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Whaley speeds his way to prominence on offense
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Saturday the Gophers' running backs-by-committee gained another full-fledged member.
And Kevin Whaley couldn't wait.
In a 35-20 victory over Purdue, the Gophers ran the ball 44 times for 207 yards and four touchdowns behind an offensive line that was firing on all five cylinders. DeLeon Eskridge had two TD runs and Duane Bennett averaged nearly 6 yards per carry. But most impressive was Whaley. He ran eight times for 79 yards -- 9.9 yards per carry -- and a touchdown. For Whaley, a redshirt freshman, it was worth the wait.
"It feels great," he said. "I've been waiting for this opportunity for a long time.''
Whaley had shown flashes of his speed but hadn't been used extensively this season. Entering the game he had eight runs in five games. The coaching staff had always liked him as a speedy change-of-pace runner, and Saturday he showed that speed.
He had six runs of 5 yards or longer, one of 19 and a 28-yarder in the second half in which he showed great speed getting to the outside. His first college touchdown -- a 1-yarder in the second half -- actually hurt his per-rush average.
"He's able to stick his foot in the ground and make great cuts," Gophers coach Tim Brewster said of Whaley.
Whaley is also a much tougher runner than his 5-9, 179-pound frame would indicate. But he wasn't the only one helping the Gophers to their best rushing performance in about two years. The offensive line, with Trey Davis playing center in place of injured Jeff Tow-Arnett, created holes all day. Even when Davis got hurt and was replaced by D.J. Burris, the Gophers continued to run the ball well.
So does that mean Whaley has risen to the top of the pecking order at running back? Not necessarily. With these three backs, it depends on who gets hot on game day.
"It's a competition," Whaley said. "Whoever shows up, shows up. And that's how it goes."
Quality depthBrewster has talked all season about the team's depth and ability to rise above injury. Further proof was offered Saturday.
Linebacker Nate Triplett sustained another shoulder stinger in the first half and was replaced by redshirt freshman Kea-non Cooper, who responded by finishing second on the team with 10 tackles, including a sack. Cooper also forced a fumble on a Purdue kickoff return.
After the game Brewster said he thought both Davis and Triplett would be OK. But if not, Burris and Cooper are ready.
Winter wonderSaturday's snow was cleared off the field at TCF Bank Stadium long before the players started warming up. But Brewster, who has preached embracing the elements with the Gophers moving back outside, said he couldn't have been happier to see the snow. "It was absolutely awesome," he said. "You think about going outside and playing football in the snow a little bit, the elements, it was great. I wasn't cold one bit."
Etc.• Quarterback Adam Weber moved into second in Gophers career passing yardage. He has 6,880, behind Bryan Cupito. Weber also scored his first rushing touchdown.
• Eric Decker's 47-yard, second-quarter catch was his second-longest of the season and his fifth of more than 30 yards.
• Totino Grace quarterback J.D. Pride committed to the Gophers shortly after the game, according to GopherIllustrated.com.
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