PLAYERS TO WATCH
–LB Blake Cashman missed the cut for Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors but his showing in the win over Purdue was key. He had nine tackles, a half-sack and forced a fumble that he returned 40 yards for a touchdown. With the Gophers needing a win to become bowl eligible, Cashman’s play in the next two weeks is key. He leads the team with 81 tackles and 12.5 tackles for a loss.
“I thought Blake Cashman played one of his best games of his career since I’ve been here,” coach P.J. Fleck said. “He set the tone for how we played.”
–LB Thomas Barber is second on the team with 66 tackles and has one interception. The junior has turned into a consistent player and formed a nice duo with Cashman.
–WR Tyler Johnson tallied five catches for 73 yards and a touchdown last week. He tops the team with nine TD receptions while compiling 948 receiving yards.
–QB Tanner Morgan is doing a good job of not forcing passes and committing turnovers. The freshman has thrown for 948 yards with six touchdowns and four interceptions.
SERIES HISTORY: Minnesota leads Northwestern 53-35-5 but the Wildcats defeated the Golden Gophers 39-0 last season in Evanston.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “That was a big win for our football team last week, really proud of them, proud of their resiliency and ability to respond. … You can go from losing by 30 points to winning by 30 points in one week. It’s too inconsistent and we have to make that inconsistent.” — Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck.
