Looking at the statistics from Minnesota’s 34-9 preseason win over Baylor three weeks ago, Tellis Redmon’s name is conspicuously absent after the first half.
After fumbling the ball early against the Bears, Gophers coach Glen Mason swiftly benched the sophomore for the rest of the game.
Saturday’s game against Penn State seemed almost destined for a repeat as Redmon — who already had two carries for -2 yards — fumbled the ball on the second play from scrimmage.
Mason apparently had a change of heart on his no-fumbling policy.
“I’m a gut feeling guy,” Mason said. “I don’t pull out the rule book and say ‘Ok, rule seven says you fumble, you’re out.’ I play the game too and think what I have to do to win the game.”
Aiding in Mason’s turnaround decision was Redmon’s 314 total yards in last week’s 44-10 trouncing of Illinois, the highest total for a Minnesota player this season.
The running back’s feat against the Illini impressed more than just Mason as it netted Redmon co-Big Ten offensive player of the week honors.
And scrapping the rule book in favor of Redmon proved to be one of the keys to the Gophers 25-16 win over Penn State on Saturday.
Redmon took quick advantage of his second chance and rushed for 150 yards on 33 carries. 118 of Redmon’s yards came in the first two quarters, making it his second straight game with more than 100 yards by halftime.
He also counted 23 yards on punt returns and 35 yards receiving, giving Redmon a total of 208 all-purpose, Mason-endorsed yards.
Tony Adamle dies
Gophers running backs coach Vic Adamle’s father Tony died of cancer Saturday morning. Tony was a six-time All-Pro linebacker for the Cleveland Browns during the 1950s.
After his NFL career, Tony moved on to medicine and was Mason’s team doctor while Mason coached at Kent State from 1986 to 1987.
Vic was at Kent State during Mason’s tenure and has coached with Mason since. He was on the sidelines for Saturday’s game.
“Vic’s back (in Ohio). I am going to do my best to get back to the service,” Mason said.
Nystrom handles kick-offs
After being arrested on Sept. 24 for driving under the influence, a charge he pleaded not guilty to on Friday, kicker Mike Albert was in uniform for Saturday’s game. Albert didn’t play, however, as Gophers kicker Dan Nystrom handled the kick-off duties.
Injuries
Gophers freshman linebacker DaVonta Bell was the only injury reported by Mason Sunday. Bell aggravated a sprained knee on special teams in the second half.
“He’s out this week,” Mason said. “I don’t know the full extent, but he’s out.
— Sarah Mitchell contributed to this report.
Monica Wright covers soccer and welcomes comments at [email protected].
