Drake Lindsey, the redshirt freshman quarterback for the Minnesota Gophers, has showcased his clutch abilities this season, leading the team to crucial victories in the Big Ten. In nine games, he has completed 171 of 275 passes, achieving a completion rate of 63%, accumulating 1,743 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
This season, Lindsey has directed four game-tying or game-winning drives in the fourth quarter of Big Ten matchups, a remarkable feat for a player in his first year. Notably, he orchestrated two such drives against Michigan State, and one each against Rutgers and Purdue. His exceptional performance has propelled Minnesota to a record of 6-3 overall and 4-2 in conference play, making them bowl eligible ahead of their upcoming clash with No. 8 Oregon.
During a pivotal game against Michigan State on November 1, Lindsey took charge with just under two minutes remaining, trailing 17-10. He rallied his team, stating, “We gotta go!” Lindsey completed six of seven passes for 39 yards, concluding a nine-play, 65-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. He then secured the game in overtime with a 3-yard touchdown run on a bootleg, overcoming a defender to clinch the 23-20 victory.
Head coach P.J. Fleck remarked on Lindsey”s mixed performance during the game, noting, “There were some really, really good moments and there were some really tough times. He”s done that a lot this year.” Lindsey”s ability to perform under pressure has been evident, particularly in critical moments.
In the October 11 game against Purdue, Lindsey led a 14-play, 70-yard drive that tied the game at 20-20. He completed five of ten passes for 44 yards and threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Geers. Shortly thereafter, safety Koi Perich”s interception return for a touchdown sealed the comeback victory against the Boilermakers.
In a game against Rutgers on September 27, Lindsey displayed his poise by directing a seven-play, 72-yard drive, completing six of seven passes for 72 yards, capped off with a touchdown to Javon Tracy for a 31-28 win.
His calm demeanor on the field has been praised by teammates, including receiver Jalen Smith, who noted, “He just stays really calm, collected. I think that helps everybody else on the offense remain that way when you see your quarterback is level-headed.” Defensive end Anthony Smith echoed this sentiment, stating, “You root for those guys that are such positive impacts on you.” Smith observed Lindsey”s growth and performance, especially in high-pressure situations.
Fleck has often highlighted Lindsey”s championship experience from high school, where he led his team to a state title in Fayetteville, Arkansas. “The fight he has, he”s scrappy,” Fleck said, underscoring Lindsey”s tenacity.
Leading up to the Michigan State game, the offensive struggles were evident, with four consecutive drives ending in punts. Offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh bluntly told Lindsey over the phone, “We have no choice” but to score a touchdown, to which Lindsey responded effectively. “That”s just who he is,” Harbaugh remarked.
Despite facing challenges this season, including a tough loss to Iowa where Lindsey threw three interceptions, he has learned valuable lessons from each game. “I wasn”t comfortable in my first road test at California, but I felt better at Ohio State and good going into Iowa,” Lindsey reflected.
As the Gophers prepare to face Oregon, which boasts a top-five defense, Lindsey remains focused on applying everything he has learned. His ability to adapt and thrive in clutch moments will be crucial as Minnesota aims to continue their successful season.
In addition to his passing stats, Lindsey has also managed to limit sacks, with only 15 taken in nine games, while contributing four rushing touchdowns. His success in high-pressure situations often correlates with the offense operating at an up-tempo pace, a strategy that has proven effective in previous games.
Lindsey understands that success in critical moments may require taking risks that he might not have considered earlier in the game, demonstrating his growth as a quarterback. “You have to have confidence in all your guys,” he stated, acknowledging the need to make pivotal throws when it matters most.
