Minnesota turned two South Dakota State second-half turnovers into 15 points, including the go-ahead touchdown, as the Golden Gophers posted a 28-21 victory Thursday night in the season opener for both teams.

SDSU carried a 21-20 lead into the fourth quarter after trailing 13-7 at halftime.

The Jackrabbits scored touchdowns on consecutive drives in the third quarter after Minnesota’s Chris Williamson returned an interception 43 yards for a score on the opening possession of the second half.

The Jackrabbits’ first touchdown drive of the third stanza covered 92 yards on 10 plays and was capped by a 1-yard run by Mikey Daniel. SDSU redshirt freshman quarterback J’Bore Gibbs was 3-for-4 passing on the drive for 65 yards and ran for 14 more yards in pulling the Jackrabbits to within 20-14.

After forcing a three-and-out that included a sack by Ryan Earith, SDSU took its first – and only – lead of the night with a seven-play, 57-yard drive. Gibbs ran for four yards on fourth-and-1 from the Minnesota 17 before finding tight end Zach Heins open across the middle for a 13-yard touchdown pass.

A fourth quarter fumble by Gibbs on an exchange enabled the Gophers to recover at the Jackrabbit 34.

Minnesota used its ground attack to punch in the winning score as Mohamed Ibrahim plunged in from a yard out. The Golden Gophers executed a trick play on the two-point conversion for the final margin.

Gibbs completed 13-of-26 passes for 193 yards in his collegiate debut. Cade Johnson tallied six receptions for 90 yards, with Pierre Strong leading the ground game with 53 yards on 12 carries and adding two catches for 59 yards.

SDSU finished with a 367-308 edge in total offense, including a 190-20 advantage in the third quarter.