Gophers running back Darius Taylor got off to a slow start but finished with 15 carries for 81 yards, with 51 coming on a fourth-quarter TD run. He also caught five passes for 34 yards.

Why it Happened The Gophers, who entered the game with only 12 first-quarter points this season, found a way to sprint from the opening kickoff. Minnesota's defense forced a turnover on downs on Maryland's first possession, and Brosmer hit Jackson for a 10-yard touchdown pass and 7-0 lead with 10:45 left in the first quarter. On the next possession, Brosmer threw a 7-yard TD pass to Spencer to make it 14-0. Then Walley's interception return for a TD made it 21-0 with 4:25 left in the quarter.