Offensive mvp

Philip Nelson, Gophers

The sophomore quarterback replaced Mitch Leidner and completed eight of 11 passes for 112 yards with a touchdown.

defensive MVP

James Manuel, Gophers

The senior linebacker returned an interception 24 yards for a touchdown and had one of the team's three sacks.

By the NUMBERS

5 Times in five drives the Gophers had to punt with Mitch Leidner at quarterback.

2 Times in eight drives the Gophers had to punt with Nelson at quarterback.

0 Turnovers for the Gophers, compared to three for Northwestern.

176-94 Gophers' edge in net rushing yardage.

234-123 Northwestern's edge in passing yardage.

35:15 Possession time for the Gophers, an edge of more than 10 minutes.

54.3 Completion percentage for Northwestern, which came in averaging 65.9.

103 Rushing yards for Gophers junior David Cobb.

JOE CHRISTENSEN