The Minnesota Golden Gophers look fresh coming off the bye week, as they hold a commanding 34-10 halftime lead over the Maryland Terrapins at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
The biggest matchup many were excited to see was the Big Ten's best passing offense (Maryland) against one of the better passing defenses among all FBS schools (Minnesota).
Through two quarters, the Gophers' defense has forced two interceptions and Maryland's quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. has looked flustered in the pocket and constantly under duress.
Gophers cornerback Justin Walley returned a 32-yard pick-six during a 21-point first quarter for Minnesota.
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True freshman safety Koi Perich also nabbed an interception in the first quarter against Edwards, his fifth interception in three games.
It's a first half Edwards would like to forget. He finished completing 11-for-26 passes for 133 yards and two interceptions, posting a passer rating of 24.0. He did run a touchdown in at the end of the half.
As for Minnesota's quarterback Max Brosmer, he's been playing at an elite level, completing 18-for-23 passes for 208 yards and three touchdowns. He also broke out the rowing-the-boat celebration after his second touchdown pass in the first quarter.
Wide receiver Daniel Jackson has more touchdowns in one half than he came into the game with all season, as he hauled in two from Brosmer already. He has eight catches for 102 yards on the day.
The Gophers running game has been silent, as Marcus Major, Darius Taylor, Kristen Hoskins and Jordan Nubin have all combined for 15 yards on 11 carries (1.4 yards per attempt).
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Taylor has six carries for five yards and four catches for 17 yards against Maryland.
Linebacker Cody Lindenberg leads Minnesota with six total tackles. Maverick Baranowski and Kerry Brown - who each are playing this week after missing the last two contests - each have a half tackle for loss.
The Gophers have done well on third down, converting 5-for-7 times in comparison to Maryland's 3-for-9 attempts.
Minnesota will look to keep things up in the second half in their 2024 homecoming. They'll receive the ball to begin the second half.