–> Follow @Tony Liebert on Twitter
40 carries, 205 yards and 2 TDs for Jordan Nubin
With young star Gophers’ running backs Darius Taylor and Zach Evans ruled out due to injury, former walk-on safety Jordan Nubin had the opportunity to carve out a serious role as the top back alongside Sean Tyler. The Western Michigan transfer opened the game with a fumble on the Gophers’ first offensive drive and only had one more carry for the rest of the contest. Nubin took the opportunity and ran with it. Running the ball 40 times for 205 yards and two touchdowns, the younger brother of star safety Tyler Nubin was the latest Minnesota running back to look like a star.
Originally recruited as a safety, Jordan Nubin committed to the Gophers as a preferred walk-on in 2021. He only held three division one scholarship offers, all at the FCS level from Dayton, Butler and Valparaiso. We all obviously see the heartwarming videos of walk-ons earning full scholarships and Jordan has not yet had one of those. I guess there is no rule that requires a school to disclose who is on scholarship, but Jordan certainly deserves some free school after Saturday afternoon.
Athan throws for 200 yards for the first time in 2023
Athan Kaliakmanis had an early fumble on the Gophers’ second drive of the game, but he responded by putting together one of his better games of the season. A 14/22 day passing for 200 yards and 1 TD certainly is not something that will get you on any all-conference lists, but you have to appreciate your wins and successes when they happen. Athan’s 200 passing yards are the second most of his young college career and the most since his breakout performance vs. Wisconsin last season.
His decision-making impressed me the most. Outside of one silly interception, he looked confident and comfortable for one of the first times this season. QB development is not always linear and Saturday’s performance gave me the belief that he is improving. His 82.9 PFF grade is the highest in any start throughout his college career.
Cody Lindenberg makes season-debut
4th-year linebacker Cody Lindenberg was expected to be one of the Gophers’ defensive leaders this season. An early season leg injury held him out of all seven of the Gophers’ first seven games. He finally made his season debut Saturday, playing 39 snaps and making two tackles. It looked like he did have to shake a little bit of rust off, earning a 56.5 PFF Grade, but it is a big win for this defense to add another talented player back into the fold.
With his return, the Gophers used four total linebackers; Devon Williams, Ryan Selig, Maverick Baranowski and Lindenberg. The player who lost the most snaps was Maverick Baranowski who played only 16 snaps, his lowest total of the season. It might take a little time for Lindenberg to get back to his 2022 form, but it can only help Joe Rossi’s defense to get him back for the home stretch of the season.
Daniel Jackson is a true WR1
One major reason for Athan’s success was his ability to find Daniel Jackson. DJax had seven catches for a career-high 120 yards and 1 TD. He has seemed to really find his groove after reeling in seven catches for 101 yards last week against Iowa. His connection with Athan could be what helps this passing attack get back on track. His 90.0 PFF Grade was the highest of his career. Jackson has always had the talent to be an elite WR and Saturday afternoon was more proof that he has the skills to play at the next level, giving the Maroon & Gold a true No. 1 pass catcher.