OFFENSIVE MVP
Rodney Smith, Gophers
Rushed for 111 yards and ignited the crowd with a 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
DEFENSIVE MVP
Hank Ekpe, Gophers
Had career highs for sacks (two), tackles for loss (three) and forced a fumble.
BY THE NUMBERS
21 First-quarter points for the Gophers, who entered with 24 first-quarter points all season.
7 Turnovers by Gophers opponents (Maryland and Rutgers) over the past two games.
243 Rushing yards for the Gophers, their fifth 200-plus-yard rushing game of the season.
257 All-purpose yards for Smith.
52 Points off turnovers for the Gophers this season.
5 Consecutive games with a touchdown for Shannon Brooks.
