Minnesota defeated Middle Tennessee State 34-3 on Goldy’s birthday. The Gophers are 3-0 on the season. With the win, P.J. Fleck becomes the first coach since Murray Warmath to start his Minnesota career 3-0. Minnesota led 20-3 at the half thanks to a solid rushing attack and a timely pick-6 from likely Nekton of the Week Jacob Huff. The Gophers pulled away easily in the second half behind an improved rushing attack.
Rodney Smith broke 100 yards rushing before leaving right before halftime after taking a hard hit on a pointless inside zone with less than a minute left.