Minnesota rebounds from loss, demolishes Rhode Island

Field Level Media|published: Sat 7th September, 15:27 2024

NCAA Football: Rhode Island at Minnesota

Sep 7, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) runs for a touchdown against the Rhode Island Rams during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Max Brosmer completed 24 of 30 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns, and Minnesota cruised to a 48-0 win over Rhode Island on Saturday afternoon in Minneapolis.

Darius Taylor and Marcus Major rushed for one touchdown apiece for Minnesota (1-1), which bounced back from a two-point home loss against North Carolina last week. Cristian Driver, Le'Meke Brockington and Tyler Williams each caught a touchdown.

Marquis Buchanan had five catches for 64 yards to lead Rhode Island (1-1). The Rams managed only 18 yards on 13 carries against Minnesota's defense. Rhode Island's two quarterbacks, Devin Farrell and Hunter Helms, were a combined 13-for-30 passing for 117 yards and three interceptions.

The Golden Gophers outgained Rhode Island 422-135.

Brosmer helped put the game away for Minnesota with back-to-back touchdown passes in the third quarter.

Driver hauled in a 6-yard touchdown pass from Brosmer to increase Minnesota's lead to 24-0 with 7:57 left in the third. Less than seven minutes later, Brockington caught a 29-yard touchdown pass from Brosmer to make it 31-0.

Kesich added a 47-yard field goal to give the Golden Gophers a 34-0 lead with 11:04 to go in the game.

Minnesota's defense got on the scoreboard on Rhode Island's next drive. Jack Henderson intercepted a pass and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown to put the Golden Gophers on top 41-0.

Drake Lindsey took over for Brosmer in the fourth quarter. Lindsey capped the scoring with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Williams.

Kesich started the scoring with a 53-yard field goal to cap Minnesota's opening drive. The kick offered some redemption for Kesich, who missed what would have been a game-winning field goal as time expired in his previous game.

Taylor gave the Golden Gophers a 10-0 lead with a 1-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. He finished with 14 carries for 64 yards after sitting out the opener because of an injury.

Major joined the action with a 2-yard rushing touchdown with 1:16 left in the half. The play marked Major's second score in as many weeks and increased Minnesota's lead to 17-0 at the half.

--Field Level Media