FIRST REPORT: Gophers Surrender Late Touchdown, Fall to Maryland 31-24

Photo Credit: Brian Curski

The Maryland Terrapins rolled into TCF Bank Stadium and handed the Minnesota Golden Gophers their first loss of the season in a 31-24 down-to-the-wire game. Ty Johnson broke a 24-24 tie when he rushed for a go-ahead 34-yard touchdown with 1:10 remaining.

The Gophers were gashed on the ground for 262 rushing yards and two scores, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. In contrast, their offense was only able to muster 86 yards on the ground for 2.6 yards per carry.

Missed tackles and the prolific running of Johnson, who finished with 131 yards and a score, helped sophomore quarterback Max Bortenschlager earn a win in his first start, throwing for 154 yards and two touchdowns. Top wide receiver D.J. Moore had a great game as well, with eight catches for 90 yards and a touchdown.

Gophers quarterback Conor Rhoda tried to generate offense via the passing attack and finished with 229 yards and one touchdown, but mental errors and drops killed the Gophers. Top receiving threat Tyler Johnson failed to record a catch in the first half – he finished with three catches for 69 yards – but the Gophers still hung tough with a late touchdown by Shannon Brooks that tied the game at 24.

A pair of Rhoda interceptions, however, slowed the offense — the first leading to seven points for Maryland in the first half and the second clinching the game for the Terrapins late in the fourth quarter.

The Gophers now sit at 3-1 (0-1). They head to the road next Saturday to take on the Purdue Boilermakers.


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