The recap: The Gophers closed their season with a second consecutive blowout loss, falling to the Badgers on Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium a week after their 39-0 loss at Northwestern. Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook completed 15 of 19 passes for 151 yards and three touchdowns, and freshman running back Jonathan Taylor rushed 20 times for 149 yards, including a 53-yard TD run. The Badgers outgained the Gophers 456 yards to 133, and the Gophers had only 40 yards passing, with Demry Croft going 3-for-9. The loss left the Gophers 5-7 overall and 2-7 in the Big Ten in coach P.J. Fleck's first season in Minnesota. Any chance at a bowl game disappeared, too, because there are enough six-win teams to fill all 78 bowl spots.
Players honored at banquet
The Gophers held their annual banquet on Sunday and handed out the following awards:
• Bronko Nagurski Award (team MVP): running back Rodney Smith, a repeat winner.
• Carl Eller Award (outstanding defensive player): linebacker Jonathan Celestin.
• Bruce Smith Award (outstanding offensive player): tight end Nate Wozniak.
• Bobby Bell Award (outstanding special teams player): punter Ryan Santoso.
• Paul Giel Award (unselfishness and most concern for Minnesota): receiver Eric Carter and defensive back Adekunle Ayinde.
• Neil Fredenburg Award (love of the game): quarterback Conor Rhoda and linebacker Thomas Barber.
• Gary Tinsley Award (embracing the underdog): linebacker Blake Cashman and running back Kobe McCrary.
• Outstanding offensive freshman: center/guard Conner Olson.
• Outstanding defensive freshman: end Nate Umlor.
• Scout team players of the year: running back Mohamed Ibrahim, defensive lineman Esezi Otomewo and special teams player Jack Leius.
• Trench Awards (best lineman): Garrison Wright (offense) and Steven Richardson (defense).
• R.T.B. Trust Award: long snapper Payton Jordahl.
• Quad team members (playing on all four special teams): Julian Huff, Cody Poock, Adekunle Ayinde and Blake Cashman.
Final stat leaders
Saturday's finale left the Gophers with the following statistical leaders:
Rushing: Smith with 977 yards on 229 carries.
Rushing touchdowns: McCrary with 8
Passing: Rhoda with 839 yards, who went 59-for-109 with five TDs and four interceptions.
Receiving: Sophomore Tyler Johnson with 35 catches for 677 yards and seven TDs in 10 games.
Tackles: Barber with 115.
Tackles for loss: Sophomore Carter Coughlin with 11½.
Sacks: Coughlin with 6½.
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