dylan Wright in the corner of the endzone for a 16-yard touchdown. Minnesota executed a perfect two-minute drill in only 0:57 seconds that started with 1:05 left in the half. The touchdown put Minnesota up 35-0 at halftime.

Minnesota had to wait for five minutes before Colorado gave them the ball back in the second half. Once they did it was back to work, driving 60-yards, ending with Tanner Morgan finding Clay Geary for an 8-yard touchdown that put the Gophers up 42-0. It was also Clay Geary’s first career touchdown.

Looking Ahead

Next week Minnesota travels to East Lansing in a matchup with (currently) 11th ranked Michigan State Spartans (2-0). The Spartans play the Washington Huskies (2-0) on the road tonight. This will be the Gophers first real test of the year after a weak non-conference schedule that consisted of New Mexico State, Western Illinois, and Colorado who are a combined 0-10. Colorado on the other hand will host UCLA (3-0) who is coming off a tight game with South Alabama, beating them 32-31 at home on a 24-yard game winning field goal.