The Gophers enter Saturday’s Big Ten opener at Michigan with uncertainty at the quarterback position.
Gophers coach Jerry Kill told reporters during his Tuesday press conference that Mitch Leidner remains atop the depth chart as the team prepares to play the Wolverines, but Kill isn’t sure when Leidner will be ready.
He missed Saturday’s 24-7 victory over San Jose State because of a sprained medial collateral ligament and turf toe.
“He hasn’t done anything,” Kill told reporters on Tuesday. “We’ll see how he progresses, see what happens. I certainly won’t count him out, but I won’t know until the week goes.”
If Leidner isn’t able to go, Kill said freshman Chris Streveler, who started in Saturday’s victory over San Jose State will get the start.
Interesting stat: If Streveler starts Saturday, it would be 4th straight game at Michigan that Gophers have started a freshman quarterback.
— Chip Scoggins (@chipscoggins) September 23, 2014
Streveler completed just one pass in the victory over the Spartans, but the Pioneer Press notes that he was still named the Big Ten’s co-Freshman of the week. Streveler also ran for 161 yards in the victory.
However, Michigan comes into the game with the Big Ten’s third-ranked rushing defense. According to the Star Tribune’s Chip Scoggins, one completion likely won’t be enough if the Gophers want to win on Saturday.
Even with Leidner the Gophers passing game has been limited. Scoggins notes that in four nonconference games the Gophers have averaged just 99.8 yards passing.
“When we do throw the football, we’ve got to get better,” said Gophers offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover to the Star Tribune. “I’m not going to say we need to throw it more. But when we do, we need to make sure that it’s spot on.”
- Leidner’s injury isn’t the only one affecting the Gophers passing game, Tight end Maxx Williams didn’t practice Tuesday, he is also considered questionable for Saturday.
- Minnesota isn’t the only team in the game dealing with issues at the quarterback position. FOX Sports Net’s Tyler Mason notes that Michigan head coach Brady Hoke hasn’t committed to a quarterback either after he pulled Devin Gardner during the Wolverines’ home loss to Utah.
