The suspense is over. The Gophers' starting quarterback for Thursday night's season opener was Conor Rhoda.
Rhoda starts at quarterback for Gophers
Senior Conor Rhoda took the first snap under center in coach P.J. Fleck's Minnesota debut.
August 31, 2017 at 11:10PM
![Minnesota's quarterback Conor Rhoda warmed up before the Gophers took on the Buffalo Bulls at TCF Bank Stadium, Thursday, August 31, 2017 in Minneapolis, MN. ] ELIZABETH FLORES � liz.flores@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ZJ3LJUXZAUKLNCZDPFHTL3YTZ4.jpg?&w=712)
Rhoda, a fifth-year senior from Eagan, and sophomore Demry Croft battled to a draw during training camp, so coach P.J. Fleck declared them co-starters. And it was Rhoda who took the first snap under center against Buffalo at TCF Bank Stadium.
The start was the second of Rhoda's career. He started in place of an injured Mitch Leidner in a 31-10 win at Maryland.
Minnesota shot nearly 60% during a 20-8 start to erase a fresh loss to Nebraska, but guard/forward Taylor Woodson suffered a knee injury early in the game.
