Weber passes out praise

Talk about your triple plays.

In one explosive game, Gophers quarterback Adam Weber had a career-high 416 passing yards and five TD throws without Eric Decker in the game. He helped the Gophers to a much-needed 42-34 victory over Michigan State and passed Bryan Cupito as the school's career leader in passing with 7,509 yards.

So what was Weber saying Tuesday? That it was his receivers who were wonderful. That credit was due his offensive line, which gave him the best protection of the season. Don't be surprised. Weber was a team-first, stand-up guy when things weren't going well. It only makes sense he'd spread the credit after a big victory.

"It felt very good, with how the season has been going," Weber said. "It's been a very up-and-down, frustrating season. But, it's one game. Now it's on to the next one. We have to continue on with that success."

And passing Cupito? He was busy setting the aforementioned record when Weber was a redshirt freshman. The two became friends. Weber said he learned how to handle the starting QB job from watching Cupito, and has sought him out on several occasions for advice.

"There is a fraternity quarterbacks share," Weber said. "We understand how, one week to another, it can go from the best to the worst. Cupito has been a great support."

Cupito said his advice was simple: Ups and downs come with the territory. What's important is how you handle it.

"For the first time in his life I think it was more of a mental thing," Cupito said of Weber. "When you start losing confidence in basic things you normally take for granted? He might not have had great games against Ohio State and Penn State, but those are two great teams. But Saturday he showed, in a big way that he's a great player."

And that passing record? Cupito said he knew his record wouldn't stand for a long time, and he's just glad Weber got it.

"I'd love to have him keep it forever," Cupito said. "I'd like him to break every record possible. I hope he continues to do well."

Weber said the record had more to do with his being in an offense that throws the ball much more. "If you stay here long enough you'll probably break a few of them," he said. "I'm sure MarQueis [Gray] will probably break all of these records. It's a fun thing for my family and myself. But it's about winning games."

It was his family and friends, said Weber, who helped him during his difficult times, when he was hearing criticism.

"You take that [criticism] with a grain of salt," Weber said. "What matters is your coaches, your teammates, your family. I hold their opinions much higher than I hold other people's. Everyone has an opinion. I have expectations of myself. When I'm not playing well, I know it."

Gophers coach Tim Brewster said freshman cornerback Michael Carter, who was arrested and jailed early Monday for underage drinking and obstruction of the legal process, would not be suspended.

"Michael's situation is one in which we handle internally, just like we do everything," Brewster said. "So we're very understanding of his situation and we've discussed it. Obviously, we'll handle it the way we see fit."

Athletic director Joel Maturi said his department is striving for consistency in how such incidents are handled. "Sometimes the sanctions are obvious [and] become public," Maturi said. "At this moment [not suspending Carter] is OK with me. We'll continue to make sure we do the appropriate thing."

The football program has been hit with a few incidents this season. Sophomore Gary Tinsley was cited last month for underage drinking and for fleeing police and was not suspended. Defensive end Cedrick McKinley and safety Tim Dandridge were suspended two games this season for violating team rules and policies.

• Brewster said cutting down on penalties will be a point of emphasis this week. The Gophers were flagged for 17 penalties last week.

• Tight end Nick Tow-Arnett and tackle Dom Alford were both banged up and held out of practice, but both should play Saturday against Illinois.

• Christyn Lewis, a cornerback from Citrus Community College in California has committed to the University and will enroll in the spring, according to GopherIllustrated.com