Star power: The Golden Gophers are again paced by running backs Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks, who combined for 145 yards and one touchdown in the win over Buffalo. Johnson matched his 2016 receiving-yard total in his first game of 2017, amassing 141 yards on six catches including a 61-yard touchdown. Senior Conor Rhoda is Minnesota’s new starting quarterback and went 12 of 20 for 176 yards, one touchdown and one interception, though sophomore Demry Croft also played against Buffalo and completed 7 of 12 passes for 63 yards and also totaled 32 rushing yards on six carries.
Sneak peek: Minnesota travels to Oregon State for intriguing nonconference showdown
