Minnesota breezes by Eastern Illinois 59-7 in the opener behind Javon Tracy's two punt return TDs

Javon Tracy set the program record with two punts for touchdowns and Darius Taylor rushed for three first-half scores as Minnesota opened with a 59-7 romp past FCS opponent Eastern Illinois on Thursday. Drake Lindsey completed 19 of 24 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown to tight end Pierce Walsh, who posted his first career score with 6 seconds left before halftime to give the Gophers a 35-7 lead.