Gophers Pound Purdue 44-28

The Gopher football team earned their first Big Ten win of the season with a 44-28 victory at TCF Bank Stadium over Purdue Saturday afternoon.  Minnesota jumped on the Boilermakers early and led 34-7 at halftime.  Freshman quarterback Philip Nelson made his 2nd college start and threw for 246 yards and 3 touchdowns with no interceptions.  He also ran for 37 yards.

A.J. Barker was Nelson's top target with 5 catches for 135 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Derek Engel had a 34-yard TD reception and Donnell Kirkwood ran for 134 yards for Minnesota.

The Gophers improve to 5-3 overall and 1-3 in the Big Ten.  Minnesota will host Michigan next Saturday at 11am, pregame on AM 1390-the Fan at 10am.