The Gophers did what they were supposed to do against an overmatched FCS opponent on Thursday night, thrashing Eastern Illinois 59-7 at Huntington Bank Stadium to kick off a new season.
Quarterback Drake Lindsey also did what he was supposed to do, completing 19 of 24 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown before exiting the game in the third quarter with a very comfortable lead. With the caveat that it's hard to learn much against an FCS foe, Lindsey's 2026 debut lived up to the NFL buzz he's been getting all offseason.
The Gophers' pro-style offense under Greg Harbaugh Jr. presents a lot of opportunities for Lindsey to make plays that are easy to see translating against much tougher defenses, both in college football and at the next level. What stands out about Lindsey, beyond his obvious size and arm strength, is how smooth he looks when operating from under center and in play action. The ball gets out of his hands in rhythm and zips to his intended target. Most of his completions came at the top of a short drop; Lindsey's average time to throw was just under 2.5 seconds, per PFF.
Perhaps the best example came late in the first quarter, with the Gophers already up 14. Lindsey took the snap, gave a slight play-action fake to draw in the linebackers, and then fired the ball to new wide receiver Noah Jennings in a big void of ****** e over the middle of the field. It was an easy 28-yard gain.
Eastern Illinois caveat, but Drake Lindsey has had a good start to the season. Several strong under center plays. https://t.co/anP2ZiunD8
#lindsey #season
Quarterback Drake Lindsey also did what he was supposed to do, completing 19 of 24 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown before exiting the game in the third quarter with a very comfortable lead. With the caveat that it's hard to learn much against an FCS foe, Lindsey's 2026 debut lived up to the NFL buzz he's been getting all offseason.
The Gophers' pro-style offense under Greg Harbaugh Jr. presents a lot of opportunities for Lindsey to make plays that are easy to see translating against much tougher defenses, both in college football and at the next level. What stands out about Lindsey, beyond his obvious size and arm strength, is how smooth he looks when operating from under center and in play action. The ball gets out of his hands in rhythm and zips to his intended target. Most of his completions came at the top of a short drop; Lindsey's average time to throw was just under 2.5 seconds, per PFF.
Perhaps the best example came late in the first quarter, with the Gophers already up 14. Lindsey took the snap, gave a slight play-action fake to draw in the linebackers, and then fired the ball to new wide receiver Noah Jennings in a big void of ****** e over the middle of the field. It was an easy 28-yard gain.
Eastern Illinois caveat, but Drake Lindsey has had a good start to the season. Several strong under center plays. https://t.co/anP2ZiunD8
#lindsey #season
2 months ago
