Gophers Edge Kent State

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Mitch Leidner and Minnesota survived another shaky showing by the offense, using a second quarter touchdown pass to K.J. Maye to eke out a 10-7 victory Saturday over Kent State.

Freshman cornerback Demetrius Monday was the star of a feisty performance by the Kent State defense, with two interceptions in the first half and an 80-yard touchdown return in the third quarter of a fumble he forced himself.

Leidner finished 17 for 27 for 184 yards, but the statistics didn't look as bad as some of the throws. The junior just hasn't been able to establish a rhythm in the pocket, causing a major concern for a team with sights set on winning the Big Ten's West Division.

The Golden Gophers (2-1) held the Golden Flashes (1-2) to 142 total yards on 59 plays.