Huge Second Quarter Gives Gophers Victory in Season Opener

Tyler Johnson scampers into the end zone after scoring his second touchdown of the game. Photo Credit: Brian Curski (Cumulus Media)

A touchdown-laden second quarter propelled the Gophers to a 48-10 win in its season opener over the New Mexico State Aggies.

After a sluggish start to the first quarter, in which both teams punted on their first two respective drives, the Gophers struck first with a touchdown midway through the quarter.

True freshman quarterback Zack Annexstad hit wide receiver Tyler Johnson from seven yards out on a slant. The touchdown broke the scoreless tie and was the first of Annexstad’s career.

The Gophers finally started clicking on offense in the second quarter.

Along with a highlight-reel punt return, the Gophers scored four consecutive touchdowns. It looked as if the Gophers offense was unshackled. Rodney Smith was able to gain big chunks of yardage up the middle, Annexstad was hitting his receivers in the chest and the usage of Seth Green in the Wildcat formation was working to perfection.

“He had two carries, 12 yards and two touchdowns. I would say that is pretty productive,” head coach P.J. Fleck said about Green’s usage.

The Gophers came into the second half with a 35-10 lead. Minnesota forced New Mexico State to punt on its first drive of the half. The punt was blocked by Sam Renner and recovered by Carter Coughlin. All the Gophers could manage was a field goal but nevertheless, Minnesota had a huge lead and continued to hold it in through to the final seconds.

“We played close to 24 freshmen, to give them experience as well because of the new freshman rule. We accomplished a lot tonight,” Fleck said. “Not just the victory… I’m just glad it turned out that way. They were very connected. Everyone was involved. We talked to them before, practice like pros, play like kids. I thought everybody had fun when they played tonight.”

Annexstad’s Awaited Debut

Capping Minnesota’s first touchdown drive was a 7-yard strike from Annexstad to Johnson. The throw seemed to relax Annexstad as he was just 2-for-5 before the touchdown. He finished the game 16-for-33.

On Minnesota’s next drive, Annexstad lost a fumble recovered at the 12-yard line by Terril Hanks. Annexstad appeared to be giving out directions when the ball was snapped, catching him by surprise.

“He’s got to fail to grow,” Fleck said. “When we said, ‘How are we going to develop this thing? These young people have to fail.’ I’m sure he didn’t want to fumble that football but you have to fail that bad to be able to grow to never do that again as you get older.”

After the play, Fleck said Annexstad came over to him, put his arm around him and said, “Hey, I think we’re going to be alright.”

“Usually it’s me telling them, ‘hey you’re going to be OK,’” Fleck said about the chat he had with his young quarterback. “That’s his personality and I like it.”

Fleck went on to say that he noticed Annexstad go out and hit his receivers in the chest for the rest of the half.

“Part of what we recruit in quarterbacks is accuracy. That’s a big attribute we look at. But I think he can get better on the deep balls. We’ve got some wideouts on the outside that can make some plays. If we can get this offense you saw tonight to catch maybe three more passes, we’ll be fine.”

Goal Line Wildcat

Green, previously a quarterback, ran the ball twice and twice scored on those attempts. It was an effective Wildcat/goal line package for the Gophers.

“When we started things in the spring, we said, ‘We’re going to have to be very creative with this team,’” Fleck said about the wildcat formation. “Telling Seth Green that you’re not a quarterback anymore is a tough conversation. I think he’s going to be a very good wide receiver, however when you look at what he can do… He’s so big, he’s so strong, he’s so athletic, and it was a positive for us tonight.”

Green, who Fleck pointed out is the third-string quarterback, said he was unsure of his role at first but after taking time to consider it, he was willing to contribute in a new way.

“It was definitely a tough conversation. I prayed a lot and talked to my family. I just felt like I really wanted to help the team. During fall camp, coach Fleck was like, ‘you played quarterback, so why not do some wildcat stuff.’ I was cool. Tell me what to do and I’ll run it.”

While Green said he didn’t expect to Fleck to call upon him so early in the season, he could be used again in short yardage situations.

Highlight Reel Punt

Antoine Winfield Jr. revealed after the game the last time he returned punts was in high school. While he did fumble one, which he recovered quickly, the massive 76-yard punt return left quite the impression on him and the team.

“I was joking that I haven’t seen a punt return for a touchdown since I’ve been here,” Smith said. “To see him make an explosive play is very exciting. And he plays defense, we don’t see him with the ball in his hands too often. So I was excited to see the moves he put on.”

“First I have to credit everybody on our punt return team,” Winfield said. “I remember catching the ball and seeing a lane up the middle. Someone tried to tackle me, so I bounced outside and then saw I had nothing but daylight.”

Freshmen Worth Watching

With so many freshmen on display in the first game, here are a few worth paying attention to moving forward.

  • Rashod Bateman – Five catches for 52 yards
  • Chris Autman-Bell – Four catches for 43 yards
  • Bryce Williams – Nine carries for 31 yards and a touchdown
  • Mohamad Ibrahim – Nine carries for 101 yards, had one run for 74 yards
  • Terrell Smith – Tied for team-high eight tackles, three pass breakups

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