Sports

Minnesota hosts Nevada Saturday in final nonconference game before daunting Big Ten start

a football player and a head coach talk
Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer (16) and head coach P. J. Fleck talk during a timeout in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rhode Island on Sept. 7, in Minneapolis.
Abbie Parr | AP

The Gophers have momentum from a 48-0 victory over Rhode Island last week. They need even more of it for a daunting three-game stretch in Big Ten play that starts next week against Iowa, with Michigan and USC to follow.

With those challenges looming on the schedule, QB Max Brosmer has a valuable opportunity facing a vulnerable Nevada defense after going 24 for 30 for 271 yards and two TDs without a turnover vs. Rhode Island.

The Gophers have an NFL prospect at LT in Aireontae Ersery, but they had enough struggles at RT to move sixth-year player Quinn Carroll from RG back to his original RT position against Rhode Island. After giving up five sacks to North Carolina in the opener, the Gophers only allowed Brosmer to be sacked once last week.

Minnesota is one of 20 teams in the FBS that have yet to allow a passing TD. The Gophers have four interceptions, a pace that would double their 2023 total of 12.