Report: Minnesota to start freshman QB

09:22 AM ET 10.20 | Philip Nelson held Paul Bunyan's Axe in his hands three years ago, during a recruiting visit to Wisconsin. On Saturday, the Gophers' freshman quarterback apparently will have a chance to take it home with him. Nelson will make his collegiate debut in Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, barring a last-minute change of plans by Minnesota's coaches, a source close to the football program told the Star Tribune. Nelson, who spent the week taking most of the snaps with Minnesota's first-team offense, will replace Max Shortell, who has been inconsistent in three starts. MarQueis Gray, the source said, remains hobbled by a sprained left ankle, and will play only at receiver, if at all. Coach Jerry Kill has said for months that the Gophers preferred to keep Nelson on the sideline this season and let him learn the offense during a redshirt year. But Minnesota's two-game losing streak, and the offense's inability to score consistently, has apparently changed Kill's plans. It's the second straight season that the Gophers have thrust a true freshman into the heat of Big Ten play in a huge, raucous stadium. Last year, Shortell made his first start at Michigan while Gray was out with a toe injury, a game the Gophers lost 58-0.

Minneapolis Star Tribune