Minnesota Season Opener Rout

Javon Tracy Scores Two Punt-Return Touchdowns in Minnesota Season-Opening Rout

The Minnesota Gophers defeated Eastern Illinois 59-7 in the season opener, securing bowl eligibility and ending a 14-game losing streak to the Badgers in the Paul Bunyan's Axe rivalry. Javon Tracy, a fifth-year senior in his second year with the Gophers, scored two punt-return touchdowns that helped the team secure bowl eligibility. Tracy also set up two touchdowns with key receptions, finishing with five catches for 98 yards, four punt returns for 167 yards and 265 all-purpose yards. Other standout performances included running back Darius Taylor and quarterback Drake Lindsey. The Gophers' next game will face Mississippi State, the first SEC team to visit Minneapolis since Vanderbilt in 1959.