MISSING BARKER

Gophers freshman QB Philip Nelson made an early connection with receiver A.J. Barker -- and he clearly misses the injured receiver. Here are Nelson's numbers in the first half against Purdue, when Barker had 135 yards receiving and two TDs, and his numbers in the 3 1/2 games since, with Barker out with an ankle injury:

• Nelson's first half vs. Purdue: 15-for-17, 246 yards, three TDs, no interceptions

• Since then: 30-for-72, 279 yards, 1 TD, two interceptions