Run the North | Golden Gophers football

[redsox907]

Bobo the Clown brought out the rubber mallet gotdamn

[ShireNiner]

Bobo fucking cooked

Nice reward with being to do well in-state for recruiting. All around good week.

We have been owning the in-state recruiting. I'm happy about that, that was a goal I wanted to do.

[ShireNiner]

Bobo the Clown brought out the rubber mallet gotdamn

I want him to be good just for the name. He's going to be clowning on the Big Ten soon.

[ShireNiner]

Week 10 Preview: No. 2 Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-1, 4-1 Big Ten) at Maryland Terrapins (5-3, 3-3 Big Ten)

By: Aiden “AJ” Wexler | November 4, 2027
Minnesota Golden Gopher Reporter

When: Saturday, November 6, 2027
Time: 2:15 pm EST
Broadcast:
Where: SECU Stadium


College Park— Minnesota will face Maryland for the first time in the Mick Smith era. Minnesota comes in ranked number 2 in the nation, the highest ever ranking for the Gophers. Maryland is a middle-of-the-pack Big Ten team, but it has pulled upsets before, beating Ohio State and Penn State this season.

These two sides are number 1 and number 2 in the Big Ten in rushing. Minnesota averages 217 yards per game, and Maryland is second with 166 yards. But they do it in completely different ways. Minnesota is an old school, line up in single back or I-formation, happy to play physical football.

Maryland, under new coach Brent Key, a Georgia Tech graduate, the Terps run the power spread like GTech have for years. Quarterback Malik Washington is the team's leading rusher, another reason Maryland is ranked 2nd in rushing and dead last in passing in the Big Ten with 177 passing yards per game.

For Minnesota to win, they need to contain the option. Running quarterbacks have caused the Gophers' struggles in the past two seasons. Knowing Washington is a running threat going into the game might change the gameplan but if Minnesota continues their struggles with the option, this could be the slip-up that knocks them out of the playoff race.

Injury updates -
Tight end Mac Markway (13 rec, 123 yds, 3 TDs) and quarterback AJ Band are still out. Josh Bobo will be starting at quarterback for the second straight week.

Malik Washington - 126/194, 64%, 1,423 yds, 11 TDs, 5 INTs, sacked 9 times, 145 rush atts, 584 yds, 4.0 avg, 10 TDs, 121 YAC
Jarren Humphrey - 126 atts, 498 yds, 4.0 avg, 5 TD, 175 YAC
Marshaun Brown - 34 rec, 527 yds, 5 TDs, 184 YAC
Camern Fleming - 48 tlks, 1 TFL, 2 DEFL
Braydon Lee - 32 tlks, 2 TFL, 0.5 sacks, 1 INT, 4 DEFL
Desmond Umeozulu - 24 tlks, 5 TFL, 2 sacks,

Josh Bobo, 35/46, 76%, 329 yds, 5 TDs, 2 INTs, 3 times sacked
Fame Ijeboi - 128 atts, 827 yds, 6.5 avg, 7 TDs, 227 YAC
Connor Malik - 55 rec, 497 yds, 5 TDs, 175 YAC
Jalen Smith - 20 rec, 237 yds, 2 TDs, 168 YAC in 4 games
Kenric Lanier II - 27 rec, 344 yds, 3 TDs, 194 YAC
Mitch Horan - 68 tlks, 6 TFL, 1 INT, 1 FFUMB
Trevon Howard - 58 tlks, 3 TFL, 1 INT
Vernon Woodward III - 40 tlks, 3 TFL, 5 INTs, 12 DEFLs, 1 FFUMB

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Aiden “AJ” Wexler is a writer for ShireNiner Nation covering Minnesota Gophers Football. He previously covered local high schools in the Minneapolis area. He is based in Minneapolis, MN. Follow AJ on Twitter @AidensFake.

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[ShireNiner]

Gophers Rally from 17 Point Early Deficit to Stun Maryland


Josh Bobo found Jalen Smith on 3rd and long to seal the game (ShireNiner PS5 images)

By: Bill Connelly | November 7, 2027
Writer, CFB/NFL

College Park— They say it takes a team to win a championship, not just a few star players on both sides of the ball. Last year, Minnesota was a team of All-Conference stars; this year, they are a team of football players.

