Junior linebacker Deon Hightower continued to play well since assuming a starting role.

Last weekend against Northwestern Hightower made 10 tackles, good for second on the day.

Saturday against the Bison, Hightower led the team in tackles with 13. He also had two tackles for a loss.

Sophomore defensive tackle Garrett Brown played well and registered the lone sack on the afternoon for the Gophers. He has shown his size up front creates more problems for offensive lines and his playing time has increased steadily.

Walker’s potent passing

NDSU quarterback Steve Walker continued his passing efficiency by completing 20 of 25 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns. Walker entered the game completing 70 percent of his passes, but against the shoddy Minnesota defense he completed 80 percent.

Football notes:

• Sophomore running back Jay Thomas sustained a serious knee injury during the game and Brewster said the indications were not good concerning his health.

• The last time Minnesota allowed a rusher to gain over 250 yards came in 2002 when Wisconsin’s Anthony Davis rushed for 301. The 394 rushing yards allowed by the Gophers ranks seventh most in school history.

• The Gophers drew 63,088 fans, which ranks as the most to come out to the Metrodome this year.

• Adam Weber’s 162 yards passing moved him to over 2,000 on the season. He tied Mike Hohensee as the fastest quarterback in school history to pass for 2,000 yards. Both needed just eight games.