Sweat before success: Gophers win in three OTs

The record book forever will state that Tim Brewster won his first college game as Gophers head coach on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007.

The final score, however, can't come close to describing the torture Brewster, his team and their fans endured before being able to celebrate that milestone moment.

Leading by 16 midway through the fourth quarter, the Gophers squandered it all in dizzying fashion, resulting in a second consecutive overtime game against a Mid-American Conference opponent.

The Gophers needed three extra sessions — including a narrow escape in the second OT — before ending the marathon game. That moment finally came when Amir Pinnix bullied his way for a 2-yard touchdown run, and the Gophers avoided a disastrous start to the season with a 41-35 victory against Miami (Ohio) before an announced crowd of 45,383 at the Metrodome.

Afterward, Brewster, who has probably aged 10 years in his first two games as coach, said he was relieved.

"Every baby is a beautiful baby, and this one is no different," Brewster said.

Gophers fans have seen this baby before. The team has experienced its share of hold-on-for-dear-life moments in recent years. Except this roller-coaster ride ended without the spectacular crash-and-burn that Gophers fans are used to.

"I'm just thankful that we came out on top," Pinnix said.

They came this close to being on the other side. Miami (1-1) looked like it might complete the amazing comeback after Minnesota's Jason Giannini missed a 26-yard field goal in the second overtime.

But Miami kicker Trevor Cook pushed his 33-yard try wide right, giving the Gophers life.

"I know a lot of people probably gave up on us, but no one on our team really ever had that going through their head," Gophers linebacker John Shevlin said.

The Gophers (1-1) got an interception from Jamal Harris in the third overtime and Pinnix's touchdown run to bounce back from their season-opening loss to Bowling Green.

It certainly wasn't textbook and it probably gave their fans cause for concern, but the Gophers realize the outcome could have been worse.

"I think some guys were starting to feel down because they thought the game was over," redshirt freshman quarterback Adam Weber said. "I was trying to tell guys, 'You never know what's going to happen. There are so many things happening in that game that could go either way. You can never give up."

The game featured a little of everything. Defensive purists, cover your eyes: The two teams combined for 1,154 total yards (577 for each side) and 181 plays in a game that lasted 4 hours, 23 minutes.

Weber took a significant step in his second game as the starter. He completed 26 of 40 passes for 271 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 97 yards and one touchdown in 16 carries.

"He's really evolving into a very good player," Brewster said. "He's got great confidence going onto the field, and that transcends to the other players."

Weber gave the Gophers a 28-12 lead with 8:35 remaining in regulation on a 5-yard touchdown pass to Ernie Wheelwright. The Gophers seemed to have things in control at that point, but Miami switched quarterbacks and sophomore Daniel Raudabaugh gave the RedHawks that needed spark.

"He comes off the bench and just smoked us," Brewster said.

Raudabaugh attacked the Gophers secondary and completed 12 of 21 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Miami scored 16 points in a span of 6:20, forcing overtime on Cook's 36-yard field goal with 11 seconds left.

"They made a lot of big plays," Gophers defensive end Willie VanDeSteeg said. "They are a good team. They have a good offense, a good scheme. But we made plays at the end when it counted."

The Gophers had chances to take control in the first half. The Gophers rolled up 324 total yards and 16 first downs in the half but led only 14-9 at halftime.

Minnesota had a missed field goal (the first of three misses by Giannini), a punt blocked, a fumble by Weber and a failed scoring attempt despite moving the ball to the Miami 5.

Even so, they still took a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter. That's when things really got dicey, but the Gophers made some plays, got some breaks and were able to celebrate their first victory under Brewster, who had his team sing the Rouser twice in the postgame locker room.

"He liked the way we sang it," VanDeSteeg said.

Everything required extra effort on this day.

Chip Scoggins • ascoggins@startribune.com