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09/03 22:38 CDT Minnesota breezes by Eastern Illinois 59-7 in the opener behind
Javon Tracy's two punt return TDs
Minnesota breezes by Eastern Illinois 59-7 in the opener behind Javon Tracy's
two punt return TDs
By DAVE CAMPBELL
AP Sports Writer
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) --- Javon Tracy set the program record with two punts for
touchdowns and Darius Taylor rushed for three first-half scores as Minnesota
opened with a 59-7 romp past FCS opponent Eastern Illinois on Thursday.
Drake Lindsey completed 19 of 24 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown to tight
end Pierce Walsh, who posted his first career score with 6 seconds left before
halftime to give the Gophers a 35-7 lead.
Backup quarterback Max Shikenjanski and deep reserve Xavier Ford each had
rushing touchdowns in the second half and Daniel Jackson made his first college
field goal on a night full of highlights for the home team, as head coach P.J.
Fleck's 10th season started with ease.
Tracy, who also had five receptions for 98 yards in the first half, fielded
four of the nine punts by Cade Cox and totaled 167 return yards in assuming the
role held last season by safety Koi Perich, who transferred to Oregon. Tracy
had an 87-yard touchdown in the first quarter and a 69-yard score in the third
quarter.
Tyren Buggs caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Cole LaCrue in the second
quarter for the Panthers (1-1), who beat Murray State 28-14 in their opener
last week.
The takeaway Eastern Illinois: After finishing 3-9 each of the last two seasons and being picked to finish seventh out of eight in the Ohio Valley Conference preseason poll, the Panthers have plenty of work to do under fifth-year head coach Chris Wilkerson, starting of course with the punt coverage team. Minnesota: There will be much tougher tests ahead for the Gophers, but every unit got off to a crisp start. The defense had nine tackles for loss and held Eastern Illinois to 51 yards rushing on 28 attempts. Up next Eastern Illinois: Hosts Indiana State on Sept. 12. Minnesota: Hosts Mississippi State on Sept. 12. ___ Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here, visit the Top 25 here and see AP's full college football coverage here. |
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