On a Saturday that threatened to derail their season, the No. 2 Golden Gophers looked into a 17-0 second-quarter deficit and didn't blink. By the time the game ended, they had rattled off 28 unanswered points to secure a 28-17 victory over Maryland. It was a win that showcased exactly why Minnesota is a playoff frontrunner: they found production in the deepest parts of the depth chart and a defensive unit that continues to step up when needed the most.

When you’re down three scores on the road, you usually look to your Heisman candidates. Minnesota looked to Matt Boone.

The senior fullback hadn't touched the ball all season until late in the second quarter. His 1-yard touchdown reception didn't just put the Gophers on the board; it lit the energy of the sideline. "This was a complete team win," Coach Mick Smith said after the game. "From the third-string quarterback to the fullback... this is a win that changes a season."

That catch made it 17-7 at the break and turned a potential blowout into a manageable climb. Suddenly, a comeback felt possible.

The first half belonged to Maryland’s high-tempo attack; the final 37 minutes belonged to a Minnesota defense that turned into a wall across the front. The Terrapins were held to zero points and a meager 113 yards in the second half.

Guys like defensive tackle Tyson Ford stepping up with two third-down sacks, defensive back Evan Tolzien coming up with a big interception to set up the Gophers third quarter touchdown, and emerging star on defense, Jaxon Howard, stopping Malik Washington on a 4th and 1 option run. A defense that prides itself on takeaways and third-down stops never let the Terps come close to the Minnesota redzone.

With the defense in lockdown, the offense slowly started to wake up. Josh Bobo, not as efficient as last week, turned it on in the second half. Late in the third quarter, Bobo found Big Ten Player of the Week, Jalen Smith, for a three-yard slant for a touchdown, making it 17-14. After another defensive stop, Minnesota took over at their own 28 and put together the longest drive of the game, 11 plays taking nearly five and a half minutes, resulting in a Grant Washington one-yard touchdown run. Another score by a player deep in the depth chart, stepping up when needed.

But in the end, with the game in the dying moments and a big play needed, Minnesota turned to the star of the offense. Jalen Smith, the receiver who missed four games with injury, was the go-to guy on third and long deep in their own territory, and was trying to kill the clock. On a play-action pass, from their own three-yard line, Josh Bobo threw the ball to the Maryland 28, finding Smith behind the defense for an easy catch and run for the 89-yard touchdown to ice the game.

"This was a complete team win. From the third string quarterback, to the fullback, to guys on defense who came out of nowhere, even the third string running back making big plays. This is a win that changes a season." Coach Mick Smith said after the game. "We know business still needs to be handled to finish the season, but a win like this makes you believe we are not going to be stopped before reaching Indianapolis."

The win keeps Minnesota alive for the Big Ten Championship and for the playoffs. With three Big Ten games left, Minnesota holds the future in their own hands.

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Scoring Summary
1st quarter
DeShaun Kaesvihan 7 Yd pass from Malik Washington, 4:12
Alex Viera, 45 yd FG, 1:18

2nd quarter
Iverson Howard 2 yd run, 7:15
Matt Boone, 1 yd pass from Josh Bobo, 4:01

3rd quarter
Jalen Smith, 3 Yd pass from Josh Bobo, 0:56

4th quarter
Grant Washington, 1 yd run, 6:26
Jalen Smith, 89 yd pass from Josh Bobo, 3:05

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Soapys' Box Score

Passing
Josh Bobo - 28/41, 68%, 298 yds, 3 TDs
Malik Washington - 25/35, 65%, 278 yds, 1 TD, 1 Int, 51 rush yards

Rushing
Fame Ijeboi - 19 atts, 115 yds, 6.0 avg
Xavier Ford - 13 atts, 69 yds, 5.3 avg
Jarren Humphrey - 7 atts, 56 yds, 8.0 avg, 55 rec yds

Receiving
Connor Malik - 5 rec, 35 yds
Jalen Smith - 11 rec, 166 yds, 2 TDs
DeShaun Kaesvihan - 4 rec, 52 yds, 1 TD

Defense
Mitch Horan - 9 tlks, 2 TFL, 1 sack
Tyson Ford- 4 tlks, 2 TFL, 1.5 sacks
Evan Tolzien - 9 tlks, 1 INT

Keyshawn Flowers - 17 tlks
Malcolm Davey - 14 tlks
Alex Moore - 13 tlks

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Bill Connelly is a writer for ShireNiner Nation covering post-game news for College Football and Premier League Soccer. He previously worked at ESPN covering College Football, Tennis, and Soccer.

