Highlights
YOUTUBEWin probability
EVERY PLAY · ESPN MODELKICKOFF: MINN 98% · BIGGEST SINGLE-PLAY SWING: 1 PTS
Scoring plays
10 SCORES
Darius Taylor 1 Yd Run (Daniel Jackson Kick)
0-7

Javon Tracy 87 Yd Punt Return (Daniel Jackson Kick)
0-14

Darius Taylor 27 Yd Run (Daniel Jackson Kick)
0-21

Tyren Buggs 8 Yd pass from Cole LaCrue (Drew Schiller Kick)
7-21

Darius Taylor 3 Yd Run (Daniel Jackson Kick)
7-28

Pierce Walsh 1 Yd pass from Drake Lindsey (Daniel Jackson Kick)
7-35

Javon Tracy 69 Yd Punt Return (Daniel Jackson Kick)
7-42

Daniel Jackson 31 Yd Field Goal
7-45

Max Shikenjanski 2 Yd Run (Daniel Jackson Kick)
7-52

Xavier Ford 1 Yd Run (Beckham Sunderland Kick)
7-59
What happened
ESPN RECAPMinnesota breezes by Eastern Illinois 59-7 in the opener behind Javon Tracy's two punt return TDs
MINNEAPOLIS -- , Javon Tracy set the program record with two punts for touchdowns and Darius Taylor rushed for three first-half scores as Minnesota opened with a 59-7 romp past FCS opponent Eastern Illinois on Thursday. Drake Lindsey completed 19 of 24 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown to tight end Pierce Walsh , who posted his first career score with six seconds left before halftime to give the Gophers a 35-7 lead. Backup quarterback Max Shikenjanski and deep reserve Xavier Ford each had rushing touchdowns in the second half and Daniel Jackson made his first college field goal on a night full of highlights for the home team, as head coach P.J. Fleck's 10th season started with ease.
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Team stats
EIU · MINNHUNTINGTON BANK STADIUM, MINNEAPOLIS · ATTENDANCE 41,048
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