Cobb carries Minnesota past Middle Tennessee 35-24 with career-high 220 yards rushing

Minnesota running back David Cobb waves to the crowd after scoring a touchdown against Middle Tennessee during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig) (The Associated Press)

Minnesota linebacker Damien Wilson catches a tipped pass for an interception and returns it for a touchdown against Middle Tennessee during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig) (The Associated Press)

MINNEAPOLIS – David Cobb had 29 carries for two touchdowns and a career-high 220 yards, the most for the program in nine years, and Minnesota outlasted Middle Tennessee for a 35-24 victory on Saturday.

Donnell Kirkwood also had a first-quarter touchdown run for the Golden Gophers (2-0), who rushed for 284 yards.

Reggie Whatley scored twice for the Blue Raiders (1-1) while rushing for 84 yards on 14 attempts, but despite 255 yards passing Austin Grammer was picked off three times. Jalen Myrick returned one for a score.

Mitch Leidner threw a pretty 27-yard touchdown pass to tight end Maxx Williams in the second quarter immediately after Damien Wilson's interception for the Gophers, but he completed just 5 of 11 passes for 67 yards and was picked off in the end zone right before halftime.