November 27, 2019 - Gameday Special Issue vs. Wisconsin

GAME DAY

PREVIEW

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Game Day Preview Fall 2019

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Daily Breakdown: Gophers slight underdogs with ‘The Axe’ and Big Ten West title at stake

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Minnesota Golden Gophers’ and Wisconsin Badgers’ Depth Charts

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The last time Minnesota and Wisconsin met: ‘The Axe is back’

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Questions from the Other Side: Q&A with a reporter for the Wisconsin State Journal Gopher Notebook: Gophers make waves in historic season

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

the Daily

BREAKDOWN

Gophers slight underdogs at home with Big Ten West title at stake Wisconsin opened the week as favorites over Minnesota.

BY NICK JUNGHEIM njungheim@mndaily.com

It’s difficult to overstate exactly how much is on the line in No. 9 Minnesota’s (101, 7-1 Big Ten) regular season finale against No. 13 Wisconsin (9-2, 6-2 Big Ten). A victory will send the Gophers to Indianapolis to play for the Big Ten Championship, keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive and, of course, keep ‘The Axe’ in Minneapolis for another year.

Saturday is also senior day, one last opportunity for longtime stars such as receiver Tyler Johnson and defensive end Carter Coughlin to play in front of a sold-out TCF Bank Stadium. Minnesota can be sure the Badgers will be determined to spoil the occasion and extract revenge for last season’s 37-15 Gophers victory, their first in the series since 2003.

Wisconsin has a chance to salvage its season after looking dominant in its first six games. Ranked as high as No. 6 in the AP poll, Wisconsin had defeated opponents by a combined score of 255-29 before suffering consecutive losses to Illinois and Ohio State.

When Minnesota runs the ball:

Minnesota’s backfield features two of the longest tenured Gophers in redshirt seniors Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks. Smith ranks second on the program’s list of all-time leading rushers and surpassed 1,000 yards rushing for the season against Northwestern last week. That duo along with redshirt sophomore Mohamed Ibrahim had their most challenging game against Iowa on Nov. 16, accumulating just 63 yards on 30 carries. However, Minnesota’s ground game bounced back against Northwestern, totaling 212 yards.

Smith, Brooks and Ibrahim all averaged over five yards per carry against the Wildcats.

The Badgers deserve to be mentioned among the top rush defenses in the nation, ranking No. 9 in FBS. Led by senior linebackers Chris Orr and Zack Baun, Wisconsin has held opponents to under 100 yards rushing per game and 3.41 yards per carry. The Gophers feature one of the better rushing attacks the Badgers have faced this season and this should present an intriguing matchup on a potentially snowy afternoon.

Matchup to watch: RB Rodney Smith vs.

LB Chris Orr Advantage: Wisconsin

When Minnesota passes the ball:

Upon clearing concussion protocol, quarterback Tanner Morgan proved he was fully healthy against Northwestern, tossing four touchdown passes last Saturday. The redshirt sophomore ranks No. 6 in the nation in passing efficiency. He is helped greatly by a dynamic receiving core that includes Johnson and Biletnikoff Award semifinalist, sophomore Rashod Bateman. Johnson and Bateman are the first pair of Minnesota receivers to ever both surpass 1,000 receiving yards in the same season and lead the Big Ten in receiving with 1,025 and 1,023 yards respectively.

Lining up against Bateman and Johnson will be a pair of young but talented cornerbacks in Faion Hicks and Rachad Wildgoose, both true sophomores. Although young, the tandem is playing at a high level, leading a group that ranks No. 6 in FBS in passing yards allowed per game. Still, Minnesota has proven capable of moving the ball through the air against even the stoutest of defenses.

Matchup to watch: WR Tyler Johnson vs.

CB Faion Hicks Advantage: Minnesota

When Wisconsin runs the ball:

Junior Jonathan Taylor headlines the Wisconsin offense. A unanimous first-team All-American in 2018, Taylor is in the midst another historic season. He is second in FBS with 1,685 rushing yards in 2019 and owns the FBS record for most rushing yards through the end of a player’s junior season (5,856). Taylor is a bonafide superstar who is second on the Big Ten’s all-time leading rusher list behind only former Badgers great, Ron Dayne.

Minnesota’s defensive front stacks up well against the run, ranking No. 27 in FBS in rush defense. While the Gophers have conceded over 100 yards rushing in three consecutive games, they appeared improved last week. Northwestern rushed for 128 yards on 49 attempts, an average of 2.6 yards per attempt. Still, Taylor and Wisconsin present a much greater challenge than arguably any other team in the nation.

