BTN.com staff, September 8, 2012

MarQueis Gray threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more by halftime, and Minnesota finally enjoyed an easy victory over an FCS-level opponent by beating New Hampshire 44-7 on Saturday. Gray passed only eight times but completed six for 100 yards and scores to Isaac Fruechte and John Rabe. Gray also gained 109 yards on 17 rushing attempts, including a 75-yard untouched burst at the end of the first quarter.

Donnell Kirkwood ran for 70 yards and a third-quarter score on 17 carries for the Golden Gophers (2-0), who had lost three of their last five games against FCS teams.

Backup quarterback Andy Vailas was 18 for 34 for 158 yards and an interception for the Wildcats (1-1).

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FINAL: MarQueis Gray led Minnesota to a 44-7 victory on Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium. Gray carried the ball 17 times for 110 yards and two touchdowns. The Golden Gophers' explosive offense used big plays to take down New Hampshire. With 34 seconds to go in the first quarter, Gray scrambled for a 75-yard touchdown run, Minnesota's longest play on the day. The score gave the Golden Gophers a 16-7 lead.

Minnesota's defense stymied New Hampshire's rushing attack. The Golden Gophers held the Wildcats to a mere 73 yards on the ground. Minnesota's offense finished the game having gained 409 yards, including 173 passing yards on 11 completions. Rushing was a key ingredient in the Golden Gophers' offensive mix, bringing them 236 yards on 52 carries.

Gray threw for 101 yards while completing six of eight passes for Minnesota. Gray finished the game with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

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