Troy Stoudermire set Big Ten record for return yards

Quick hitters

Troy Stoudermire set Big Ten record for return yards

Published: 2011-09-12


Adam Richard

agay@mndaily.com

•Troy Stoudermire broke the Big Ten record for kickoff return yards Saturday when he made a 22 yard return on the opening kickoff of the second half. He originally fumbled the ball, but recovered to scamper for the record.

The previous mark was held by David Gilreath of Wisconsin with 3,025 yards. Stoudermire now has 3,066 yards and counting.
•Da’Jon McKnight had a career-high nine receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown in the loss. The touchdown came in the fourth quarter and brought the Gophers to within one score of New Mexico State.

“It was hard to go back out there, but we know we had to go out there and finish the game.” McKnight said after the Gophers had to retake the field following Coach Kill’s seizure.
•MarQueis Gray did not look sharp, making numerous bad decisions, including two costly interceptions. He succumbed to cramps at the end of the first half for the second straight week. He did return to play the fourth quarter, using his legs more than his arm. Gray finished with 211 yards passing and had 17 carries for 110 yards rushing.
•Max Shortell relieved Gray for the second week in a row and played the majority of the third quarter. He was 2-for-7 with 27 yards.

“It was in neither way a reflection on MarQueis’ play or by design,” offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said.
•The Gophers run defense surrendered 133 yards on 37 carries to the Aggies, including 97 yards to Robert Clay in 20 carries. Clay previously gained only 14 yards on 10 carries against Ohio. Last week, the Aggies as a whole had 23 carries for six yards.
•NMSU sophomore Andrew Manley picked apart the Minnesota secondary. He began the game with 12 straight completions and three touchdowns. Manley finished the game with 288 yards and three touchdowns.
•Mike Rallis and Kim Royston attained double digit tackles with 13 and 10 respectively, but Minnesota was unable to generate a consistent pass rush and for the second straight week did not record a sack.
•Minnesota had an opportunity to even the score early in the fourth quarter, but could not convert. Facing fourth-and-goal, LaMonte Edwards attempted an off-tackle run from the one-yard line.

The Gophers were stuffed by the Aggies’ defense at the goal line.

“As an offensive coordinator and as an offensive line coach, you pride yourself on being able to get that one yard in that one situation,” Limegrover said. “Unfortunately, it didn’t work out.”



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