Advantage: Wisconsin Matchup to watch: RB Jonathan Taylor vs.

LB Kamal Martin

When Wisconsin passes the ball:

Running back Shannon Brooks carries the ball at Ryan Field during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday, Nov. 23. The Gophers earned a 38-22 victory bringing their record to 10-1. (Jasmin Kemp / Minnesota Daily)

Similar to Minnesota, the Badgers do not overwhelm teams with the volume of their passing attack, but they employ the pass effectively. Wisconsin ranks No. 101 in FBS in passing offense, but quarterback Jack Coan ranks No. 14 in FBS in passing efficiency. Junior receiver Quintez Cephus leads the team and ranks No. 15 in the Big Ten with 606 receiving yards.

The Gophers pass defense has emerged as one of the team’s strengths this season.

The unit ranks No. 4 in a Big Ten conference stacked with powerful defenses. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who was named a Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalist, has seven interceptions this season, which ranks third in FBS. Advantage: Minnesota Matchup to watch: QB Jack Coan vs. S Antoine Winfield Jr.

u Prediction: Wisconsin 24, Minnesota 21

Both teams present strengths that complement the other side’s, making for an exciting matchup in what should be a raucous atmosphere. Ultimately, Wisconsin’s ability to run the ball gives the Badgers an important edge if the game is played in sloppy weather, as expected.

The Gophers have passed almost every test all year, but until they can get over the hump and prove themselves capable of winning the Big Ten West, something they failed to do in a similar scenario against Wisconsin in 2014, it’s advised that fans err on the side of pessimism.

Ever ything else you need to know: • • • •

Start time: 2:30 p.m. CT Network: ABC Radio: KFAN 100.3 Line: Wisconsin by 3

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

MINNESOTA’S DEPTH CHART MINNESOTA COACHES

OFFENSE

P.J. Fleck Kirk Ciarrocca

QB

Joseph Rossi Rob Wenger Kenni Burns Rod Chance Brian Callahan Joe Harasymiak Jim Panagos Clay Patterson Matt Simon

Head Coach Offensive Coordinator Quarterbacks Coach Defensive Coordinator Linebackers Coach Special Teams Coordinator Outside Linebackers Coach Assistant Head Coach Running Backs Coach Cornerbacks Coach Run Game Coordinator Offensive Line Coach Defensive Backs Coach Safeties Coach Defensive Line Coach Tight Ends Coach Passing Game Coordinator Wide Receivers Coach

SPECIAL TEAMS K P LS KR PR H

38 34 47 46 37 39 1 24 82 11 47 46 14

Michael Lantz (5-11, 180, Fr.) Brock Walker (5-10, 200, R-Fr.) Jacob Herbers (6-2, 215, R-Jr.) Alex Melvin (6-4, 200, Grad.)

Brady Weeks (6-0, 215, Fr.) Michael Vojvodich (6-3, 220, R-Fr.) Rodney Smith (5-11, 210, R-Sr.) OR Mohamed Ibrahim (5-10, 210, R-So.) Demetrius Douglas (6-0, 190, R-Fr.) Antoine Winfield Jr. (5-10, 205, R-So.) Jacob Herbers (6-2, 215, R-Jr.) Alex Melvin (6-4, 205, R-Jr.) Casey O’Brien (6-1, 175, R-Fr.)

TB

TE

WR WR

WR LT LG C RG RT

2 14 15 1 24 4 21 3 80 42 85 88 13 17 7 82 83 6 18 73 79 77 67 64 60 51 65 78 74

Tanner Morgan (6-2, 210, R-So.) Cole Kramer (6-1, 195, Fr.) OR Jacob Clark (6-5, 220, Fr.) Rodney Smith (5-11, 210, R-Sr.) OR Mohamed Ibrahim (5-10, 210, R-So.) OR Shannon Brooks (6-0, 215, R-Sr.) Bryce Williams (6-0, 205, So.) OR Cam Wiley (6-2, 205, Fr.) Jake Paulson (6-4, 260, R-Fr.) Ko Kieft (6-4, 250, R-Fr.) OR Bryce Witham (6-4, 255, R-Jr.) OR Brevyn Spann-Ford (6-7, 270, R-Fr.) Rashod Bateman (6-2, 210, So.) Seth Green (6-4, 240, R-So.) Chris Autman-Bell (6-1, 215, R-So.) OR Demetrius Douglas (6-0, 195, R-So.) OR Harry Van Dyne (6-5, 215, R-So.) Tyler Johnson (6-2, 200, Jr.) Clay Geary (5-10, 200, R-Jr.) Sam Schlueter (6-6, 325, R-Jr.) Jason Dickson (6-6, 320, R-Jr.) Blaise Andries (6-6, 325, R-So.) OR Nate Umlor (6-5, 300, R-So.) Conner Olson (6-5, 305, R-Jr.) OR John Michael Schmitz (6-4, 300, R-Fr.) Chris Dunlap Jr. (6-5, 345, R-So.) Axel Ruschmeyer (6-4, 305, R-So.) Daniel Faalele (6-9, 400, Fr.) Kyle Sassack (6-7, 315, R-So.)

