Gophers dominate Colorado, 30-0, for first shutout of a Power Five team since 1977

Andy Greder, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
·2 min read

Sep. 18—BOULDER, Colo. — After Colorado's seventh punt Saturday, many of their white-clad students headed for the exits with nearly a full quarter left to play at Folsom Field. It meant an already large contingent of traveling Gophers' fans moved closer to being in the stadium's majority.

The thousands of maroon-and gold fans bid them adieu by singing "The Minnesota Rouser." On the field, the football team put the finishing touches on a 30-0 win and the fans can keep the party going on all the establishments along Pearl Street.

It was reminiscent of the pro-Gopher crowd at the Outback Bowl on New Year's Day 2020. The U fans near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains finished the day with "Row The Boat" chant — just like they did in Tampa a year and a half ago.

Minnesota was a 2.5-point underdog to the Pac-12 foe, but easily passed its biggest non conference test of the season. They had a narrow win over Miami (Ohio) last week and can make it third straight against Bowling Green next Saturday.

The Gophers (2-1) used a dominating defensive performance to extend the nation-leading 21-game nonconference winning streak.

It was Minnesota's first road shutout against a Power Five Conference opponent since a 21-0 win at Illinois in 1977 and the program's first against a Pac-12 program since 1948.

Colorado (1-2) was shutout for the first time since 2012. The Buffaloes had 63 total yards, one of their worst marks in program history.

Running back Trey Potts scored three touchdowns — two inthe first half provided a 13-0 lead and his third gave Minnesota a commanding 20-0 lead late in the third quarter.

Minnesota's blowout coulee have had seven ,ore points on the board, with kicker Matthew Trickett missing three kicks. His first field goal from 24 yards went wide right on the first drove and his 46-yarder in the third quarter also was off in that direction. In between, Trickett's first extra point bounced off the upright. .

The Gophers led 13-0 at the half, the program's first shutout of an opponent for a half since Rutgers in 2019. They allowed only seven total yards in the first half.

After no sacks in the first two games, the Gophers produced four sacks to end first-half drives. The Buffaloes couldn't get anything going, with five punts and a turnover on downs.

The U's defense, with reserves in late, finished the game as suffocating as they start it.