Gophers score most points since 2001 in blowout win over Northwestern State

The Demons had zero answer for Minnesota in Week 2.

Sep 6, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Matt Kingsbury (49) returns a fumble recovery for a touchdown against the Northwestern State Demons during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Gophers welcomed Northwestern State to Huntington Bank Stadium in Week 2, and handed the Demons from Louisiana a 66-0 blowout loss.

Things began with a 29-yard pick-six from Iowa transfer John Nestor on the first play of the game, and Minnesota didn't look back. A.J. Turner, Drake Lindsey and Le'Meke Brockington all ran in a touchdown before linebacker Matt Kingsbury returned a fumble recovery at the end of the first quarter. The Gophers' 35 points were their most in any quarter dating back to 1973, according to the school.

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Star running back Darius Taylor pulling up with on a long run to grab his leg was seemingly the only significant issue Minnesota ran into all day. Taylor left the game in the first quarter, and he did not return.

A closer look at the play Darius Taylor pulled up on, and grabbed the back of his leg.

🎥:@DylanCCOn3

pic.twitter.com/ShFFg57Zg9

— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) September 6, 2025

Drake Lindsey was replaced midway through the second quarter after an 8 of 9 performance for 139 yards and two total touchdowns. Former walk-on redshirt sophomore Max Shikenjanski replaced him and turned in an impressive performance as Minnesota's QB2. He was 4 of 4 for 80 yards and two total touchdowns.

Northwestern State broke a 20-game losing streak in Week 1 with a victory over Alcorn State, which was their first since 2022. The Demons simply did not look like they belonged on the same field as Minnesota.

With 6:15 to go, the game was paused due to weather, but both teams agreed to call things at 66-0. The Gophers out-gained Northwestern State 484-42 in total yards and the Demons had only one first down all day.

True freshman running back Grant Washington had the quietest 20-carry, 126-yard performance in cleanup duty. Minnesota had 46 carries for 258 yards and five touchdowns as a team.

The Gophers' 66 points were their most since 2001 against Murray State. They will now look ahead to a pivotal Week 3 game at California next week to cap off nonconference play.