Sanders Runs Over the Vikings, 34-14 : NFC: Lion running back gains club-record 220 yards and scores four touchdowns.

Barry Sanders rushed for a team-record 220 yards and four touchdowns Sunday in the Detroit Lions’ 34-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, a performance inspired by injured teammate Mike Utley.

“Because of this week’s experience, we felt more of an obligation to go out and do our best,” Sanders said, referring to the paralyzing injury Utley sustained a week ago against the Rams.

Under their game uniforms, the Lions wore shirts that had a thumbs-up sign on the front and Utley’s No. 60 on the back.

“It was a very emotional locker room before the game,” Detroit Coach Wayne Fontes said. “They played their hearts out for Mike Utley. This one was for Mike.”

Sanders, who also had 31 receiving yards, broke Detroit’s single-game rushing record of 198 yards, set in 1950 by Bob Hoernschemeyer. Several backs have rushed for three touchdowns. Only Walter Payton, with 275 yards in 1977, has had a bigger game against Minnesota.

With 3,953 yards, Sanders moved passed Nick Pietrosante into fourth place on Detroit’s all-time rushing list.

Sanders has 1,179 yards this season, making him only the eighth runner in NFL history to surpass 1,000 yards in his first three seasons. He leads the NFC in rushing and in touchdowns with 14.

“It was one of those days I’ve been waiting for all year long,” said Sanders, who scored on runs of 17, 45, four and nine yards.

The Lions (8-4) improved to 8-0 in domed stadiums and guaranteed their first non-losing season since 1983, the last time the team made the playoffs.

“We beat a good football team, on the road, in November, in the division,” Fontes said. “That shows how this team is growing.”

The Vikings (6-7) lost to Detroit for second time in seven weeks and will have to win their last three games to have a chance to make the playoffs.

Minnesota has a bye next week before playing Tampa Bay, the Rams and Green Bay.

“I can’t think it can get lower than this,” Viking Coach Jerry Burns said. “Hopefully, we’ll make that final run. But I don’t know if 9-7 will be enough to make the playoffs.”

Sanders, who had 23 carries Sunday, had been relatively quiet since gaining 116 yards against Minnesota, with outputs of 26, 55, 63, 118 and 57 yards.

Quarterback Rodney Peete is out for the season with an injury, so teams key on Sanders more than ever.

In the first half against the Vikings, Sanders rushed only nine times for 60 yards.

Detroit quarterback Erik Kramer completed 13 of 26 passes for 124 yards.

Viking quarterback Rich Gannon completed 19 of 30 passes for 243 yards. Cris Carter had seven receptions for 116 yards.