In Saturday's 41-13 victory at Purdue, Minnesota's defense was able to play most of the game with a lead for only the second time this season.
Through six games, Minnesota played with a lead for more than 30 minutes only once before -- in a nail-bitting, 10-7 win over Kent State on Sept. 19.
With a big lead Saturday, benefits were plentiful.
Minnesota (4-2, 1-1 Big Ten) had a season-high three sacks and three interceptions, as well as eight tackles for lost yards.
Overall this year, the Gophers have had the lead for 120 minutes and 34 seconds compared to 239 minutes and 26 seconds when trailing or tied.