Football Drops Road Decision At Minnesota

Saturday, September 19

Minneapolis, MN

Noon

University of Akron

1-2 , 0-0

Minnesota

2-1 , 0-0

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final F
Akron	0	0	0	7	7
Minnesota	10	10	7	14	41

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September 19 | Football

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MINNEAPOLIS — Akron showed some early defensive resistance Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium, but Minnesota gradually took control and pulled away for a 41-7 victory over the Zips.

Akron (1-2) played much of the afternoon without starting quarterback Cibastian Broughton, who was injured during the second quarter and did not return. Redshirt freshman Brayden Roggow handled the quarterback duties the rest of the way.

Playing under overcast skies with periods of rain, Akron's defense produced one of the game's early highlights when defensive end Omari Abor recorded the first interception of his career.

With Minnesota leading 7-0 and driving late in the first quarter, Abor intercepted Drake Lindsey at the Akron 17-yard line and returned it 21 yards to the 38. The takeaway stopped a Minnesota possession that had crossed into Akron territory.

The Golden Gophers (2-1) opened the scoring on their first possession when Lindsey connected with Roman Voss for a 16-yard touchdown. Luke Drzewiecki added a 24-yard field goal later in the opening quarter for a 10-0 advantage.

Akron's defense helped keep the Zips within reach early. Minnesota managed only one yard on its possession following an Akron fumble, and Abor's interception ended another drive.

The Zips' task became more difficult after Broughton exited in the second quarter. Broughton finished 9-of-13 passing for 42 yards without an interception and rushed three times for 17 yards. Roggow completed 12 of 25 passes for 131 yards in relief. Akron did not throw an interception in 39 pass attempts.

Minnesota extended its lead to 17-0 on Lindsey's 6-yard touchdown pass to Noah Jennings before Drzewiecki's 43-yard field goal with two seconds remaining sent the Golden Gophers into halftime with a 20-0 advantage.

Minnesota added three second-half touchdowns to stretch the margin to 41-0.

Akron continued to battle and broke through with its best offensive possession of the afternoon midway through the fourth quarter.

Roggow helped direct a five-play, 75-yard scoring drive that took just 1:54. Gentz Hilburn supplied the two biggest plays, catching a 26-yard pass before adding a 21-yard reception that moved the Zips to the Minnesota 10.

Marquese Williams finished the drive with a 10-yard touchdown run with 7:44 remaining. Matthew Schramm's extra point completed the scoring.

Hilburn finished with three receptions for a team-high 49 yards, while Kyan Mason caught five passes for 32 yards. Jordan Gant added 35 receiving yards on two catches.

Minnesota finished with 395 yards of offense, including 191 rushing, while Akron totaled 221. Lindsey completed 17 of 31 passes for 204 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. TJ Thomas led the Golden Gophers on the ground with 122 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.

Akron linebacker Donelius Johnson led all Zips defenders with 12 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss. Dwight Nunoo added six tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, while Cyrus Durham recorded Akron's lone sack, dropping Lindsey for a 10-yard loss. Abor's interception highlighted a defense that also broke up five passes.

Punter Joseph Castle was called upon nine times and averaged 42.1 yards per punt, placing three inside the Minnesota 20.

The loss dropped Akron to 1-2 on the season, while Minnesota improved to 2-1.

UP NEXT
Akron returns home on Saturday, Sept. 26, welcoming the UNLV Rebels to InfoCision Stadium Summa Health Field for a noon kickoff on ESPN+.

The Jim Dennison PMA Game will highlight the 1976 Akron Zips, who earned NCAA Division II national runner-up honors. The day's festivities also will feature the Zips Athletics Party on Vine Street, Healthcare Appreciation, Band Day and Cheer & Dance for a Day.
Dennison was head football coach of the Zips from 1973 to 1985. His philosophy was simple-- PMA – Positive Mental Attitude. It has always been his way of life. Our players believed in themselves and attacked obstacles positively with a never-say-die attitude. A refusal to quit and great determination to succeed became Dennison trademarks.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early and take part in the day's activities while supporting the Zips as they host UNLV at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Health Field.

AKRON MARATHON
The FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay will take place starting at 7 a.m. ET on Sept. 26. There will be numerous road closures throughout the Akron area, listed online.

Fans driving to the game should avoid downtown and follow the Route 8 directions to campus. (Getting Here)

AKRON FOOTBALL TICKETS
Season tickets and single game tickets are available now on GoZips.com/Tickets or by calling/texting the Akron ticket office at 888-99-AKRON (25766) or visiting The C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium Summa Health Field (located at 375 E. Exchange Street, near Gate 1 at the southwest corner of the venue, at the corner of E. Exchange and S. Union streets) Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

HAVE A GROUP?
Group experiences for the 2026 season are also available! Individual and corporate groups can plan a memorable experience at an Akron Football home game this fall by visiting our Tickets Page. Discounted group tickets and fan experiences are available starting today for a minimum purchase of 10 tickets, and fan experiences are available on a first come, first serve basis to any home football game during the 2026 season.