Two receivers enter record books
By Tyler Rushmeyer
At the conclusion of Saturday's game, nearly all thoughts were directed at
a kicker, a point after attempt and an official.
But lost in the stunning defeat was a Gophers' passing attack that put
together its best game of the season - and, in the process, helped two
Minnesota receivers climb higher in the record books.
Senior quarterback Bryan Cupito finished 25-of-36 for 347 yards and two
touchdowns, efficiently spreading the ball out to six different receivers.
Senior tight end Matt Spaeth led the way, hauling in six receptions for 99
yards and a touchdown.
With his 30-yard touchdown reception on Minnesota's opening
possession, Spaeth became the 19th player in Gophers history to hit the
1,000-yard career receiving mark.
Three quarters later, he nabbed in his 84th career reception, passing Ben
Utecht (2000-2003) for the most career receptions by a tight end.
Cupito said Spaeth's spot in the record books is well-deserved.
"I just expected it," Cupito said of Spaeth. "He's a great tight end and he'll
definitely be playing on Sundays next year. I don't know if there are any
more records he can break."
Senior wide receiver Logan Payne caught six passes for the fifth
consecutive week, finishing with 94 receiving yards.
Payne became the 20th player in Minnesota history to collect 1,000 yards
receiving with his early-second quarter 15-yard reception.
"I think (Payne) is playing as good as any football player in this league,"
coach Glen Mason said. "He's a senior, a product of the program, a guy
that has worked real hard for us."
Payne wasn't exactly excited by the record.
"I don't know about the stats. I don't care about the stats," he said. "All I
know is we're 0-3 in the Big Ten."
