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University of Minnesota Athletics
Rhoda Steps Up In Victory
10/18/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
When players go down to injury, Minnesota's coaches have preached one ideal to their team: next man up. This mentality was in full effect at Maryland as quarterback Conor Rhoda made his first career start for an injured Mitch Leidner.
Rhoda came out with a road victory and showed poise making his first career start. He completed 7-of-15 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown and did not turn the ball over.
"Just seeing them act like it's next man up, we are going after this the same way if Mitch was playing gave me a ton of confidence," Rhoda said of his mindset and preparation during the week.
The junior's first career touchdown came in the second quarter. Rhoda found Shannon Brooks on a screen in the middle of the field. Brooks scampered 17 yards for score to give Minnesota a 14-point lead at halftime.
"We knew they liked to bring heat the entire game," said Rhoda, who prepares to play in every game. "They brought it on that play. I just had to hold on to the ball for a half second there. I was able to find a little hole and squeeze it in there to Shannon."
The Gophers never looked back. They played opportunistic football the rest of the way and won 31-10.
"He managed the game well," head coach Tracy Claeys said of his quarterback's performance. "He gave us an opportunity to win."
Claeys acknowledged that what Rhoda accomplished was no easy feat, but he knew that his quarterback was up to the task.
"It's tough to win on the road with a backup quarterback," said Claeys. "Our kids believed in him and he did the things he needed to do on offense for us to win."
Minnesota's running backs gave Rhoda incredible support, combining for 236 yards on 42 runs. Rodney Smith continued his career season, running for a career-high 144 yards including a 70-yard touchdown. Brooks added 86 yards on the ground and caught his first touchdown pass.
Brooks said after the game that there were no worries among the team with Rhoda breaking the huddle.
"We believe in our teammates, we have trust in them as a team and we play for the guy beside us," said Brooks. "During practice Rhoda did a great job of stepping
