BY RYAN TICE
M
innesota completed just one pass
last week against San Jose State, but
it did not matter because the ground-ori-
ented Gophers grinded their way to a 24-7
victory. Redshirt freshman quarterback
Chris Streveler, who started his first game
in the absence of injured starter Mitch
Leidner, was even honored as the Big Ten
Freshman of the Week despite just seven
passing attempts, thanks to 161 yards and
a touchdown on the ground.
However, the true star was senior run-
ning back David Cobb, who totaled 207
rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns.
He has been the weapon that makes the
Gophers' offense go this fall. Minnesota
has handed the ball off to Cobb on 36.5 of
its offensive snaps this season — so de-
fenses know what to expect, but he still
averages 5.9 yards per carry.
The 5-11, 220-pounder ranks sixth na-
tionally with 539 yards on the ground —
more rushing yards than 51 Football Bowl
Subdivision teams have gained this season
— and benefitted from Streveler's running
presence at quarterback last week while
posting his second 200-yard game of the
year.
"I don't think they'll be able to run it 58
times and pass it only seven, and be suc-
SEPT. 24, 2014
Redshirt freshman quarterback Chris
Streveler made his first career start last
weekend, and while he completed only
one pass, he ran for 161 yards and a TD.
PHOTO COURTESY MINNESOTA ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
Gophers Gaining Ground
Rushing Attack Propels Minnesota
In Its Pursuit Of The Little Brown Jug