Gophers vs. Kent State: 5 Players to Watch

Sep 12, 2015; Fort Collins, CO, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Rodney Smith (24) is stopped at the 1 yard line against the Colorado State Rams during overtime at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium. The Golden Gophers beat the Rams 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports

3. RB Shannon Brooks

Brooks played his first college game against Colorado State, but he was mostly used on the kick return team and he was involved in a fumbled exchange with Leidner on a read-option play. The Gophers should easily handle Kent State, so it will be interesting to see if Brooks’ role expands and how productive he is if he gets more opportunities.