Despite hanging tough most of three quarters, the Golden Gophers fell short in their bid to upset Michigan Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium as the Wolverines rolled on to win 35-13, the Pioneer Press reported.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Wolverines outscored the Gophers in the second quarter and took a 14-7 lead into halftime.
Michigan added another touchdown at the end of the third quarter, and the Gophers could only match the Wolverines’ two touchdowns in the fourth with a pair of field goals.
True freshman quarterback Philip Nelson carried much of the load for the Gophers, completing 13 of 29 passes for 142 yards and one touchdown. Nelson also led the Gophers on the ground with 10 carries for 37 yards.
The loss dropped the Gophers to 5-4 overall and 1-4 in the Big Ten. Michigan improved to 6-3 overall and 4-1 in the Big Ten, and became bowl eligible with the win.
The Gophers head to Champaign, Ill., next week to take on Illinois.
