The Gophers pulled out their first win of the season in overtime over Colorado State 23-20 Saturday.
With 55 seconds left on the clock, Mitch Leidner connected with KJ Maye on a 22-yard touchdown pass to take the lead 20-17 in Fort Collins, Colorado.
It looked like the Gophers sealed the win, but a pass interference call put Colorado State in field goal range and they tied it up with a field goal as the clock ran out, pushing the nail-biter to overtime.
Minnesota took possession from CSU on the first overtime drive by forcing a fumble, the Daily Gopher reports.
The Gophers took possession with Rodney Williams running Minnesota to the one-yard line, and they took they won the game on a 18-yard field goal from Ryan Santoso.
Santoso overtime FG helps Jerry Kill avoid first 0-2 start since 2011. First OT win for #Gophers since at UNLV in 2012.
— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) September 12, 2015
Santoso was 3-4, missing a 47-yarder in with 8:08 left in the game. He drilled a 50-yard field goal right before halftime and also added a 35-yard attempt to get the Gophers on the board in the second quarter.
A win is a win and the #Gophers got that even if it wasn't pretty. Gutsy final two drives. Fans should take 1-1 with a fine showing vs. TCU.
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) September 12, 2015
Mitch Leidner's 45 passes thrown were the most for a #Gophers QB since Adam Weber's 49 attempts in loss at Penn St on Oct. 23, 2010.
— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) September 12, 2015
Leidner finished the day 23-of-45 in passing for 233 yards; he added 49 yards on the ground.
Smith led the Gophers in rushing with 111 yards.
Drew Wolitarsky was the leading receiver with 114 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.
Maye ended the day with 54 yards. His 22-yard touchdown was a “leaping, diving catch,” according to the Star Tribune.
Reports say Maye stayed out of overtime play due to an injury sustained on the crucial play.
Kill said post game that K.J. Maye is hurt and was not available in OT. #Gophers
— Dave Aeikens (@Aeikens) September 13, 2015
Minnesota is now 1-1 after the season-opening loss to No. 2 Texas Christian University.
Next up, the Gophers return to home turf to take on Kent State 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 at TCF Bank Stadium.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter – CSU Dalyn Dawkins 17-yard rush touchdown 7-0 CSU
2nd Quarter – UMN Ryan Santoso 35-yard field goal 7-3 CSU
2nd Quarter – UMN Ryan Santoso 50-yard field goal 7-6 CSU
3rd Quarter – UMN Mitch Leidner to Drew Wolitarsky for 38-yard touchdown pass 13-7 UMN
3rd Quarter – CSU Wyatt Bryan 26-yard field goal 13-10 UMN
4th Quarter – CSU Coleman Key to Joe Hansley for a 49-yard touchdown pass 14-17 CSU
4th Quarter – UMN Matt Leidner to KJ Maye for 22-yard touchdown pass 20-17 UMN
4th Quarter – CSU Wyatt Bryan 37-yard field goal 20-20 tie
OT – UMN Ryan Santoso 18-yard field goal 23-20 UMN