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[ShireNiner]

Smith was named Big Ten Player of the Week (ShireNiner PS5 images.)

Jalen Smith Earns Big Ten POTW Honors

By: Aiden “AJ” Wexler | November 8, 2027
Minnesota Golden Gopher Reporter

MINNEAPOLIS — Sophomore wide receiver Jalen Smith has been named Big Ten Player of the Week after pushing Minnesota to a comeback win over Maryland with 11 catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns.

After missing four games with a knee injury, Smith has gone off in the last two weeks, combining for 17 catches for 259 yards and four touchdowns.

"He is our speed threat. He showed last season on special teams what he can do, finishing third in the Jet award as a freshman. Now we use him as a deepthreat option, and he continues to impress." Mick Smith said of his emerging star. "Coming into the season, he knew we were relying on him after so many receivers graduated last season. He has continued to step up when we need him.

Of the six touchdowns Smith has this season, four have come in the second half, and three of those have been touchdowns to give the Gophers the lead. When the team needs a play, Smith is the man to step up.

"He might not get the national recognition this season because he missed four weeks. But the kid is a star, and people will start to notice him."

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Aiden “AJ” Wexler is a writer for ShireNiner Nation covering Minnesota Gophers Football. He previously covered local high schools in the Minneapolis area. He is based in Minneapolis, MN. Follow AJ on Twitter @AidensFake.

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[ShireNiner]

Minnesota continues to dominate in-state recruiting (ShireNiner PS5 images.)

STAYING HOME: Gophers Land Physical Marshall Edge Oscar Devey

By: Aiden “AJ” Wexler | November 9, 2027
Minnesota Golden Gopher Reporter

MINNEAPOLIS — The University of Minnesota’s mission to "close the borders" hit another milestone on Monday.

Oscar Devey, a physical and high-upside edge rusher out of Marshall High School (MN), has officially committed to the Golden Gophers. Devey, the No. 2-ranked player in the state of Minnesota, chose the hometown Gophers over interest from Vanderbilt and Eastern Michigan.

His commitment adds a massive physical presence to a 2026 class that is quickly becoming one of the most locally-flavored groups in recent program history.

Name: Oscar Devey
Position: Edge
Measurables: 6-3 / 255 lbs
High School: Marshall High School (Marshall, MN)
Ratings: (National: 949 | POS: 85 | State: 2)

Devey is a prototypical Big Ten defensive end prospect with the frame to carry significantly more weight without losing his initial burst. At 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds, he already possesses the "grown man" strength required to compete in the trenches of the Power 4.

By landing Devey, Coach Mick Smith has secured the top two players in the state of Minnesota, following the commitment of No. 1 prospect Sammy Majette.

The Gophers' ability to beat out an SEC program like Vanderbilt for a local product speaks volumes about the current momentum in Minneapolis. Devey’s commitment solidifies the defensive line for the 2026 cycle, with most starters in the unit returning, allowing Devey a year to learn and grow.

Oscar Devey is a future player for Minnesota. Smith does not use the redshirt option often, so expect Devey to be used sparingly next season to gain reps and learn the Big Ten. In Devey's sophomore season, if he develops as expected he can become a starter when guys like Jaxon Howard and Emmanuel Karmo graduate.

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Aiden “AJ” Wexler is a writer for ShireNiner Nation covering Minnesota Gophers Football. He previously covered local high schools in the Minneapolis area. He is based in Minneapolis, MN. Follow AJ on Twitter @AidensFake.

