His turf toe has healed, the cramps have passed and his job is secure. All that was left was for MarQueis Gray to seize control of the Gophers and make this his team.
He might have taken possession Saturday.
Iowa's James Vandenberg came into the game as the Big Ten's second-rated passer, but it was Gray, increasingly questioned and maligned as his team's losing streak dragged on, who looked like the offensive puppetmaster. Gray had fewer incompletions, more passing yards, significantly more rushing yards and zero sacks, to Vandenberg's three.
"I think [Gray] grew into [a leader] today," Gophers coach Jerry Kill said after his team's 22-21 victory.
During practices, Kill had insisted to Gray that he take charge, that "it has to be him and not me," the coach said. "I told him last week, 'This has to be your team.' I challenged him."
The Gophers said Gray's attitude in the huddle -- even when they trailed by 11 and could sense another collapse -- was commanding and self-assured.
"He just keeps us all together and calm," said Devin Crawford-Tufts, whose crucial 39-yard reception in the fourth quarter was reviewed and confirmed by replay.
"It was confidence, believing in my guys to go up and make those plays," Gray said. "The guys did a great job in helping me feel confidence."
