Gophers
Scoggins: ‘Calm and poised’ Drake Lindsey delivers when he has to for Gophers
The first-year starter at quarterback showed he can handle the pressure of a big moment when he drove the Gophers to a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter vs. Rutgers.
By Chip Scoggins
The Minnesota Star Tribune
September 27, 2025 at 11:04PM
Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) points to the sky as he celebrates with his teammates after Saturday’s 31-28 victory over Rutgers to open Big Ten play at Huntington Bank Stadium. (Alex Kormann/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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Not even remotely. He looks like the real deal with his poise, accuracy, arm strength and overall presence in operating the offense.
The surest sign of Fleck’s confidence in Lindsey came in the second half play calls. Missing their top two running backs (Darius Taylor and A.J. Turner) to injuries, the Gophers managed only 13 rushing yards on nine carries in the first half.
Fleck and offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh Jr. essentially said, “forget it,” and ripped up their game plan.
The new plan: “Put the ball in No. 5’s hands and let 5 go win the game.”
No. 5 accepted the challenge. He attempted 19 passes in the third quarter alone and went 23-of-28 for 202 yards and two touchdowns in the second half.
“They just told me they’re putting it in my hands, and we’re going to go win this game,” Lindsey said. “That puts a lot of confidence in the offense and me knowing they’re putting it on me and our guys to make plays.”
about the writer
Chip Scoggins
Columnist
Chip Scoggins is a sports columnist and enterprise writer for the Minnesota Star Tribune. He has worked at the Minnesota Star Tribune since 2000 and previously covered the Vikings, Gophers football, Wild, Wolves and high school sports.
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