Minnesota fails to overcome ugly start in 54-51 loss to North Texas

Golden Gophers lose in home opener

North Texas takes early lead and never trails

The Minnesota Golden Gophers fell to 0-2 on the season after a 54-51 loss to the North Texas Mean Green in their home opener on Saturday. The Gophers got off to a slow start and trailed by 17 points at halftime. They rallied in the second half, but could not complete the comeback.

North Texas scored the game's first 10 points and led by as many as 17 points in the first half. The Mean Green took a 31-14 lead into halftime. Minnesota came out strong in the second half and cut the lead to 31-26 early in the third quarter. But North Texas answered back and pushed the lead back to 14 points.

The Gophers made another run in the fourth quarter and cut the lead to 51-48 with 2:56 remaining. But North Texas hit a free throw and Minnesota turned the ball over on its next possession. The Mean Green made another free throw to push the lead to 54-48 and Minnesota could not get any closer.

Tanner Morgan was 18-of-33 passing for 234 yards and two touchdowns for Minnesota. Mohamed Ibrahim rushed for 124 yards on 23 carries. Chris Autman-Bell had six catches for 100 yards and a touchdown.

Austin Aune was 17-of-27 passing for 194 yards and two touchdowns for North Texas. Isaiah Johnson rushed for 109 yards on 18 carries. Jyaire Shorter had five catches for 67 yards and a touchdown.

The Gophers will look to get their first win of the season next Saturday when they host Colorado. The Mean Green will host SMU next Saturday.