The recap: The Gophers led 21-13 at halftime but sputtered for much of the second half. With less than two minutes remaining they held a one-point lead, when Shannon Brooks broke free for a 75-yard touchdown. The freshman finished with 174 yards and three touchdowns.
What was learned: Four true freshmen came up with big plays for the banged-up Gophers: Brooks, wide receiver Rashad Still, cornerback KiAnte Hardin and linebacker Julian Huff. Another true freshman, Tyler Moore, has been starting at center with Brian Bobek injured.
YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
• Quarterback Mitch Leidner had a bandage covering a large cut on the back of his right (throwing) hand and a protective boot on his left foot at the postgame news conference. He said he'll definitely be ready to play Saturday against Wisconsin.
• Coach Tracy Claeys said Sunday that he's sure Leidner will be ready, though the team plans to reduce Leidner's reps in practice this week. Claeys said backup quarterback, true freshman Demry Croft, is ready if needed. "[Croft] continues to get better in practice as we rep him more and more," Claeys said.
• With 40 bowls this year, the NCAA has 80 spots to fill, and so far 71 teams have qualified with six wins. The Gophers are one of 14 teams with five wins. The others (with their last opponents in parentheses) are: Nebraska (Iowa), Indiana (at Purdue), Illinois (Northwestern), Virginia Tech (at Virginia), Washington (Washington State), Missouri (at Arkansas), Kentucky (Louisville), San Jose State (Boise State), Old Dominion (Florida Atlantic), East Carolina (Cincinnati), Buffalo (Massachusetts), South Alabama (at Georgia Southern, Appalachian State) and Tulsa (Tulane).
UP NEXT: Wisconsin
2:30 p.m. Saturday, TCF Bank Stadium
TV: BTN. Radio: 100.3-FM
Records: Gophers 5-6, Wisconsin 8-3
The skinny: The Badgers opened with a 35-17 loss to Alabama. But their schedule has been otherwise favorable with interdivision games against Rutgers and Maryland, while the Gophers faced Ohio State and Michigan. The Badgers' eight wins have come against teams with a combined 26-63 record. But Wisconsin was 1 yard away from beating Iowa and Northwestern, teams now ranked No. 3 and No. 17, respectively. The Badgers lead the nation in scoring defense (12.4) and are equally good against the run and pass. Northwestern failed to gain more than 7 yards on each of its final seven drives Saturday, yet still beat the Badgers 13-7. Corey Clement (sports hernia) rushed 10 times for 24 yards and sat the final drive, watching Dare Ogunbowale.
