Armed, but not dangerous
With a possible exception or two depending on development, the opposing quarterbacks on the Gophers schedule are either unproven or unsuccessful or both. The Big Ten's two leading QBs, Penn State's Trace McSorley and Ohio State's J.T. Barrett, are not on their schedule. A look at who is:
Aug. 31, W 17-7 vs. Buffalo: Tyree Jackson
⊲ Missed on 20 attempts vs. Minnesota, and threw a costly INT. Backup QB led Buffalo to victory last Saturday.
Sept. 9, W 48-14 at Oregon State: Jake Luton
⊲ Had a QB rating of 40.2 vs. Gophers, throwing for just 135 yards.
Sept. 16, W, 34-3 vs. Middle Tenn.: John Urzua
⊲ Subbing for injured Brent Stockstill, Urzua threw two picks and was replaced in 4th quarter.
Sept. 30 vs. Maryland: Max Bortenschlager
⊲ Third-stringer (starter, backup injured) threw two interceptions, including a pick-six, last week.
Oct. 7 at Purdue: David Blough
⊲ Junior had rough game in loss to Michigan (5 of 13, 32 yards) and is fighting a shoulder injury.
Oct. 14 vs. Michigan St.: Brian Lewerke
⊲ First-year starter missed on 20 throws in loss to Notre Dame but has been effective in other games.
Oct. 21 vs. Illinois: Jeff George Jr.
⊲ QB carousel stopped on son of former Viking, who struggled (12 of 22, 2 INTs) in loss to South Florida.
