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TEMPE, Ariz. – One last forced fumble, one final sack and a goal line stand to tell the grandkids about. These were the final plays from the greatest senior class in the history of Kansas football.

Under the radar because they were undersized or a step too slow, coach Mark Mangino signed kids like linebackers James Holt, Joe Mortensen and Mike Rivera. On Wednesday, the senior trio combined for 35 tackles, three sacks and the strip-and-recovery of the game’s only fumble.

All of the blood and sweat from four years of hard work — five for Rivera — came to fruition in Kansas’ 42-21 Insight Bowl victory.

“It was probably the best collective performance by all three in a game this season,” Mangino said. “They really played great.”

Said Mortensen, “We played our asses off.”

Minnesota made Kansas’ dogged defense look like a goat early in the game. Wide receiver David Pittman took a reverse and chucked it to Eric Decker, who scampered 75 yards downfield.

The Gophers scored three plays later, then moved ahead 14-7 on their next drive. Coach Tim Brewster brought some new offensive looks to Tempe, and in the first quarter they worked perfectly.

However, in situations where the defense may have caved earlier this season, the linebackers rallied together and put a stop to any Minnesota momentum. Kansas forced a three-and-out on the next two possessions, and then Holt sacked Adam Weber for a 14-yard loss, knocking Minnesota out of field goal range just before halftime.

Holt said that tenacity and ability to persevere was what his class will be remembered for.

“No matter how tough it gets, you’re just going to grit your teeth and keep going,” Holt said. “I think that’s what our seniors were about ever since we got here.”

Kansas forced another three-and-out to start the second half. After that, Mortensen and Rivera teamed for Kansas’ only forced turnover.

Rivera wrapped up running back DeLeon Eskridge in the backfield and ripped the ball from his clutches. Mortensen fell on the ball. One play later, Kerry Meier threw a 32-yard touchdown to Dezmon Briscoe.

The Gophers, trailing 35-14, rallied for a last-ditch effort to claim the Insight Bowl trophy, but Kansas’ defense greeted them like a brick wall.

“We had a very courageous performance on defense,” Mangino said. “It was pretty impressive and it really hurt Minnesota.”

Weber started with excellent field position and eventually set up first and goal at the seven.

On first down he rushed for five yards, all but guaranteeing a touchdown. Minnesota moved one yard closer on second down. On third down, senior cornerback Kendrick Harper — who started in place of suspended junior Justin Thornton — shut down Shady Salamon for no gain.

Situation: fourth down and goal from the one-yard line.

“That’s what we live for,” Rivera said. “There were a couple inches there, and we were just fighting for anything we could. We just exploded into it.”

Minnesota motioned two men out of the backfield, but Weber just fell forward with the snap. He needed one yard. Instead, he lost two.

“That just gave us all the momentum,” Holt said. “We were just totally pumped.”

Holt said he and Rivera missed their defensive assignments — pushing the tight ends — and instead dove at Weber, forcing him backwards.

Minnesota scored a fourth-quarter touchdown, but the victory was already within Kansas’ reach.

Mortensen said he and the other seniors just tried to soak in their final moments. On the field after the game, he reflected on four years in crimson and blue.

“It’s been a great ride,” Mortensen said. “I love my teammates, I love all my coaches. I had a great career here.”

Asked if he would have a hard time taking off his jersey, Mortensen smiled.

“Hell yeah, but I’m keeping it,” he said.

In the fourth quarter, Holt notched two more sacks for good measure, giving him a team high 10 for the season. The Altus, Okla., native also led Kansas in tackles for loss (19.5) and total tackles (105).

Asked about their legacy, Mortensen and senior wide receiver Dexton Fields said they deserved to be put among the greatest classes in school history. Unsatisfied with that, Holt said his class shouldn’t be with anybody else.

“That’s the legacy that our team is going to leave here,” Holt said. “We’re the greatest senior class that ever came through KU.”

— — Edited by Kelsey Hayes

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