Expected to be a strength, the Gophers offensive line lacked consistency in week one. It was better Saturday but remains far from a finished product.

Rhode Island had one sack and fewer pressures against a unit that allowed five sacks to North Carolina in week one.

The quintet of Aireontae Ersery, Tyler Cooper, Greg Johnson, Quinn Carroll and Martes Lewis paved the way for the Gophers to accumulate 422 yards on offense, 306 of which came via the air. Quarterback Max Brosmer was forced to scramble on occasion, but not like in last week’s loss to North Carolina where he was under pressure on nearly one-third of his dropbacks.

“I love our offensive line, but today too much penetration early, but settled down in the second half,” said coach P.J. Fleck. “They were doing some things that were difficult on us just the way we were wanting to play the game. Once we were able to make those changes, I think we were able to control them pretty good.”

“They did an amazing job today,” said Brosmer, who finished 24 of 30 for 271 yards and two touchdowns. “I love playing behind them, they’re the ultimate competitors. I can’t wait showcase more this year.”

Kesich drills a couple

Dragan Kesich is the reigning Big Ten Kicker of the Year, but his 2024 got off to a rough start as he missed two of three attempts against North Carolina, including a 47-yarder as time expired that would have been a game-winner.

He capped the first Gophers drive with a 53-yard field goal, had a 55-yarder just before halftime draw right just outside the upright, and hit from 47 in the fourth quarter. All six extra points were good, and each of his nine kickoffs were not returned.

“I grew up where the more you fail, the better I did because I just couldn’t wait to go do it again. That’s Dragan,” Fleck said. “… He’s one of the best in the country. Keep going man, just keep going, and I think he did a great job of responding.”

Fewer yellow flags

Flagged for an uncharacteristic six miscues last week against North Carolina, Minnesota was penalized just four times against Rhode Island, and only two were by starters. The Gophers averaged an FBS-best three penalties per game last season.

The Rams were penalized seven times, including five times in first quarter.

Team interception

Aidan Gousby’s second-quarter interception was a true takeaway.

Devin Ferrell’s pass landed in the arms of Shawn Harris Jr., who had Justin Walley draped on him. As the two tumbled toward the turf, Gousby basically dove over the top and stole the ball from Harris. After video review, the interception stood.

Jack Henderson had an interception and fumble recovery and Koi Perich also had a pick.

“I think the difference was the takeaways,” Fleck said. “We also had four or five that were just off our fingertips. But we said we wanted to be able to create more takeaways than we have in a long time. And I thought we did that.”

Redding leaves

Punt returner Quentin Redding got up favoring his left leg after being tackled on a first-quarter punt return and did not return. Daniel Jackson had a 3-yard return and Perich returned another 28 yards.

Listed as out for the Gophers, per the Big Ten Availability Report, were tight end Pierce Walsh, defensive backs Jai’Onte’ McMillan and Jordan Greenhow, running back Kaeden Johnson, and defensive linemen Jaylin Hicks and Theorin Randle. Defensive lineman Sam Macy, defensive back Simon Seidl, offensive lineman Jerome Williams and running back Jaydon Wright are out for the season.