Redshirt freshman quarterback Mitch Leidner earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors, the conference announced Monday.

 

Leidner rushed for 151 yards and four touchdowns Saturday and combined for 222 yards in his first career start.  He became the first Gophers quarterback to run for four touchdowns in a game since 1967.

 

Leidner is the first Gophers football player to win freshman of the week honors since Philip Nelson did it in October 2012.

 

The Gophers open their Big Ten schedule with Iowa at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium.