Indiana (3-0 in the Big Ten) Deals Minnesota Its First Defeat, 18-17

MINNEAPOLIS — Quarterback Dave Schnell scored two touchdowns, including the game-winner on an eight-yard run with 12:44 left Friday night, lifting No. 20 Indiana to an 18-17 Big Ten victory over previously unbeaten Minnesota.

Anthony Thompson added 160 rushing yards, helping Indiana, 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the conference, take sole possession of first place in the Big Ten. Michigan State, which plays at Northwestern today, is 2-0 in the conference.

The game was originally scheduled today but was played Friday night because the Metrodome will be the site of Game 1 of the World Series tonight.

Minnesota’s Chip Lohmiller, whose 21-yard field goal with two seconds left beat Indiana last season, was wide left on a 44-yard kick with 1:32 to play.

Schnell, who entered the game as the nation’s leader in passing efficiency, completed 21 of 33 passes for 250 yards to overshadow the battle of the running Thompsons--Minnesota’s Darrell and Indiana’s Anthony.

Schnell’s 15-yard touchdown run with 25 seconds left in the first half brought the Hoosiers within 14-12.

And after Lohmiller’s 23-yard third-quarter field goal had put the Gophers up, 17-12, Schnell led Indiana on a 13-play, 65-yard drive that culminated with his scoring run on an option keeper.

Darrell Thompson, who led the Big Ten in rushing as a freshman last year, gained 103 yards, including 42 on a touchdown run that gave Minnesota (5-1, 2-1) a 7-0 first-quarter lead.