DEFENSE DE DT DT

DE

LB LB

DB

DB DB DB DB

46 9 90 19 18 52 91 45 12 34 41 55 21 8 14 16 4 7 25 31 6 26 11 1 23 27 22

Winston DeLattiboudere (6-3, 250, R-Jr.) Esezi Otomewo (6-6, 260, R-Fr.) Sam Renner (6-4, 270, R-Sr.) Keonte Schad (6-3, 295, Jr.) Micah Dew-Tredway (6-4, 315, Grad.)

Jamaal Teague (6-3, 305, Fr.) OR Noah Hickox (6-4, 295, R-So.) Carter Coughlin (6-4, 245, Jr.) Tai’yon Devers (6-4, 245, Sr.) OR Boye Mafe (6-4, 260, R-So.) Thomas Barber (6-0, 240, Sr.) Mariano Sori-Marin (6-3, 240, So.) Kamal Martin (6-3, 245, Sr.) Thomas Rush (6-3, 230, Fr.) OR Braelen Oliver (6-0, 225, Fr.) Coney Durr (6-10, 190, R-Jr.) Terell Smith (6-1, 195, Fr.) OR Philip Howard (5-11, 195, R-Jr.) Benjamin St-Juste (6-3, 200, Grad.) OR Kiondre Thomas (6-0, 195, R-Jr.) Chris Williamson (6-0, 205, R-Sr.) Justus Harris (5-10, 185, Jr.) Antoine Winfield Jr. (5-10, 204, R-So.) Calvin Swenson (6-1, 210, R-So.) OR Jordan Howden (5-11, 185, Fr.) Tyler Nubin (6-2, 205, Fr.) OR Benny Sapp III (6-1, 205, So.)

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

WISCONSIN’S DEPTH CHART WISCONSIN COACHES

OFFENSE

Paul Chryst Joe Rudolph

QB

Jim Leonhard Bobby April Bob Bostad Inoke Breckterfield Jon Budmayr Ted Gilmore

Chris Haering John Settle Mickey Turner

Head Coach Associate Head Coach Offensive Coordinator OL Defensive Coordinator DBS Outside Linebackers Inside Linebackers Defensive Line Quarterbacks Offensive Pass Game Coordinator WRS Special Teams Running Backs Tight Ends

SPECIAL TEAMS P FG KO LS H PR KR

15 90 19 39 39 19 51 28 90 96 16 6 1 1

Anthony Lotti (6-0, 187, Sr.) Connor Allen (6-0, 168, Sr.) Collin Larsh (5-10, 184, So. Zach Hintze (6-0, 190, Sr.) Zach Hintze (6-0, 190, Sr.) Collin Larsh (5-10, 184, So.) Adam Bay (6-0, 229, Jr.) Peter Bowden (6-2, 217, Fr.) Connor Allen (6-0, 168, Sr.) Conor Schlichঞ ng (6-2, 222, So.) Jack Dunn (5-7, 174, Jr.) Danny Davis (6-0, 194, Jr.) Aron Cruickshank (5-9, 161, So.) Faion Hicks (5-10, 185, So.)

