When Mitch Leidner wasn't playing well earlier this season, Gophers coaches gave their junior quarterback the chance to skip his routine Tuesday session with local media.
But he stepped up and did it, just like he has stepped up in the pocket to deliver consecutive career-high passing performances against Nebraska on Oct. 17 and versus No. 16 Michigan last Saturday.
"That has helped him grow up as a man," said quarterback coach Jim Zebrowski. "There aren't always going to be good moments when you have to stand up and talk to people."
Leidner completed 65 percent of his passes (26 of 40) for 301 yards in a 48-25 loss to the Cornhuskers.