Gophers safety Cedric Thompson was named Big Ten defensive player of the week on Monday, after making two key interceptions in Saturday's 39-38 victory over Purdue. Thompson returned Austin Appleby's first pass to the 2-yard line, setting up a quick touchdown. And the second interception sealed the win.
Gophers freshman Ryan Santoso was named Big Ten special teams player of the week after hitting two field goals, including the 52-yard game-winner.
JOE CHRISTENSEN
Gophers men stay No. 1 in hockey
The Gophers held onto the No. 1 ranking through their bye week. No. 2 Union stole several first-place votes after sweeping Maine on the road, last weekend, but the Gophers enter a third week in the top spot. North Dakota, Colgate and Providence round out the USCHO poll's top five. St. Cloud State remains at No. 8 after a bye week and travels to Union this weekend. Minnesota State Mankato dropped a spot to No. 13 after splitting a home-and-home series with Minnesota Duluth. The Bulldogs jumped one spot to No. 19. Bemidji State (1-1-0) is unranked entering the Friday-Saturday series against the Gophers at Mariucci Arena, but received votes after defeating then-No. 2 North Dakota in its season opener.
JASON GONZALEZ
Gophers women move up to No. 1
The Gophers women's hockey team reclaimed No. 1 in the polls after a weekend sweep at Wisconsin. The Badgers entered the border battle ranked No. 1 after the Gophers tied Minnesota Duluth in Week 2, setting up a No. 1 vs. 2 showdown. The Gophers won the series opener 4-1, but required overtime for the sweep.
The Gophers host No. 9 North Dakota this weekend at Ridder Arena.
JASON GONZALEZ
