The Gophers opened their 2024 season with bad news, as star running back Darius Taylor was ruled out for the game, along with starting safety Darius Green. With costly penalties, two missed field goals, and a plethora of fouls, the Gophers could not recover from the loss, finishing 19-17.

Minnesota’s new transfer quarterback Max Brosmer looked nervous in his first FBS football game. He started the game 3-7 with 26 yards through his first three drives. Just when it looked like he was leading the offense to a field goal, preseason All-American kicker Dragan Kesich missed a 27-yard field goal off the right post. North Carolina took advantage and mounted a 90-yard touchdown drive to take a 7-0 lead.

Minnesota’s offense looked like it was still struggling, but veteran cornerback Justin Walley hauled in an interception midway through the second quarter and made a highlight-reel return that put them in the red zone. Oklahoma transfer Marcus Major found the end zone on a five-yard carry and Minnesota tied the score at seven, completely changing the momentum of the game.

Brosmer and the Gophers’ offense closed the first half with their most successful drive yet. Nine plays and 65 yards were highlighted by a 20-yard Daniel Jackson reception. A QB sneak touchdown gave Minnesota a 14-7 lead at halftime.

North Carolina dominated the third quarter, holding the ball for over 13 minutes. Despite a costly penalty, Minnesota’s defense held firm on the goal line and forced a pair of field goals, cutting the lead to 14-13. The Tar Heels entered the fourth quarter without starting quarterback Max Johnson, who was carted off with an injury, but an early fumble by Brosmer led to a third field goal, giving North Carolina the lead with nine minutes left.

Just when it looked like Brosmer and the Gophers offense had nothing left, LeMeke Brockington had a 22-yard reception, dropped the ball, and Major picked it up for another 16 yards, setting up a 30-yard field goal. North Carolina answered again with its fourth field goal of the second half, taking a 19-17 lead.

Minnesota’s offense had a little magic left to set up its star kicker for a 47-yard field goal, but it was way to the right. After missing four field goals all of last season, Kesich missed two on Thursday night.

North Carolina’s quarterbacks combined to complete 14 of 23 passes through the air for 105 yards, zero passing touchdowns, and one interception, but the Gophers couldn’t capitalize. They looked unprepared and lost. It looks like it could be a long 2024 in Dinkytown.