It’s been a roller coaster for Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan.
It looked like the Gophers’ sixth-year starter wasn’t going to play this morning when ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that, per his sources, Morgan’s status is “between questionable and doubtful.”
Later, it looked like Morgan might play when he warmed up with the team.
Now, he’s officially out.
Morgan’s absence would takes what would have been a big story Like Morgan, Penn State QB Sean Clifford is in his sixth season.
Clifford himself has dealt with injury problems over the past week, leaving last Saturday’s game at Michigan in the second half. But Clifford is starting tonight.
Minnesota’s starter is Athan Kaliakmanis. Kaliakmanis, a former four-star recruit from Antioch High School in Illinois, came in relief of Morgan against Illinois. He went 2-6 with 17 yards and two interceptions in a brief sample, and the Gophers ended up dropping their second straight game, losing 26-14 to Illinois.
In 2019, Morgan won the only previous meeting— and, perhaps, the only ever meeting— between he and Clifford. In an afternoon to forget for Penn State fans, Minnesota upset the fourth-ranked Nittany Lions 31-26. Morgan played near-flawless football, completing 18 of 20 passes, throwing for three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Penn State hadn’t had a crack at Minnesota since that November day, and has one now.
It’s scoreless in the first quarter.
