Gophers Win Holiday Bowl
Quarterback Mitch Leidner threw for 129 yards and a touchdown and the defense held a high-powered Washington State offense 303 yards of total offense, including just 39 yards rushing, as the Minnesota Gophers pulled out a 17-12 victory over the Cougars in the Holiday Bowl Tuesday evening (December 27).
The win means the Gophers finished their season with a 9-4 record. It was considered an upset over a favored Washington State team that had scored 50+ points four times during the season.
The game itself featured very few big plays, as both defenses carried the day. The biggest play was Leidner's touchdown pass to Shannon Brooks, a pass that was deflected by WSU cornerback Marcellus Pippins right into the hands of Brooks.
The win capped a season full of ups and down for the Gophers, with the most recent downer being the team's threat to boycott the bowl game after 10 players were suspended as a result of sexual assault allegations. The team eventually backed down and fulfilled their bowl obligation.
It awaits to be seen if the team will be punished for its actions against the school...