The Gophers lost 38-13 at Wisconsin Saturday afternoon.  The big surprise was that head coach Jerry Kill decided to start red shirt freshman Philip Nelson of Mankato at quarterback.  Nelson was the 3rd string quarterback for much of the season and the intention was for him to red-shirt this season.  Nelson in his first start was 13-24 passing for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns with 2 interceptions.  He also ran for 67 yards on 16 carries.

Former starting quarterback Marquis Gray saw time at receiver.  He caught 3 passes for 20 yards.  A.J. Barker and Brandon Green each had touchdown receptions for the Gophers.  Wisconsin ran for a combined 337 yards.  James White ran for 175 yards and 3 touchdowns and Montee Ball ran for 166 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Minnesota falls to 0-3 in the Big Ten and 4-3 overall.  The Gophers host Purdue next Saturday at 2:30, pregame on AM 1390-the Fan at 1:30.

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