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Tracy’s Two Punt Return Scores Lead Gophers Rout; Bison Host Fordham Saturday

By Jake Judd Sep 4, 2026 | 7:51 AM

Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – Minnesota receiver Javon Tracy became the first Gopher to return two punts for touchdowns in the same game Thursday night, leading Minnesota to a 59-7 season-opening win over Eastern Illinois at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

Tracy broke an 87-yard return in the first quarter and a 69-yard return in the third. He also caught five passes for 98 yards and finished with 167 punt return yards. Running back Darius Taylor scored three rushing touchdowns, all in the first half, and quarterback Drake Lindsey completed 19 of 24 passes for 264 yards and a one-yard touchdown to tight end Pierce Walsh before backups took over.

Minnesota outgained the Panthers 495 yards to 110 and led 35-7 at the half. Eastern Illinois scored on an eight-yard pass from Cole LaCrue to Tyren Buggs in the second quarter. Announced attendance was 41,048.

The Gophers are 1-0 and host Mississippi State on Saturday, September 12th.

North Dakota State is also 1-0, and the Bison host Fordham at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Fargodome. NDSU opened its first season as an FBS program on August 29th with a 33-7 win over Jacksonville State, a Conference USA opponent, in front of 18,573 fans. The Bison joined the Mountain West Conference this season after 22 years in FCS, where they won 10 national championships.

Quarterback Nathan Hayes threw touchdown passes to Reis Kessel and Jordan McCants in his first career start. Kicker Drew Klein made four field goals, and defensive end Blake Schiltz fell on a bad snap in the end zone for a score.

Fordham is 0-1 after losing to Colgate 24-14 on August 28th. The Rams play FCS football in the Patriot League. Saturday’s game is on the Mountain West Network.

Elsewhere in the region on Saturday:

  • Iowa hosts Northern Illinois
  • Iowa State hosts Southeast Missouri State
  • North Dakota (1-0) hosts St. Thomas
  • South Dakota State (1-0) at Northwestern
  • South Dakota (1-0) at Northern Colorado
  • Wisconsin meets Notre Dame on Sunday at Lambeau Field in Green Bay
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