RB FB

TE WR WR LT LG C RG RT

17 5 2 23 37 44 34 82 84 85 4 6 3 87 71 65 68 76 61 78 78 70 60 65

Jack Coan (6-3, 221, Jr.) Graham Mertz (6-3, 215, Fr.) Chase Wolf (6-1, 196, R-Fr.) Jonathan Taylor (5-11, 219, Jr.) Garrett Groshek (5-11, 220, Jr.) John Chenal (6-2, 252, So.) Mason Stokke (6-2, 239, Jr.) Rahmir Johnson (5-10, 180, Fr.) Jake Ferguson (6-5, 246, So.) Cormac Sampson (6-4, 280, R-Fr.) A.J. Taylor (5-11, 200, Sr.) Danny Davis (6-0, 194, Jr.) Kendric Pryor (5-11, 180, Jr.) Quintez Cephus (6-1, 207, Jr.) Cole Van Lanen (6-5, 312, Jr.) Tyler Beach (6-6, 309, So.) David Moorman (6-5, 307, Sr.) Kayden Lyles (6-3, 321, So.) Tyler Biadasz (6-3, 321, Jr.) Jason Erdmann (6-6, 328, Sr.) Jason Erdmann (6-6, 328, Sr.) Josh Seltzner (6-4, 327, So.) Logan Bruss (6-5, 310, So.) Tyler Beach (6-6, 309, So.)

DEFENSE DE NT DE OLB ILB ILB OLB CB SS FS CB

97 52 95 67 93 92 56 59 54 58 57 45 41 50 1 21 2 18 25 19 5 8

Isaiahh Loudermilk (6-7, 293, Jr.) David Pfaff (6-2, 288, Sr.) Keeanu Benton (6-4, 315, Fr.) Gunnar Roberge (6-4, 292, Sr.) Garrett Rand (6-2, 279, Jr.) OR Matt Henningsen (6-3, 286, So.) Zack Baun (6-3, 235, Sr.) Tyler Johnson (6-3, 241, Sr.) Chris Orr (6-0, 224, Sr.) Mike Maskalunas (6-3, 231, Jr.) Jack Sanborn (6-2, 232, So.) Leo Chenal (6-2, 250, Fr.) Noah Burks (6-2, 240, Jr.) Izayah Green-May (6-6, 221, So.) Faion Hicks (5-10, 185, So.) Caesar Williams (6-0, 188, Jr.) Reggie Pearson (5-10, 197, R-Fr.) Collin Wilder (5-10, 194, Jr. Eric Burrell (6-0, 195, Jr.) John Torchio (6-1, 205, R-Fr.) Rachad Wildgoose (5-11, 197, So.) Deron Harrell (6-2, 182, So.)

*Depth chart accurate as of November 26 Courtesy of University of Wisconsin Athletics

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Last time they met: ‘The Axe is back’ The Golden Gophers have a 60-60-8 all time record against the Wisconsin Badgers.

BY NICK JUNGHEIM njungheim@mndaily.com

Final: Minnesota 37, Wisconsin 15

Preceding the 2018 regular season finale, it seemed unlikely that the Gophers would secure their sixth victory of the season to reach bowl eligibility. To do so would mean defeating Wisconsin for the first time since 2003 and hoisting Paul Bunyan’s Axe in Camp Randall Stadium for the first time since 1994.

Yet that’s exactly what Minnesota did.

Minnesota claimed a 37-15 victory over the rival Badgers, sparking what would turn into an 11-game win streak. The Gophers defense forced four turnovers, and the offense rode the running back tandem of Mohamed Ibrahim and Bryce Williams who combined for 171 yards rushing.

Redshirt senior Emmit Carpenter opened the scoring late in the first quarter with a 34-yard field goal on the possession following a 31-yard attempt from Wisconsin that was no good. The score was still 3-0 when cornerback Coney Durr recorded the first of three Minnesota interceptions.

Nine plays later, Ibrahim ran for a 10-yard touchdown.

It took a mere 1:16 for the Gophers to strike again. Wisconsin’s next drive resulted in a three-and-out, forcing a punt that Demetrius Douglas returned 69 yards to the end zone. The return gave Minnesota a 17-0 lead with 1:05 remaining in the first half.

The Badgers showed a spark in the minute remaining before intermission, marching 76 yards in eight plays for a touchdown to cut the Gophers’ lead to 10 points. After receiving the second half kick-off, Wisconsin had an opportunity to trim its deficit to a single score. Despite driving into Gophers’ territory, Minnesota managed to come up with a stop of the Badgers’ offense on fourth-and-three.

Momentum shifted squarely in Minnesota’s favor following the turnover on downs. The Gophers reeled off 20 unanswered points, beginning with two Carpenter field goals to close the third quarter.

Leading 23-7, Minnesota took over possession once again early in the fourth quarter, embarking on a methodical 15-play drive that chewed 9:16 off the clock. Carpenter missed a 28-yard field goal attempt,

The Gophers take a group picture at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. The Gophers beat the Badgers 37-15 for the first time since 2003. (Tony Saunders / Minnesota Daily)

but the Gophers quickly regained possession when linebacker Thomas Barber recovered a fumble by Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook at the Badgers’ 23-yard line.

