Dec 27, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Shannon Brooks (23) catches a touchdown pass as Washington State Cougars cornerback Marcellus Pippins (27) and linebacker Isaac Dotson (31) defend during the third quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
It hasn't been a positive couple of weeks for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, whose players nearly boycotted the Holiday Bowl after 10 of their teammates were suspended as a result of a sexual assault investigation. But the team and its fans got a brief respite from the off-the-field mess with a 17-12 win over Washington State Cougars in the Holiday Bowl on Tuesday.
And one play stood out in what surprisingly turned out to be a low-scoring defensive battle.
Washington State cornerback Marcellus Pippins tried to make a one-handed interception or knock down a pass from Minnesota QB Mitch Leidner -- but instead knocked it right into the arms of the Golden Gophers' Shannon Brooks in the end zone.
That circus catch put the Gophers up 10-6 -- their first lead of the game -- and they wouldn't look back. Despite playing shorthanded on defense because of the suspensions, Minnesota shut down the Cougars' high-powered, Luke Falk-led offense.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.
