Holiday Bowl 2016: Minnesota vs. Washington State Live Score and Highlights

Minnesota 17, Washington State 12—Final

Minnesota's Adekunle Ayinde intercepted a pass late in the fourth quarter, and running back Rodney Smith scored a touchdown with 2:06 remaining to help put the Golden Gophers up 17-6. Washington State made things interesting with a late touchdown and an onside kick try, but Minnesota held on for an upset victory in the Holiday Bowl.

It was a masterful defensive effort by the Gophers, who held the Cougars to just 303 yards. Washington State had averaged 40.3 points and 497.5 yards per game, but the Minnesota defense forced eight punts.

Cougars quarterback Luke Falk was one of the nation's leaders in all the major passing categories, but he was held to just 5.2 yards per completion. Washington State couldn't hit on big plays down the field, and a lot of credit should go to Gophers head coach Tracy Claeys for keeping his team focused despite the potential distractions brought about by the players' boycott leading up to this one.

Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner finished with just 129 yards passing, but he made plays in the second half that put the Gophers in a position to win. Smith ran for 74 yards on 17 carries and scored the one touchdown.

Minnesota improved to 9-4 and picked up its second straight bowl win, while the loss dropped Washington State to 8-5.