Let the speculation about the Gophers quarterback situation begin.
Gophers coach Jerry Kill would not name a starting quarterback following Minnesota’s 27-0 loss at Northwestern on Saturday – leaving the gate open for Gophers fans and the media to guess whether it will be Mitch Leidner or Demry Croft starting on Saturday at Purdue.
Kill pulled the redshirt from the freshman Croft in the fourth quarter of the loss to Northwestern, but hasn’t discussed what the plan is for him moving forward.
He didn’t exactly offer any more information during his Tuesday press conference.
Jerry Kill doesn't say QB Mitch Leidner is the starter or not in Tuesday press conference #Gophers http://t.co/3TIIyxVcUc
— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) October 6, 2015
Leidner struggled in the Gophers’ loss to the Wildcats. He completed just 10-of-21 passes for 72 yards with an interception. Croft wasn’t a lot better he was 5-of-11 for 27 yards.
The junior has been inconsistent through the first part of the season. He was intercepted twice against Kent State in Minnesota’s 10-7 victory on Sept. 19. The previous week he connected on 23-of-45 for 233 yards with a pair of touchdowns.
He also played well against Ohio tossing for 264 yards while completing 22-of-31 passing. He also ran for a touchdown and led the Gophers on the game-winning drive.
Leidner met with the media again on Tuesday as he has during the previous two weeks. He said he hasn’t lost any confidence in his ability.
Video: #Gophers quarterback Mitch Leidner on lack of "juice" vs. Northwestern and the four plays he wants back. http://t.co/JFtYJVPnnu
— Andy Greder (@andygreder) October 6, 2015
Offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover also wasn’t giving any hints about who will start Saturday. He told the Star Tribune the quarterback decision is up to Kill.
