The Minnesota Golden Gophers are off to a 1-1 start after defeating Rhode Island, 48-0, as the offense finally seemed to click.
Transfer quarterback Max Brosmer shined at the University of New Hampshire and earned the starting spot with big offensive hopes. The Golden Gophers were arguably a quarterback away from being a solid team a year ago and now turned to Brosmer in hopes of reaching those goals. Brosmer struggled in his first performance with the team but looked incredibly improved in his second outing with the team.
Minnesota Golden Gophers, QB Max Brosmer Open Up Offense Against Rhode Island
The Minnesota Golden Gophers were arguably a consistent, productive quarterback away from being a competitive team a season ago. The Golden Gophers went 6-7 a year ago and lost their final four regular season games before defeating the Bowling Green Falcons, 30-24, in the Quick Lane Bowl. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis struggled with accuracy issues and had 292-yard performances against Purdue, and 133-yard performances against UNC.
The Golden Gophers’ offense changed from game to game as they adapted to what was working during that game. While each team should do this to some degree, Minnesota often did not know what version of their team would take the field a season ago. With new blood on the team and a new quarterback, things seem like they could change for the Golden Gophers.
Quarterback Max Brosmer tossed for nearly 8,500 yards and 68 touchdowns for the New Hampshire football team. Brosmer transferred for his final year of eligibility and chose the Golden Gophers after starter Athan Kaliakmanis transferred to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Brosmer struggled in the opener, recording 165 yards through the air without a touchdown.
Brosmer looked like a whole different quarterback in the second game and seemed confident against Rhode Island. The quarterback recorded 271 yards passing and two touchdowns before the backup quarterback Drake Lindsey came into the game. Brosmer also successfully ran the ball for a few first downs but took a sack that took away all of his rushing yardage gained.
What Did the Minnesota Football Team do Right Against Rhode Island?
The Minnesota Golden Gophers did a little bit of everything right against Rhode Island, between their success throwing the ball and playing defense. Brosmer looked improved and looked like a confident quarterback, which could spell success for the Golden Gophers moving forward. Brosmer is going to have another test against the Nevada Wolfpack before entering a murderer’s row of sorts against three ranked teams.
The offense and defense clicked for the Golden Gophers against Rhode Island, which is a pleasant sight ahead of their toughest stretch this season. Minnesota will face #21 Iowa at home, #10 Michigan in Ann Arbor, and then must host #13 USC. It is truly hard to imagine the Golden Gophers make it out of that stretch with a win, but Brosmer and the offense are going to be key.
Brosmer made intelligent reads against Rhode Island, completing 24-of-30 passing attempts and avoiding any dangerous passes. All three of their incoming ranked opponents allowed their opponents this week to pass quite a bit against their defenses. The aerial attack from the Minnesota football team is going to be crucial if they hope to walk away with a win in their upcoming three-game stretch following a Nevada visit.
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