Gopher Football

The Gophers lost 38-13 at Wisconsin Saturday afternoon. The big surprise was that head coach Jerry Kill decided to start red shirt freshman Philip Nelson of Mankato at quarterback. Nelson was the 3rd string quarterback for much of the season and the intention was for him to red-shirt this season. Nelson in his first start was 13-24 passing for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns with 2 interceptions. He also ran for 67 yards on 16 carries.

The Gopher football team lost 21-13 Saturday afternoon on Homecoming to Northwestern. The Gophers had numerous chances in the final 5 minutes but Max Shortell's attempts at the end zone on 3rd and 4th and goal with just over 2 mintes left failed. Shortell started the game but was replaced by Marquis Gray in the 2nd quarter. Gray played until the end of the 3rd quarter when he aggravated his ankle injury.

The Gophers lost their Big Ten football opener 31-13 Saturday afternoon in Iowa City. Minnesota trailed 24-0 at halftime and never threatened to make it a game. Iowa outgained Minnesota 374 to 299 and the Gophers committed 4 turnovers compared to 0 for Iowa. Max Shortell threw for 197 yards and 2 touchdowns with 3 interceptions and he was the leading Gopher rusher with 46 yards.

The Gopher football team improved to 2-0 after routing New Hampshire 44-7 Saturday afternoon. Marquis Gray threw for 100 yards and 2 touchdowns and ran for 109 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Gophers. Donnell Kirkwood ran for 70 yards and 1 touchdown for the Gophers. Isaac Fruechte led the Gophers with 2 catches for 53 yards and a touchdown.

The Henepin County medical examiner's office says University of Minnesota linebacker Gary Tinsley died of an enlarged heart. He was found dead in his campus apartment on April 6. The medical examiner on Wednesday ruled the 22-year old's death natural.

The Gopher football team expects to sign 21 players to National Letters of Intent today on College Football National Signing day. Among the 21 players, 17 are considered 3-star recruits according to rivals.com. The Gophers are already signed 8 players including 3-star quarterback Philip Nelson from Mankato West.

Undaunted by the nation's top-ranked pass defense, MarQueis Gray and Da'Jon McKnight nearly pulled off another upset against a team with Big Ten title aspirations.

The University of Minnesota has extended the contract of head football coach Jerry Kill by 2 additional seasons. He signed a 5-year contract in December and now is signed through the 2017 season. Kill has battled seizures this season and has the Gophers off to a 1-6 start in his first year in Minnesota.

College Football: #13 Nebraska 41, Gophers 14 (Gophers are 1-6 will host Iowa at 2:30 Saturday afternoon, pregame on AM 1390-the Fan at 1:30) St. John's 24, Gustavus 16 (St. John's is 3-4 overall and 2-3 in the MIAC. St. John's will host Carleton at 1pm Saturday)

Rex Burkhead rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown and No. 13 Nebraska racked up 346 yards on the ground in a 41-14 victory on Saturday.