OFFENSIVE MVP
Max Shortell, Gophers
Receiver A.J. Barker gets honorable mention for his three touchdown catches, but Shortell's performance was the overarching key to victory. The sophomore QB came in late in the first half for injured starter MarQueis Gray and turned a 10-7 deficit into a 21-10 halftime lead thanks to two quick TD passes. He finished with 188 yards passing and three TD throws.
DEFENSIVE MVP
Michael Carter, Gophers
The senior defensive back was the latest key contributor to what looks to be an improved secondary. Carter was credited with three of the Gophers' eight pass breakups and had an interception in the first quarter that set up Minnesota's first TD. He also had five tackles.
BY THE NUMBERS
27-4-1 Gophers all-time record vs. teams from the Mid-American Conference.
10 Tackles for Gophers safety Derrick Wells and linebacker Mike Rallis, tied for the team high.
5 Interceptions for the Gophers this season, more than they had all of last year (four).