Williams outraced the entire Wisconsin defense on the very next play, giving Minnesota a commanding 30-7 lead with under five minutes to play. Two plays later, cornerback Chris Williamson intercepted Hornibrook, setting up another Williams touchdown with 2:31 remaining.

Even though Williams scored twice, Ibrahim carried the load for Minnesota’s offense, rushing for 121 yards on 26 carries. Quarterback Tanner Morgan was not called upon often but was efficient when needed, completing 9 of16 passes for 124 yards.

Wisconsin scored one final time in the waning minutes, but that didn’t deter any

of the Gophers’ enthusiasm. When the final second ticked off the clock, players rushed to the end zone to retrieve the axe.

It was head coach P.J. Fleck’s first Big Ten road win and provided the program with its first signature win under his leadership.

With the victory, Minnesota also knotted up the all-time series against the Badgers at 60 wins apiece.

“[I] kind of got a little emotional at the end when I realized, like, this is really going to happen for us.”

THOMAS BARBER Gophers linebacker

Quotables from the game:

“This is just a big win for our program, big win for the state of Minnesota,” Fleck said. “We’re so thankful we can give the state of Minnesota something to be really thankful for on Thanksgiving weekend.”

“That moment is just something I will never forget in my entire life,” quarterback Tanner Morgan said. “[I] got really emotional. Probably almost cried — I don’t know — but it’s just such a surreal

experience, and I was just very thankful for everybody that was here and the roles that they played.” “[I] kind of got a little emotional at the end when I realized, like, this is really going to happen for us,” linebacker Thomas Barber said. “It was just credit to everybody on the team, and special shout out to the guys who are out of state guys.”

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Q&A with a reporter for the Wisconsin State Journal Colten Bartholomew gives the Daily a Badger perspective ahead of Saturday’s game.

BY JOHN MILLER jmiller@mndaily.com

The Minnesota Daily interviewed Colten Bartholomew, a sports reporter who covers the Badgers for the Wisconsin State Journal.

Minnesota took the Axe back for the first time in 15 years last year. What was the vibe around the school after last year’s loss?

It was a lot of disappointment and shell shock. I don’t think it was the fact that they lost, but the way that they lost — Minnesota controlled that game physically. That doesn’t happen often to the Badgers. I think it was another gut check for Wisconsin in a lost season and provided a lot of motivation through the offseason. Players already said Saturday after beating Purdue that they have a bad taste in their mouths from that loss and want to avenge it.

The loss against Illinois is one the Badgers would like to forget. Despite the loss, what does it mean for Wisconsin to still control their own destiny with a shot at a Big Ten West title?

I think Wisconsin was able to use the bye week after the Illinois and Ohio State losses to get back to basics. Opponents, like the Illini, were loading the box and shutting down the run, and the Badgers weren’t doing enough on the edge or with their receivers to stop it. For them to beat Iowa in a close game, then handle business against Nebraska and Purdue, showed poise. It was clear that once Iowa gave Wisconsin the help it needed by beating Minnesota, the Badgers weren’t going to waste the chance to make Saturday’s game be for the Big Ten West title.

Last year, the Gophers seemed to get bailed out by Alex Hornibrook’s mistakes. What is the difference this year in the offense with Jack Coan at the helm?

Coan doesn’t put the ball in harm’s way like Hornibrook did. He has four interceptions this year, but the majority of them

are mistakes in accuracy or ball placement as opposed to bad decisions. You look at his picks against Iowa and Purdue — he threw a pass too far in front of his receiver against the Hawkeyes for a pick, and just didn’t get enough on a deep shot to an open receiver against the Boilermakers. Since the late-season bye, this offense has retooled the running game and added more jet motion and jet sweeps to keep opponents’ front sevens occupied, and Coan has taken advantage of play action to make plays down the field.

Jim Leonhard has the Badgers’ defense playing ver y well on defense this season. How does he handle Minnesota’s passing attack?

Good question – I think that matchup between Minnesota’s great receivers and the Wisconsin secondary will determine the game.

My best guess is Leonhard will try to bring pressure off the edges and make Tanner Morgan get the ball out of his hand fast to not let the receivers get downfield. Minnesota’s line has been pretty good this season, but speed on the edges has given it problems, so I think they try to slow the pass game by applying pressure.

How does Minnesota stop Heisman hopeful Jonathan Taylor?

