Minnesota @ South Dakota State

Minnesota topped South Dakota State 30-3 at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD on December 1, 2024. The Golden Gophers collected the margin largely through bonus-point wrestling, turning two big individual results into a team-run that decided the dual.

At heavyweight, Gable Steveson made the difference with a 19-4 technical fall over Luke Rasmussen, earning five team points and erasing any chance for a comeback. That technical fall was the single biggest swing of the night and supplied Minnesota with a cushion that South Dakota State could not overcome. Tyler Wells at 133 pounds also provided bonus scoring, beating Derrick Cardinal 10-2 by major decision for four more team points.

Beyond those two bouts, Minnesota’s ability to convert chances into bonus points separated the teams. The 9 bonus points from Wells and Steveson accounted for a substantial share of the Gophers’ 30 total and left South Dakota State’s three points as the only lone scoring result for the hosts. Those bonus wins highlighted where the dual was decided.

In short, Minnesota’s bonus-point victories carried the meet. The technical fall by Steveson and Wells’ major decision were the most consequential results in Brookings on December 1, producing a 27-point margin and a clear team victory for the Golden Gophers.