Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Shortell will start against the Syracuse Orange on Saturday night, and the team is hoping that he won't dwell on the results of his last start, a 58-0 loss to the Michigan Wolverines in 2011. The good news for Minnesota is that Shortell is a year older and Syracuse, of course, is not nearly as good as the 2011 Wolverines team that won the Sugar Bowl. Offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover says that the difference in Shortell's demeanor is obvious.
"There's a definite air of confidence now. He knows he can go out and beat anybody. He's a quarterback. He's got that air about him. Didn't have that last year."
(via Minnesota Star-Tribune)
Shortell is filling in for MarQueis Gray, who injured himself in Minnesota's win over the Western Michigan Broncos. In that game, Shortell completed 10-of-17 passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns in relief.
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