Minnesota 23-20 OT win denies MSU first Big Ten victory

**Lindsey’s Overtime Heroics Lift Gophers Past Spartans 23-20; Michigan State Still Seeking First Big Ten Win**

**MINNEAPOLIS, MN – October 21, 2023** – Running back Drake Lindsey powered into the end zone from three yards out in overtime this past Saturday night, securing a hard-fought 23-20 victory for the Minnesota Golden Gophers over the Michigan State Spartans at Huntington Bank Stadium. The dramatic win kept Minnesota from dropping a second straight game and pushed their season record to 5-3 (2-3 Big Ten). For Michigan State, the heartbreaking loss means they are still searching for their first Big Ten Conference win of the season, falling to 2-6 overall (0-5 Big Ten).

The game was a quintessential Big Ten battle, marked by relentless back-and-forth action, defensive stands, and critical turnovers. The Spartans, under interim head coach Harlon Barnett, showed significant grit despite their season-long struggles, battling the Gophers down to the wire.

Michigan State drew first blood in the contest when running back Nathan Carter broke free for a four-yard touchdown run, putting the Spartans up 7-0 in the first quarter. However, Minnesota slowly began to chip away at the lead. Kicker Dragan Kesich connected on a 29-yard field goal to get the Gophers on the board. Later in the second quarter, special teams provided a spark when Zach Evans executed a spectacular 60-yard punt return, setting up another Kesich field goal, this one from 39 yards, narrowing the gap to 7-6.

“We knew it wouldn’t be easy,” said Minnesota Head Coach P.J. Fleck after the game. “Michigan State came to play, and they made us earn every single yard, every single point.”

Just before halftime, Michigan State threatened to extend their lead, but Minnesota safety Jack Henderson snatched an interception, stifling the Spartans’ drive and sending the teams to the locker room with Michigan State clinging to a one-point advantage.

The Gophers seized momentum in the third quarter thanks to another key defensive play. All-Big Ten safety Tyler Nubin picked off a pass from Michigan State quarterback Noah Kim, giving Minnesota excellent field position. Running back Darius Taylor, who was a workhorse for the Gophers all night, capitalized on the turnover with a 16-yard touchdown run, putting Minnesota ahead 13-7. Taylor finished the night as Minnesota’s leading rusher with 106 yards on 22 carries.

The Spartans, however, were not to be deterred. Kim rebounded from the interception, connecting with wide receiver Kaden Prather for a 10-yard touchdown catch, tying the game once more. Kicker Jonathan Kim then put Michigan State back on top, 17-13, with a 34-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter.

Minnesota quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis faced a moment of adversity when his pass was intercepted by Daniel Van McKeon, giving the Spartans an opportunity to extend their lead. Yet, the Gophers defense held firm, and Kaliakmanis and the offense engineered a crucial drive that culminated in Darius Taylor’s second touchdown run of the night, a four-yard plunge that tied the game at 17-17, forcing overtime.

In the extra period, Michigan State had the first possession but could only manage a 34-yard field goal from Jonathan Kim, putting them up 20-17. The pressure was on Minnesota. After a couple of hard-fought plays, Drake Lindsey took the handoff and surged forward from three yards out, breaking the plane for the game-winning touchdown, sending the capacity crowd at Huntington Bank Stadium into a frenzy.

“It was an incredible moment,” Lindsey said, reflecting on the game-winning score. “My offensive line just opened up a seam, and I just knew I had to get into the end zone for my team. We fought all night for that.”

The loss extends a challenging season for Michigan State, who continues to navigate an interim coaching situation and a difficult Big Ten schedule. Despite the outcome, Coach Barnett praised his team’s effort. “Our guys fought their tails off tonight. We’re getting better, we’re competing, we just need to find a way to finish. We’ll keep working.”

The Golden Gophers will look to build on this momentum as they head into a crucial stretch of their Big Ten schedule. Minnesota will travel to Iowa City next Saturday, October 28, to face the Iowa Hawkeyes in another Big Ten West Division matchup. Michigan State will return home to Spartan Stadium for a challenging contest against the archrival Michigan Wolverines.