Gophers' season hinges on recharged Leidner
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Last year when the going got tough, Minnesota Golden Gophers QB Mitch Leidner struggled.
Against Ohio State, Nebraska and Wisconsin completed 37 percent of his passes for 315 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Combine that with going 1-2 down the stretch and the team missed out on going to the Big Ten title game.
Coming into 2015, Leidner has newfound confidence after getting a pep talk from Saints head coach Sean Payton at the Manning Passing Academy. Here is what Leidner said about it via the Pioneer Press:
"When (the quarterback) goes left, the rest of the team goes right, and he flies that plane, Leidner recalled Payton saying. He is confident in his game plan and his preparation leading up to that point. That is what separates a quarterback from the rest of the team. That is why it's one of the toughest positions to play."
If the Gophers want to reach the conference title game this season, they will need much improved play from their quarterback with David Cobb in the backfield to ease the pressure.
(h/t Twin Cities)
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