The biggest question heading into Wednesday’s Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field was, would the Minnesota Golden Gophers be able to slow down the top-ranked rushing attack of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets?
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Well, that question was answered early and often as Minnesota dominated Georgia Tech from the get-go on way to a 34-10 victory.
Heading into the game, the Yellow Jackets had been averaging a whopping 334.9 rushing yards per game, which was more than any other team in the nation. Against the Golden Gophers, they were able to must just 206 yards on the ground and 77 yards through the air.
Minnesota, on the other hand, was able to rush for 260 yards which was nearly 100 yards more than the 163.8 ypg they averaged during the regular season.
Leading the way for the Golden Gophers freshman running back Mohamed Ibrahim, who carried the ball 31 times for 224 yards and two touchdowns. Also standing out was wide receiver Tyler Johnson, who caught four passes for 57 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Following a last-second field goal to end the first half, it looked as if Georgia Tech has some life as they trailed 13-3 heading into the locker rooms.
But the second half ended up being a lot more of the same.
The Yellow Jackets got the ball to start the second half but they were forced to punt and Minnesota took advantage by putting together a 60-yard scoring drive to increase their lead to 20-3. Georgia Tech was not willing to go away quite yet as they immediately punched back with a 14-play, 75-yard drive to cut the Yellow Jacket lead back to 10.
Thank you to the 27,228 🏈 fans who made their way to Ford Field tonight for the @quicklanebowl! #QLB2018 pic.twitter.com/W7xD2LaX6H
— Ford Field (@fordfield) December 27, 2018
Unfortunately, for theYellow Jackets and their fans in attendance, that was the last time they would manage to find the end zone. As for the Golden Gophers, they would end up scoring touchdowns on their next two drives to seal the deal, 34-10.
Twitter: @QuickLaneBowl
“Trading One Uniform for Another”
For 2018, Quick Lane is proud to announce the third year of Trading One Uniform for Another – our scholarship program dedicated to helping support military veterans and first responders. With it, we’re providing the opportunity for such deserving heroes to apply for or get nominated to receive one of five $10,000 scholarships to an accredited school offering an automotive mechanic certification program. Look for scholarship recipients to be awarded at this year’s Quick Lane Bowl.
*In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Quick Lane as part of the Quick Lane Bowl Preferred Influencer Program. I’ll be receiving special access to the Quick Lane Bowl, however, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program and, as always, all opinions given here are fully my own.
I am currently a member of the Quick Lane Bowl Preferred Influencer Program and this post is part of my involvement. While Quick Lane provides me material and necessary resources to complete various activities, all statements and sentiment in Detroit Sports Nation are my own.