By Greg Mroz
Special Teams: Northwestern’s special teams had been playing fairly well coming into this game, but in the 4th quarter they cost the Wildcats the game. After tying the game up at 17 with 7:32 left in the 4th, the ensuing kickoff was returned 100 yards for a touchdown by Minnesota’s Jalen Myrick. It was the first time Northwestern had allowed a kickoff to be returned for a touchdown since Tevin Coleman of Indiana did it back in 2012.
Penalties: Eric Olson committed 3 penalties at right tackle for Northwestern, and Minnesota on both of their offensive touchdowns had personal foul penalties added on to two 20+ yard plays that gave the Gophers 1st and goal from the 5 both times.
Justin Jackson: The true freshman lead Northwestern in rushing and was 2nd in receiving with 108 yards on the ground and 50 in the air. If not for Jackson, this margin of victory for Minnesota would have been a lot larger.