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[ShireNiner]

Week 11 Playoff Picture

By: Bruce Felderman | November 9, 2027
Senior Writer, CFB

1. Michigan (8-1)
2. Tennessee (8-1)
3. Minnesota (8-1)
4. Texas (9-1)
5. Clemson (8-1)
6. Oregon (8-1)
7. Miami (8-1)
8. SMU (7-2)
9. Geogia (7-2)
10. Alabama (7-2)
11. Boston College (8-1)
12. LSU (8-2)
13. Duke (7-2)
14. Nebraska (8-1)
15. Pitt (7-2)
16. South Carolina (7-2)
17. Notre Dame (8-1)
18. Florida State (6-3)
19. North Texas (9-0)
20. Okalahoma (6-3)
21. Ole Miss (6-3)
22. Penn State (7-2)
23. Kansas State (7-2)
24. North Carolina (7-2)
25. UCLA (7-3)

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Bruce Felderman is a writer for ShireNiner Nation covering NCAA Football. Bruce previously wrote for ESPN, The Telegraph, and The Athletic before we paid way more money and he came to us.

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[ShireNiner]

Week 11 Preview: Washington Huskies (5-4, 3-3) at No. 3 Minnesota Golden Gophers (8-1, 5-1)

By: Aiden “AJ” Wexler | November 12, 2027
Minnesota Golden Gopher Reporter

When: Saturday, November 13, 2027
Time: 12:00 pm EST
Broadcast:
Where: Huntington Bank Stadium


Minneapolis— Minnesota will go back home to face the last team to beat them in the regular season in week 11. Last year, Washington beat Minnesota 38-35 in Seattle; this season is a new look for the Washington side, but still one capable of knocking off a top team.

Washington have been using two quarterbacks this year, splitting time between CJ Carr and Tavier St. Clair. Both have been putting up identical numbers in the air, but Carr is more of a rushing threat with 662 yards and 7 rushing touchdowns this year.

Key to watch
Washington ranks number 1 in the Big Ten in takeaways with 19. Minnesota is last in giveaways with 17. Whoever wins the turnover battle will have the best chance to win on Saturday.


CJ Carr - 84/138, 60%, 1,184 yds, 12 TDs, 4 INTs, sacked 3 times, 156.0 QBR, 122 rush atts, 662 yds, 7 TDs
Tavien St. Clair - 95/145, 65%, 1,148 yds, 13 TDs, 3 INTs, sacked 11 times, 156.0 QBR
Daniel Bray - 62 atts, 307 yds, 5.0 avg, 3 TDs, 124 YAC
Audric Harris - 44 rec, 677 yds. 9 TDs, 155 YAC
MarcusHarris - 33 rec, 545 yds. 4 TDs, 185 YAC
Zaydrius Rainey-Sale - 75 tlks, 7 TFL, 3 sacks, 4 INTs
Ramonz Adams - 52 tlks, 1 INT
Vincent Holmes - 52 tlks, 4 TFL, 1 INT

Josh Bobo, 63/87, 72%, 625 yds, 8 TDs, 2 INTs, 3 times sacked, 158.5 QBR
Fame Ijeboi - 147 atts, 942 yds, 6.4 avg, 7 TDs, 257 YAC
Xavier Ford - 66 atts, 348 yds, 5.3 avg, 1 TD
Connor Malik - 60 rec, 532 yds, 5 TDs, 206 YAC
Jalen Smith - 31 rec, 403 yds, 6 TDs, 229 YAC
Mitch Horan - 77 tlks, 8 TFL, 0.5 sacks, 1 INT
Jaxon Howard - 21 tlks, 9 TFL, 6.5 sacks
Vernon Woodward III - 44 tlks, 3 TFL, 5 INTs, 12 DEFLs, 1 FFUMB

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Aiden “AJ” Wexler is a writer for ShireNiner Nation covering Minnesota Gophers Football. He previously covered local high schools in the Minneapolis area. He is based in Minneapolis, MN. Follow AJ on Twitter @AidensFake.

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[Captain Canada]

That's a weird ass two-QB system you're about to play.

Still riding with Bobo on this one.