The redshirt freshman from Mankato had an incredible touchdown reception to keep the program undefeated in bowl games under coach P.J. Fleck.
PHOENIX – For Jalen Smith, one great touchdown catch deserved another. And because of Smith’s efforts, the Gophers beat New Mexico 20-17 in overtime in the Rate Bowl on Dec. 26 at Chase Field.
Smith, a redshirt freshman wide receiver from Mankato, made a diving 12-yard catch in the back of the end zone, grabbing the third-and-8 pass from quarterback Drake Lindsey, making sure it didn’t hit the ground and ending a defensive-minded game against the Lobos.
Smith also had a marvelous TD catch in the second quarter, sliding in the left corner of the end zone and staying in bounds for a 10-yard grab.
“I’m just appreciative that my coaches have put me in positions to go make those plays, and Drake trusts me to throw me the ball. Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about:
trust. He’s not going to throw me the ball if he doesn’t believe that I can make a play,” Smith said.
The Gophers (8-5) stretched their bowl winning streak to nine games, with the past seven coming with P.J. Fleck as coach.
New Mexico (9-4) got the ball first in overtime, but the Gophers defense gave up only 6 yards on three plays. The Lobos settled for Luke Drzewiecki’s 36-yard field goal for a 17-14 lead.
As important as Smith was in this game, another Smith had just as big of an impact on defense for the Gophers.
Anthony Smith, a fourth-year junior defensive end, was named the game’s most outstanding defensive player. He collected six tackles, two sacks, four tackles for loss and two pass breakups. And the cherry on top for the Gophers was Smith announcing he is coming back to Minnesota for his final season.
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