Late INT lifts Northwestern past Minnesota 24-17

[November 03, 2008]  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Brendan Smith grabbed a deflected ball and returned an interception 48 yards for a touchdown with 12 seconds remaining, sending Northwestern past stunned Minnesota 24-17 and spoiling homecoming for the 20th-ranked Gophers.

Mike Kafka replaced C.J. Bacher at quarterback for the Wildcats (7-2, 3-2) after a hamstring injury ended Bacher's streak of 25 straight starts. Kafka was unstoppable with the ball in his hands, carrying 27 times for 216 yards -- a school record for a quarterback -- to make up for two costly interceptions.

[Associated Press; By DAVE CAMPBELL]

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.