SDSU Loses Season Opener at Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Mohamed Ibrahim plunged up the middle for a 1-yard touchdown run with 5:39 remaining and the Minnesota Gophers avoided an upset with a 28-21 win at home against FCS South Dakota State on Thursday night. Minnesota capped a five-play, 34-yard drive with Ibrahim’s touchdown to pull ahead and extend the nation’s longest winning streak of nonconference games at 16 in a row. SDSU had two touchdowns called back due to penalties including a 86 yard kickoff return in the second quarter. SDSU finished with a 367-308 edge in total offense, including a 190-20 advantage in the third quarter. Jackrabbit quarterback J’Bore Gibbs completed 13-of-26 passes for 193 yards in his collegiate debut. Johnson tallied six receptions for 90 yards, with Pierre Strong Jr. leading the ground game with 53 yards on 12 carries and adding two catches for 59 yards. The Gophers were tested by one of the best in FCS. South Dakota State ranked third and fourth, respectively, in the two major preseason FCS polls. Minnesota finished with 132 yards rushing on 42 carries for a 3.1-yard average.