Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis was relishing in his return to Minnesota, taunting the Gophers’ student section after his second touchdown pass on Saturday afternoon. The senior, who transferred out of the U in 2023, cupped a hand to his ear, mocking how he couldn’t hear a peep from the silenced crowd at Huntington Bank Stadium.

But Kaliakmanis’ counterpart — freshman Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey — got the last laugh, replying with two second-half touchdown passes and three total as Minnesota rallied from that 14-0 hole for a 31-28 win in their Big Ten opener.

Lindsey’s performance validated Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck’s decision to bring in a transfer quarterback (Max Brosmer) for 2024. While Kaliakmanis led Rutgers to a 26-19 win over Minnesota and Brosmer in New Jersey la

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