One career start, one career award.
Not a bad start for Gopher freshman quarterback Mitch Leidner, who was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week today after leading the Gophers to a 43-24 victory of pesky San Jose State on Saturday.
Leidner, filling in for the injured Philip Nelson, threw for only 71 yards on five of 12 passing, but made his impact on the ground, racking up 151 yards rushing while finding the end zone four times, tying a record for Gopher QB rushing touchdowns.
Nelson ended up not seeing the field, and some believe after the performance Leidner put up against a San Jose State team that was ranked above the Gophers in some FBS rankings, that a quarterback controversy may be brewing.
Nelson, before missing this past weeks contest, also showed the ability to use his legs, running for 221 yards in three games, but completing just 51.2 percent of his passes while throwing two interceptions.
Coach Jerry Kill has not commented on the quarterback dilemma he suddenly faces.
Kill will have to make that decision before 2:30 p.m. Saturday, when the undefeated maroon and gold battle Iowa for Floyd of Rosedale.
