Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Nebraska: 5 Players To Watch

Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

1. Minnesota RB Shannon Brooks

Brooks made the highlight reels with a 71-yard touchdown run against Purdue last Saturday, and his 17-carry, 176-yard performance earned him Co-Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors.

Brooks and Rodney Smith should be the focal point of Minnesota’s offense on Saturday, even against a Nebraska defense that has been stout against the run (95.3 yards per game; eighth in the country).

More from Minnesota Football

• Golden Gophers Football: Matt Limegrover and Jim Zebrowski Fired
• Golden Gophers vs. Iowa: Game Time, Odds, Broadcast Map, Announcers
• Golden Gophers Football: Tracy Claeys Named Permanent Head Coach
• Golden Gophers vs. Iowa: 5 Players to Watch
• Golden Gophers Football: Tracy Claeys May Have Interim Label Removed

More from Gold and Gopher

• Must-have Minnesota Golden Gophers items for football season
• Minnesota Golden Gophers Father’s Day Gift Guide
• Minnesota Golden Gophers Gift Guide: 10 Man Cave must-haves
• Get Golden Gophers News, in the New FanSided Android App
• Gold and Gopher Madness: Win $500 or an Apple TV from RetailMeNot and LockerDome