Looking at Minnesota’s and Northwestern’s season statistics prior to Saturday’s game, it was an easy call to say that it was going to be a shoot-out.

But this 49-48 double-overtime time thriller was filled with more offense than anyone could have expected.

With 1,169 yards of total offense for the two teams combined, fans had to continuously turn their heads as both offenses drove down the field at will.

Nearly totaling 100 total points, both team’s quarterbacks had huge days through the air by throwing a combined nine touchdowns.

The Gophers edged out the Wildcats on average gain per play with an impressive 7.1 yards. Minnesota also tallied 239 yards on the ground, compared to 119 for Northwestern.

But the Wildcats claimed the most important stat of all, which was 49 points, one more than Minnesota’s 48.

Big Wheeler

Wide receiver Ernie Wheelwright continued his solid senior campaign with a strong showing against Northwestern.

The 6-foot-5-inch, 215-pound Wheelwright grabbed seven balls for 116 yards on the day. Most notably, three of his catches were for touchdowns.

It was the first three-touchdown performance of the senior’s career, but his sixth overall multiple-touchdown game.

Wheelwright currently ranks second on Minnesota’s career leader board for touchdown receptions with 25, and is fourth in career receiving yards with 1,304.

Hurting Bunch

The Gophers have been racking up players on the injured list, and a few more hopped on during Saturday’s game.

Seniors Mike Sherels and Desi Steib, along with freshman Duane Bennett, all did not suit up against Northwestern.

Duran Cooley, Willie VanDeSteeg, along with a few others saw limited time in the game because of injuries.

Although it was not an injury, freshman return man Harold Howell did not travel to Northwestern, reportedly because of family issues.