Minnesota wrapped up its 2025 season in style, closing the book with a bowl win over New Mexico. And while the scoreboard tells part of the story, the snap counts and Pro Football Focus grades from the Gophers' offense give us a deeper look into who stepped up - and who struggled - in the final game of the year.
Let’s break it down by position, starting under center.
Quarterback: Drake Lindsey - 64/64 snaps (100%) | PFF Grade: 55.0 (13th of 21 Gophers)
It was a full workload for Lindsey, who played every offensive snap in the bowl game. But the performance itself was uneven. His 52.1 passing grade was his lowest since the Iowa game, and he tied that rough outing with four turnover-worthy plays - again, the most since facing the Hawkeyes.
There were flashes, though. His average depth of target (ADOT) came in at 8.1 yards, his highest since the Purdue game, indicating a more aggressive approach downfield.
Still, the execution didn’t consistently match the intent. Minnesota got the win, but Lindsey’s day was more about managing than dominating.
Running Back: Darius Taylor - 61/64 snaps (95%) | PFF Grade: 73.8 (3rd of 20 Gophers)
Taylor was the engine of the offense, plain and simple. He handled a heavy workload and delivered - 116 rushing yards, with a staggering 103 of those coming after contact.
That’s not just tough running; that’s elite-level effort. He also forced seven missed tackles, a season-high for him, which speaks to both his vision and physicality.
When the Gophers needed a spark, Taylor was the one lighting the fuse.
Cam Davis also saw the field in a limited role, logging 12 snaps and finishing with a 55.0 grade. He wasn’t a major factor in this one, but his presence gave Taylor a few much-needed breathers.
Wide Receiver: Jalen Smith - 54/64 snaps (84%) | PFF Grade: 76.3 (1st of 21 Gophers)
Smith closed out the season with a bang. His 76.6 receiving grade was his best since the Nebraska game, and he led all Gophers in overall offensive grade. He was Lindsey’s most reliable target throughout the game, and his consistency on intermediate routes helped keep the chains moving.
When the offense needed a go-to guy, Smith answered the call.
Javon Tracy played 38 snaps and turned in a 58.8 grade - solid, if not spectacular. His 59.2 receiving grade shows he was involved, but not a game-changer in this one.
Koi Perich - 22/64 snaps (34%) | PFF Grade: 75.0 (2nd of 21 Gophers)
Perich made the most of his increased workload. His 22 offensive snaps were a season-high, and he didn’t waste them.
He posted the highest run-blocking grade on the team at 77.1 and also led the Gophers in receiving grade at 77.6. That’s a rare combo - physical in the trenches and dangerous with the ball in his hands.
It’s a small sample, sure, but Perich’s performance could be a sign of things to come. If the Gophers are looking for a versatile weapon heading into next season, they may have just found one.
Final Takeaway
Minnesota’s offense didn’t deliver a flawless performance, but it was gritty, physical, and opportunistic - all the things you want in a bowl game. Darius Taylor carried the load, Jalen Smith stepped up in the passing game, and Koi Perich gave fans a glimpse of a high-upside future.
Drake Lindsey had his moments, though the mistakes will need to be cleaned up as he heads into the offseason. But when it mattered most, the Gophers found a way to move the ball and finish drives - and that’s how you end a season on a high note.