Gophers Pounce On New Mexico State Miscues In 44-21 Win

LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Minnesota had a pair of return touchdowns for the second week in a row and Roddrick Williams Jr. rushed for 148 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries to lead a 44-21 victory Saturday night at New Mexico State.

The Gophers made sure the Aggies wound not repeat their 28-21 upset from two seasons ago in the second meeting between the schools.

The Gophers (2-0) opened with a 51-23 victory at home against UNLV last week. NMSU (0-2) took a 56-7 beating at Texas last week.

Despite the final score, the outcome wasn't fully settled in the second-ever meeting between these two until midway through the fourth quarter.

Phillip Nelson was 8 of 15 for 127 through the air and carried 15 times for 122 yards as the Gophers rolled up 342 yards on the ground.

Andrew McDonald was 22 of 31 for 186 to lead the Aggies.

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