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Freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey delivered two touchdown passes in his college debut, guiding Minnesota to a 23-10 season-opening victory over Buffalo on Thursday night.
Lindsey finished 19 of 35 for 290 yards with one interception, showing poise under pressure in his first career start. His biggest moment came midway through the fourth quarter, when he rolled out to his right and hit Jalen Smith in stride for a 60-yard touchdown that sealed the win.
Running back Darius Taylor set the pace on the ground with 141 yards on 30 carries, pounding out tough yards between the tackles to keep the Gophers ahead in the second half.
Minnesota’s defense dominated from the outset, holding Buffalo to just 151 total yards and limiting the Bulls to 1 of 11 on third down. The Gophers forced six three-and-outs and kept Buffalo’s rushing attack under 40 yards.
Buffalo’s lone highlight came late in the third quarter, when quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson connected with Victor Snow on a 40-yard strike to trim the margin to 13-10. But Minnesota answered quickly. After a steady drive produced a short field goal, Lindsey and Smith delivered the decisive touchdown play to restore control.
Kicker Brady Denaburg added three field goals — from 38, 29 and 25 yards — to give Minnesota points on a night when long drives occasionally stalled in the red zone.
The Gophers (1-0) will host Northwestern State next week before traveling to California for their first Power Five test of the season. Buffalo dropped to 0-1 with the loss.
