Gophers' Rhoda looks to regain form against Michigan State

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MINNEAPOLIS – It’s been a tough punch to the mouth for the University of Minnesota football program.

After rolling to a 3-0 start after non-conference play, the Gophers appeared like a team that could be a contender in the Big Ten-West Division. However, a bevy of injuries and inconsistent play offensively have left Coach P.J. Fleck and his staff starting at a 0-2 start in conference play.

The majority of the struggles offensively center on quarterback Conor Rhoda.

The 6-foot-3-inch senior from Eagan, Minn. has simply struggled trying to move the football. Through three games – each of which were wins – Rhoda appeared to have the upper hand on fellow quarterback Demry Croft. Both players were vying for the starting gig before Croft left the team prior to the Gophers match-up against Middle Tennessee State. He has since returned to the team.

However, in his absence, Rhoda solidified his claim for the starting job, going 31-for-46, for 456 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also did not toss in interception after recording his lone turnover in the second quarter of the Gophers’ 17-7 win over Buffalo to start the season.

Against Maryland, the senior signal caller seemingly struggled.

Down 31-24 with just under a minute remaining, Rhoda threw an interception that sealed the win for the Terps.

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Last week against Purdue, the Gophers had an all too familiar ending. Trailing the Boilermakers 24-17 late in the fourth quarter, Rhoda was able to march the Gophers into Purdue territory until linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley turned the pass into a game-clinching 76-yard pick-6 to give the Boilermakers its first win over the Gophers since 2011.

In those two Big Ten contests, Rhoda has completed 24-of-51 with three touchdowns and just as many interceptions. He still managed to record 330 yards passing with 229 coming against Maryland.

While he has seen his struggle in the passing game, there is a non-existent rushing attack from him. Considering that the Gophers run game has a handful of formations that are set-up as a “read,” that’s a big thing for Fleck and the offense.

In six games, he has 15 carries for 28 yards. 19 of those yards came in the loss at Purdue. He has keep defense diligent by pulling the ball at times. Much of the reason the Gophers ground game has struggled is the fact that the box can be stacked due to not having the threat from the designed QB runs.

Against Michigan State, the Gophers will have to get Rhoda going early. Whether its some roll-outs to simple three-step drops, He needs to get into a comfort zone early. As a runner, it will be all on Rhoda to keep the defense honest.

With back-to-back conference games ending on interceptions, this will be a make-or-break game for the senior. If he struggles, we could see the reopening of a quarterback dilemma.