![Minnesota senior running back David Cobb plowed through a Middle Tennessee defense for a 15 yard run during the first quarter as the Minnesota Gophers took on Middle Tennessee at TCF Bank Stadium, Saturday, September 6, 2014 in Minneapolis, MN. ] (ELIZABETH FLORES/STAR TRIBUNE) ELIZABETH FLORES � eflores@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/4E2LLW4DTG752PT6UU7LPK3Q2I.jpg?&w=1080)
The Gophers lead Middle Tennessee State 28-0 at the half. A few takeaways:
* David Cobb has 14 carries for 111 yards (7.9 average) and a touchdown. The Gophers kept handing it to him early to set the tone, and the offensive line responded. Donnell Kirkwood burst through a huge hole for a 17-yard run, setting up his 1-yard touchdown run.
* Jalen Myrick is really fast. The sophomore cornerback had an interception negated by penalty in last week's opener. Today, he grabbed a pass from Austin Grammer and raced 31 yards for a pick six. Myrick had one of the nation's fastest 100-meter dash times as a junior at Savannah (Ga.) Christian Prep High School.
* The Gophers defense has been terrific. Beyond pitching a shutout so far, they have two interceptions, including Myrick's pick six and Damien Wilson's, which came when Theiren Cockran hit the arm of quarterback Austin Grammer. They've also forced Middle Tennessee to turn the ball over on downs twice.
* Mitch Leidner has has completed 5 of 9 passes for 67 yards. He threw a perfect 27-yard touchdown pass to Maxx Williams on the first play after Wilson's interception, but Leidner was picked off in the end zone with 21 seconds left in the half.
