>The Minnesota football team and coach Tim Brewster named redshirt freshman Adam Weber as the team’s starting quarterback for this Saturday’s season opener against Bowling Green. Weber edged out junior Tony Mortenson for the right to go under center after a strong competition for the job during training camp.

“(Weber) has become a much better student of the game, and he’s evolved as a quarterback,” Brewster said Wednesday. “Adam was primarily an athlete, and what he’s learned to be is a quarterback.” And according to Weber, the competition between himself and Mortenson was optimal for getting both players to improve. “Every day, every rep was a competition, but it was a good competition because we helped each other out,” he said. “I think it brought the best out of us.” The parity on the depth chart will be key to the Gophers’ success according to Brewster, who said the new spread coast system will have tough physical demands on the quarterback and both Weber and Mortenson need to be ready to play. Weber and the Gophers will see their first action of the season as the Gophers open up the 2007 campaign against Bowling Green this Saturday at the Metrodome. But with his first collegiate start just days away, Weber is simply focusing on Saturday as any other game day. “As soon as that first snap happens, it’s just another football game,” Weber said. “I’m looking forward to it. I know there will be some nerves, but I’m sure they will go away once the hitting starts.”