PISCATAWAY -- Is it possible that Rutgers would be better off facing Minnesota's third-year starting quarterback Mitch Leidner than his backup Conor Rhoda?
Probably not, but it's worth asking the question considering any factors that encourage Minnesota to keep the ball on the ground when the teams meet at noon Saturday are not a good thing for Rutgers when looking at the stats.
Running back Rodney Smith ranks No. 3 in the Big Ten with 98.3 rushing yards per game and is tied for No. 5 across the league with seven touchdowns. Backup halfback Shannon Brooks is averaging 81.