Despite a chance to evaluate the quarterbacks head-to-head in the spring game, Gophers coach P.J. Fleck isn't any closer to naming his starter for 2019.
While sophomore Zack Annexstad's Maroon team beat redshirt sophomore Tanner Morgan's Gold team 38-20 on Saturday at Athletes Village, neither, apparently, did enough to distinguish himself.
"We're going to need both guys at some point, and I think they're both getting better at an equal level," Fleck said. "So you're not seeing that one guy just jump out and say, 'That's the guy.' "
That eureka moment will wait at least until August's training camp, which is maybe good news for Annexstad, who won last year's battle. The 6-3, 215 pound native of Norseland, Minn., began last season as the starter. But because of an injury halfway through, 6-2, 210-pound Morgan finished out the year, and led the Gophers to a historic win against Wisconsin and a bowl game victory.
In Saturday's spring game, Annexstad had the slight edge. He went 9-for-15 for 191 yards and one touchdown, his longest completion 47 yards. Morgan was 11-for-17 with 139 yards and two touchdowns, his farthest toss 36 yards.
Annexstad endured two sacks and an interception. Morgan took three sacks and an interception, though his was a pick-six.
"They did a lot of really good things. Both had an interception. One was catastrophic," Fleck said. "… When you look at both of them, I thought they completed balls they needed to complete. I thought they ran the offense very effectively. We didn't have any delay-of-games. I thought they were very poised."
Fleck said he attributed most of the sacks to having offensive lines combining first-, second- and third-stringers, so it was clear from where the pressure emanated. But the coach did like how that forced his quarterbacks into some second-and-long situations, which they handled well. He was also looking to improve the downfield passing from last year, which he saw the pair accomplish.
