gophers win at bloomington indiana

MINNESOTA 42, INDIANA 21: When Laurence Maroney's nagging right ankle sapped Minnesota of its best player early, the nation's top running team opted for Plan B -- Gary Russell.

Russell, Maroney's backup, ran 28 times for 188 yards and three touchdowns and even threw a 2-point conversion pass Saturday as the Golden Gophers overpowered Indiana 42-21.

Nobody in the Minnesota locker room was complaining about Russell's effort. It marked the third time this season that the sophomore outrushed Maroney on the road, and exhibited what makes Minnesota dangerous.

It was a win that the Golden Gophers (6-3, 3-3) needed. Minnesota snapped a two-game losing streak, won for the first time at Indiana since 1985 and became bowl eligible.