Gold beats Maroon 24-20 in Gophers Spring Game

The University of Minnesota Gophers Spring Game may have been moved up several days to avoid an incoming storm, but quite the battle raged on the field at TCF Bank Stadium Thursday night.

In a battle of Maroon vs. Gold, Gold secured the win of the first-ever Goldy Cup with a 24-20 victory.

Redshirt senior running back Rodney Smith captained the Gold team, putting them on the board first with a touchdown off a 56-yard touchdown pass from quart Zack Annexstad. The freshman quarterback went 11-for-18 for 186 yards and one touchdown.

Smith scored again on a 31-yard touchdown rush. With his two touchdowns, he won the first-ever Sid Hartman MVP of the Spring Game.

However, Maroon would make a few standout plays of their own. Down 14-3 in the first half, junior wide receiver Tyler Johnson reeled in a one-handed catch for a 33-yard touchdown. Johnson finished the game with six catches for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Maroon quarterback Tanner Morgan finished 18-for-28 for 272 yards and two touchdowns.

Minnesota will soon wrap up the spring season before returning for August practices. The regular season kicks off on August 30 against New Mexico State at home.