Quarterback Max Brosmer also ended his Gophers career with success. He completed 18 of 29 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown with one interception. And he made his final pass as a Gopher one to remember.

The Gophers faced fourth down from the Virginia Tech 43 with two minutes left and lined up in the tush-push formation. Instead of sneaking the ball, Brosmer dropped back and threw a pass to tight end Jameson Geers, giving him a 20-yard gain. Two kneel downs in the victory lineup later, the Gophers had the win.

“Many of us stayed on the field to enjoy it together a little longer,” said Brosmer. “I couldn’t be luckier than with a team like that.”

Brosmer also pushed for offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh Jr. to include freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey in the team’s plans. “I told coach Harbaugh, ‘Hey, I’m not playing unless I get a package with Drake,'” Brosmer said. “He put together a five-game package and we got three or four of them in.”

Throughout the game, Taylor was a constant that the Gophers could count on. He provided strong yardage while the team was missing three starting offensive linemen. His 28-yard touchdown run gave the Gophers a 21-7 lead with 56 seconds left in the second quarter.

“We talked before the game and I say, ‘You’re going to have to play one of your best games,'” Fleck said. “‘You really have to be there for the O-line and lift them up and really help some of the guys that haven’t played much yet.’ … Darius did a great job tonight.”