Stefan Demos kicked a 27-yard field goal with 2:35 left and Northwestern remained unbeaten with a 29-28 win at Minnesota in the Big Ten opener for both teams.

Quarterback Dan Persa completed 23 of 30 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for 96 yards on 18 carries, to lead the Wildcats (5-0), who trailed for most of the second half. It was the fourth straight home loss for Minnesota (1-4).

Northwestern trailed 28-20 after Gophers quarterback Adam Weber hit Eric Lair for a 25-yard touchdown with 12:30 left in the game. Weber finished 13 of 22 for 186 yards and two touchdowns.

The Wildcats cut the deficit to 28-26 when Persa threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Ebert with 8:30 left, but Persa’s pass for a two-point conversion fell incomplete. After a Minnesota three-and-out, Northwestern drove 56 yards for the winning field goal.

Minnesota’s final possession ended in an interception.

Northwestern hosts Purdue next Saturday, while Minnesota visits Wisconsin.