I’m not sure, to be honest. The way Wisconsin has added jet motion and the wildcat to the offense creates more stressors [for] opponents and diverts some attention from Taylor. Taylor was given a curtain call at Camp Randall Stadium last week, and even though he hasn’t stated it publicly, certainly looks to be closing his college career over the next few weeks.

He’s coming off three 200-yard games and has been more patient letting blocks get set this month.

Wisconsin offensive player to watch: Quintez Cephus. He’s their best receiver, especially at making contested catches. Wisconsin’s going to need to hit a deep shot or two in this game, and he’s been the target on the majority of those.

Defensive player to watch: Chris Orr. He’s been the catalyst to a lot of good things for the Badgers’ defense this year, and his pressure up the middle on blitzes and delayed blitzes could be key to putting Morgan under fire.

Prediction: Wisconsin 24-21.

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Gophers make waves in historic season Minnesota’s top tier offensive talent has given the team a lift above the competition.

BY JOHN MILLER jmiller@mndaily.com

Win, or go home and wait to be placed in a bowl game.

That’s what’s at stake for the Gophers as they return home to face their No. 13 Big Ten West rival Wisconsin Badgers.

Minnesota comes into the game ranked No. 9 in the country. They’re looking to not only hold onto Paul Bunyan’s Axe for the second year, but win the the Big Ten West division. If they do, they’ll have a chance to play No. 2 Ohio State in Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship.

Tanner Morgan is a star

Morgan isn’t the kind of guy who cares about stats, but most people do when looking at quarterbacks. When analyzing Morgan, you can see that he has become one of the better quarterbacks in the country and one of the best quarterbacks Minnesota has ever had.

Last week against Northwestern, Morgan set the single single passing touchdown record for the University of Minnesota with 26, surpassing Adam Weber’s record of 24.

Morgan continues to be one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country. Only behind some of the biggest names out there, Morgan currently sits at No. 6 in passing efficiency with a rating of 187.2. Being efficient means the redshirt sophomore quarterback is completing a lot of passes. Dropping down a bit of late, however, Morgan is No. 14 in the country in completion percentage, completing 67.9% of his passes.

“There’s been a lot of great quarterbacks, a lot of great teams come through this University,” Morgan said about breaking the single season passing touchdown record. “That’s not just a Tanner Morgan thing, that’s a coach Ciarrocca, that’s an offensive line, receivers, running backs, it’s not just an individual thing at all.”

Hello, NFL? Look out for a pair of Gophers pass catchers

The Gopher passing attack has been steady all season. Having Tanner Morgan entrench himself as the quarterback of the future of the program is nice, but he also has a bevy of weapons to throw to. Star wide receivers Tyler Johnson and Rashod Bateman have come into their own as one of the best receiving combinations in the country.

Last week against Northwestern, both receivers eclipsed the 1,000 yard receiving mark

for the first time ever in school history.

Coming back for his senior season instead of opting for the draft, Johnson has been everything the Gophers have hoped for this season.

On the year, Johnson has 1,025 receiving yards, 15th most in the country.

Bateman isn’t far behind. Just a sophomore, Bateman has made a name for himself on the national level. Bateman ranks No.16 in the country with 1,023 yards receiving.

“In my opinion I think he’s the best receiver in the country,” Fleck said. “I think 1B would be Tyler Johnson. 1A, 1B they’re together. We have two 1,000 yard receivers and they both complement each other.”

Rodney Smith eclipses 1,000 yards ... again

Running back Rodney Smith has been around the program since 2014. Overcoming injuries in the last few years, the patience Smith has had waiting to be fully healthy has paid off.

Smith has passed the 1,000 yard rushing mark for the first time since 2016. He was close in 2017 with 977. Returning for his sixth year, Smith has provided consistency in the running game, going over 100 yards rushing in five games this season and averaging 5.3 yards per carry.

Smith sits as the Gophers No. 2 all-time leading rusher and is No. 1 in total yards in school history.

“Again it comes down to you’ve got to be able to run the football,” said Fleck after the Northwestern game. “We ran for 212 yards and no coincidence it opened up our pass game and our RPO game.”

The Gophers will have their hands full this week against Wisconsin’s terrific run defense which is No. 9 in the country, only giving up 98.5 rushing yards per game.

Head Coach P.J. Fleck signals a touchdown at Ryan Field during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday, Nov. 23. The Gophers earned a 38-22 victory bringing their record to 10-1. (Jasmin Kemp / Minnesota Daily)