Minnesota hangs on, beats South Dakota State 16-13 Eds: APNewsNow. Minnesota 16, South Dakota State 13.

AP Photo MNTO102, MNTO101 By DAVE CAMPBELL AP Sports Writer MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Eric Ellestad's 25-yard field goal with 2:22 remaining gave Minnesota the lead, and the struggling Golden Gophers hung on for an ugly 16-13 victory over lower-division South Dakota State on Saturday.

Minnesota (6-5) settled for a pair of short kicks by Ellestad in the first quarter after driving to the 3- and 8-yard line, respectively. Adam Weber went 10-for-21 for 94 yards and an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Derek Domino.

D.L. Wilhite jogged in for a 3-yard touchdown after a fumble forced by blitzing cornerback Michael Carter, the only time the Gophers reached the end zone.

Early misfires by freshman quarterback Thomas O'Brien were too much for the Jackrabbits (7-3) to overcome in just their second game against a Football Bowl Subdivision foe since moving to the Football Championship Subdivision level in 2004.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-14-09 1427CST | save this article / add to your favorites list