BREAKING: Gophers Pull Off “SIGNIFICANT” Upset In a Massive Show-Down
On Saturday night, the Minnesota Golden Gophers achieved their biggest victory of the season by defeating No. 11 USC 24-17 at Huntington Bank Stadium. Both teams showcased their strength in the run game, with the Trojans rushing 28 times for 173 yards (averaging 6.2 yards per attempt), while the Gophers carried the ball 40 times for 193 yards (averaging 4.8 yards per attempt). Despite having struggled with their running game earlier in the season, Minnesota found success against the Trojans.
The key go-ahead score for Minnesota came late in the fourth quarter when they were halted at the goal line on third down, with quarterback Max Brosmer unable to push through. Head coach P.J. Fleck opted to try again on fourth down, and the officials initially ruled it short of the goal line. However, a replay review changed the call to a touchdown, marking Brosmer’s third rushing touchdown of the night.
Gophers take over late 👀
After a scoring play, @GopherFootball leads No. 11 USC 24-17.#B1GFootball on @BigTenNetwork 📺 pic.twitter.com/TqpJrqANny
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 6, 2024
The crowd at Huntington Bank Stadium erupted in cheers following the call. This victory marked Minnesota’s first win against an Associated Press top-25 ranked team since they defeated Penn State in 2019. With 56 seconds left and no timeouts, the Trojans regained possession but couldn’t capitalize. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the Gophers, along with some solid passing plays, put the Trojans in field goal range.
However, true freshman safety Koi Perich sealed the game by intercepting a pass from Miller Moss. After the game, as fans rushed the field, Fleck reiterated to a Big Ten Network reporter what he had stated in earlier press conferences: “We’re the best 2-3 team in the nation.” Penalties also played a significant role, with USC committing eight for 59 yards while Minnesota had only four penalties for 50 yards.