At least one side of the Minnesota-Northwestern can breathe a little easier when it comes to the quarterback position.
Northwestern announced on its injury report this week that starter Aidan Smith is doubtful for today’s game with an unspecified injury; it has since been confirmed that Clemson transfer Hunter Johnson, who wasn’t even listed on the two-deep depth chart, will get another start. On the other side, Tanner Morgan suffered a concussion after being sacked on back-to-back plays late in Minnesota’s Week 12 loss to Iowa, leaving his status for this week’s game up in the air throughout the week.
Late Saturday morning, however, it was confirmed that Morgan has cleared concussion protocol and will be under center for the Gophers as they take on the Wildcats.
Guess what? Tanner Morgan is playing! Team spokesman just confirmed, but apparently P.J. Fleck also said it on ESPN #Gophers have their starting QB
— Megan Ryan (@theothermegryan) November 23, 2019
Morgan has completed just over 68 percent of his passes this season and has thrown 23 touchdowns versus just four interceptions 229 attempts. His 186.9 passer rating is second among Big Ten quarterbacks and second in the Big Ten (Ohio State’s Justin Fields at 191.8).