Minnesota passed 33 times in its opening victory over New Mexico State. Freshman quarterback Zack Annexstad hit on 16 of those throws and averaged 6.7 yards per attempt. Coaches gave him a lot of quick throws, used some play-action and run-pass option, which was to be expected.
But the thing that most benefitted Annexstad was the wideouts’ ability to turn simple throws into something much bigger.
That could be a trouble spot for Fresno State on Saturday when it tries to take down a Power Five opponent for the first time since 2012, taking on the Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium.