Gophers win game, lose Gray in 28-23 victory - KMSP-TV

As Gophers starting quarterback MarQueis Gray didn't immediately get up after a second quarter run, fans collectively held their breath. ‘What would it mean for an offense that relied on Gray'? Backup Max Shortell answered that question on his first play from scrimmage, Shortell connected with Derrick Engel on a 32 yard completion. Six plays later he hit A.J. Barker for a nine yard score.

When the Gray injury happened, the Gophers led Western Michigan 10-7. Shortell completed 10-of-17 passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns as the Gophers moved to 3-0 with a 28-23 win at TCF Bank Stadium.

"It was just that our offense was kind of stalled," said Shortell. "With MarQueis going down I had to step up and get the offense rolling."

Gray was on his way to another monster game before the injury with 11 carries and 57 yards in a little over one quarter of work. Without Gray as the main running threat, sophomore Donnell Kirkwood took a firm grasp on the spot rushing 23 times for 110 yards. A.J. Barker had a huge day in the passing game catching five passes for 101 yards.

"With MarQueis being a large part of our running game, Donnell had to step it up," said head coach Jerry Kill. "Again, we had some guys go down today. It was a hard win, no question about that."

The Broncos made the game interesting late cutting Minnesota's lead to five on a Jaime Wilson touchdown catch from quarterback Alex Carder. Carder completed 24-of-44 passes for 209 yards in the loss. Running back Dareyon Chance carried the ball 29 yards for 144 yards and a touchdown.