Northwestern running back Justin Jackson (21) is tackled by Minnesota defensive back Duke McGhee and defensive back Jacob Huff (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
The Associated Press
EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) - Clayton Thorson had three touchdown passes, Justin Jackson added 166 yards rushing on 31 carries and Northwestern won its sixth straight with a 39-0 rout of Minnesota on Saturday.
The Wildcats (8-3, 6-2 Big Ten) also forced five turnovers on defense. Cornerback Montre Hartage had an interception and a fumble recovery to set up up two touchdowns.
Thorson finished 9 of 13 for 86 yards in a game played mostly in rain and wind. Garrett Dickerson had two touchdown receptions.
Minnesota quarterback Demry Croft completed just 2 of 11 passes for 43 yards with three interceptions. Rodney Smith had 96 yards rushing for the Gophers (5-6, 2-6).
Jackson has 1,010 yards on the season and became just the second Big Ten player - and 9th in FBS history - to rush for 1,000 yards in four straight seasons. Wisconsin's Ron Dayne (1996-99) is the other Big Ten player.
Jackson has 5,139 career yards and moved past Michigan's Mike Hart (5,040) for fifth place on the Big Ten's all-time rushing list.
Northwestern has won 21 of the last 22 games in which Jackson has rushed for 100 yards or more.
THE TAKEAWAY
Minnesota: The Gophers had dropped four of five games before breaking out for a 54-21 win over Nebraska last week. But any hopes that the performance could spark a late-season turnaround were quickly dashed on Saturday.
Northwestern: With a seventh straight win in the season finale next week, the Wildcats will be in line for a major bowl. The offense's red zone efficiency has played a major role in the winning streak. By going 5 for 5 on Saturday (all touchdowns), the Wildcats have converted 27 of 28 red-zone trips into points during the streak.
UP NEXT
Minnesota: The Gophers host No. 4 Wisconsin in the regular-season finale on Saturday.
Northwestern: The Wildcats conclude the season at Illinois on Saturday.
Northwestern running back Jeremy Larkin, right, is tackled by Minnesota defensive back Jacob Huff during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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Minnesota running back Rodney Smith (1), is tackled by Northwestern defenders during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson, right, hands off to running back Justin Jackson during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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Minnesota quarterback Demry Croft is sacked by Northwestern linebacker Nate Hall during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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Minnesota quarterback Demry Croft looks to pass against Northwestern during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson runs with the ball against Minnesota during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson, left, runs with a ball as Minnesota linebacker Blake Cashman tackles during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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Northwestern running back Jeremy Larkin, right, runs with the ball past Minnesota defensive back Antonio Shenault during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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Northwestern running back Jeremy Larkin (28) celebrates with offensive line J.B. Butler (59) and offensive line Tommy Doles (71) after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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Northwestern running back Jeremy Larkin reacts as he scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
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