Gophers Hold off Colorado State in OT 23-20

Fort Collins, CO (Learfield Sports)  --  An overtime field goal by Ryan Santoso gave the Minnesota Golden Gophers their first win of the 2015 season, 23-20 over Colorado State.  

That victory was much more difficult than expected.

In the first play of overtime, Gopher defensive tackle Scott Ekpe stripped the ball from a running back.  Five running plays put the ball at the one yard line and Santoso kicked it through the uprights.  The Rams were playing without their two top receivers.

 A 22-yard scoring pass from Mitch Leidner to KJ Maye put Minnesota ahead 20-17 with less than a minute to go.  Colorado State rallied to kick a field goal on the last play of regulation, to tie the score.  Minnesota rolled up 413 yards in total offense, but the teams combined for 18 penalties and 18 punts.

The Gophers host Kent State next Saturday.