(Phoenix, AZ) — The Gopher defense pitched a second half shutout in an 18-6 win over West Virginia in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. Ky Thomas ran for 144 yards and a touchdown while Mar’Kiese Irving added 129 yards on the ground as the Gophers closed out the 2021 season with a 9-4 record. The Gophers have won five straight bowl games under head coach P.J. Fleck.