Gophers extend bowl streak with mayo-soaked win over Virginia Tech

Elijah Spencer hauled in a pair of touchdown catches

The Minnesota Golden Gophers (8-5) rode a dominant defensive performance to a 24-10 win over the Virginia Tech Hokies (6-7) in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

The Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory marks the Gophers’ eighth straight bowl game, which is the longest active streak in college football and the longest in Big Ten conference history.

The Gopher defense was the story of the game. Corey Hetherman’s unit finished with nine tackles for loss, five sacks, a forced fumble, and one interception.

After forcing a three-and-out on the Hokies’ opening drive of the game, the Minnesota defense had to return to the field after cornerback Za’Quan Bryan was blocked into Koi Perich on the punt return, which led to a muffed punt recovered by Virginia Tech at the Gophers’ 40-yard line. The defense did not miss a beat, with linebacker Maverick Baranowski sacking quarterback William Watson III on first down en route to another three-and-out.

Following a missed chip shot 33-yard field goal attempt by Minnesota kicker Dragan Kesich, the Hokies took advantage of a breakdown in the Gophers’ pass coverage, picking up 67 yards on a catch-and-run by wide receiver Ayden Greene. Virginia Tech took a 7-0 lead two plays later on a three-yard touchdown run by back-up quarterback Colin Schlee.

The second quarter was a different story for Minnesota. The Gophers tied it up on a 10-yard halfback touchdown pass from Darius Taylor to wide receiver Elijah Spencer. The defense forced another Virginia Tech three-and-out and the Minnesota offense went back to work, taking a 14-7 lead on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Max Brosmer to Spencer. With two minutes left in the half, the Gophers made it three consecutive scoring drives as Taylor broke loose down the sideline for a 28-yard touchdown run and a 21-7 lead.

The Hokies managed to cut into the Gophers’ lead before halftime on a miraculous 60-yard field goal by John Love as time expired for a 21-10 score at the break.

The only points scored in the second half came on a 44-yard field goal by Kesich.

Virginia Tech had two red zone opportunities in the fourth quarter but the Minnesota defense turned them away both times. The first red zone trip was foiled by safety Kerry Brown, who laid the boom on Hokie wide receiver Stephen Gosnell to break up a fourth down pass for a turnover on downs. The second red zone trip ended in a Za’Quan Bryan interception.

In his final game, Brosmer finished 18-of-29 for 211 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception. Taylor racked up 20 carries for 113 rushing yards and one touchdown, along with four receptions for 17 receiving yards. Spencer hauled in six receptions for 81 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Baranowski and Devon Williams led the defense with six total tackles each.

And of course, head coach P.J. Fleck got a mayo bath: