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

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — 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.

Backup quarterback Max Shikenjanski and deep reserve Xavier Ford each had rushing touchdowns in the second half and Daniel Jackson made his first college field goal on a night full of highlights for the home team, as head coach P.J. Fleck’s 10th season started with ease.

Tracy, who also had five receptions for 98 yards in the first half, fielded four of the nine punts by Cade Cox and totaled 167 return yards in assuming the role held last season by safety Koi Perich, who transferred to Ore...