Huskers drop fourth straight meeting with the Gophers, 20-13

LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) - Nebraska loses third game in a row, falling to Big West foe Minnesota.

After inuring his throwing elbow in last week’s game against Illinois, quarterback Casey Thompson did not dress today. Florida State transfer Chubba Purdy got the start against the Gophers.

On the opening drive, running back Anthony Grant, tight end Travis Vokolek, and wide receiver Trey Palmer teamed up to move the Huskers 73 yards down field. Purdy capped off the drive with a touchdown, punching it in from two yards out. Nebraska strikes first, 6-0.

After forcing a three-and-out on Minnesota’s first possession, Nebraska drives down to the Gophers’ six yard line. Following two short rushing attempts from Grant and an incomplete pass to Vokolek in the end zone, Huskers settle for a 24-yard field goal from kicker Timmy Bleekrode. Nebraska jumps out to a 10-0 lead late in the first quarter.

Huskers go into halftime with the 10-0 advantage over Minnesota.

Out of the half, Minnesota redshirt freshman Athan Kaliakmanis replaces starting quarterback Tanner Morgan who is out with an undisclosed medical issue. Gophers get the ball to start the third quarter and drive down to Nebraska’s 29 yard line. Huskers hold Minnesota to a field goal. Kicker Matthew Trickett sends it 47 yards through the uprights to get the Gophers on the board. Huskers still lead, 10-3.

Running back Mo Ibrahim scores the Gophers first touchdown of the game on a 3-yard rush with 3:20 left in the third quarter. Minnesota knots the game at 10.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Trickett kicks his second 45+ yard field goal to give the Gophers the lead, 13-10. Less than five minutes later, cornerback Terrell Smith intercepts Purdy and returns it to Nebraska’s 33 yard line. Ibrahim accounts for all 33 yards on Minnesota’s ensuing touchdown drive. Gophers jump out to a 10-point lead.

Sophomore Logan Smothers comes in for Purdy on the ensuing possession. Smothers connects with receiver Marcus Washington for a 32-yard catch to get the Huskers in the redzone. Minnesota holds Nebraska to a field goal. Huskers cut the Gophers lead to 7.

The Huskers get the ball back with 2:25 left in the game. Smothers finds Washington for another 30-yard reception getting the ball to Nebraska’s 42. The Huskers can’t get into Minnesota territory and give the ball back to the Gophers up by a touchdown and 1:13 on the clock.

Minnesota beats Nebraska by a final score of 20-13, officially becoming bowl eligible. The Huskers, now to 3-6, need to win out to be eligible for a bowl game.

Next up for Nebraska, the Huskers travel to Ann Arbor to take on No. 5 Michigan.

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