Even Blutarsky said “dayum” when apprised of this development.
In Week 11, Demry Croft was steady in both the passing (9-15, 105) and running (10-183) games as Minnesota dominated Nebraska in a 54-21 win. Seven days later, the quarterback put together one of the worst statistical performances you’ll ever come across.
In a 39-0 whitewashing at the hands of Northwestern, Croft completed two of his 11 passes for 43 yards and three interceptions. So, yes, he had more completions to Wildcats defenders than he did to Golden Gophers receivers.
Add it all up, and Croft posted a pass efficiency rating of minus-3.5. Again, a negative. Quarterback. Rating.
Throw in minus-17 yards rushing, and with the full understanding there were at least a couple of drops by his receivers, Croft cobbled together one of the worst statistical days for a quarterback in college football history.
The loss means that 5-6 Minnesota needs to beat fifth-ranked Wisconsin in the regular-season finale next Saturday to become bowl-eligible. Northwestern, meanwhile, has won six straight and stands at 8-3 on the season, two wins in the Week 13 matchup with Illinois and a bowl game away from the fifth 10-win season in the football program’s history.