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Leaping in the air like he was trying to steal a home run at the warning track on Siebert Field, Decker batted down the final heave into the end zone by Northern Illinois at the Metrodome on Saturday night. That preserved a much-needed season-opening victory for the Gophers and offered further evidence Decker’s hands just might be the most valuable body parts on this year’s team.
“The kid can do anything,” quarterback Adam Weber said.
Decker had 10 receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown in the 31-27 win over Northern Illinois. He appeared to score again on a difficult catch in the second quarter when he landed on the turf with possession of the ball and Huskies cornerback Melvin Rice right next to him, but the pigskin popped out as he rolled over and the referees ruled Weber’s pass incomplete. So did the replay officials.
Nonetheless, Decker — the junior captain and budding baseball star from Rocori High School whom coach Tim Brewster frequently refers to as one of the best wide receivers in the country — had a significant impact on the game. He also made a key block on the edge of the line to spring Duane Bennett for a 61-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
“Being a returning starter and a captain and a leader, I think I kind of have the ability to set the tone and help guys get ready to play right away,” Decker said. “And that’s what matters most — how you start the game.”
Decker caught six passes, including the touchdown that capped an 18-play drive, on the opening possession. Most of those were slip-screen plays on short, one-step-drop throws from Weber to take advantage of linebackers playing up near the line.
“Until they cover it, we’re going to keep on throwing the ball out there and let them make tackles in the open field,” said Weber, who completed 24 of 37 passes for 298 yards and two touchdowns.
It was a productive night for the passing game, though Northern Illinois won’t pose nearly the same threat as a Big Ten opponent. Tight end Jack Simmons scored on a 53-yard reception, and his backup Nick Tow-Arnett had four catches for 66 yards. Bennett had four receptions for 25 yards, and the two other starting receivers — Ralph Spry and Ben Kuznia — combined for three catches and 41 yards.
Highly recruited freshmen Brodrick Smith, Brandon Green and Xzavian Brandon weren’t called on. Another top prospect, versatile skill-position player David Pittman, didn’t play due to a hamstring injury. Brewster said he should be ready for next week’s game at Bowling Green. But the receiving corps is definitely Decker’s to lead, as he showed again on Saturday.
Perhaps he’ll have to play two ways.
The Gophers, in their first game under defensive coordinator Ted Roof, continued their troubling trend of allowing long gains through the secondary. Sophomore nickel back Ryan Collado was the biggest culprit. He let Huskies freshman Nathan Palmer blow by him for touchdowns of 91 yards and 52 yards.
“Unfortunately, you can’t take ’em away,” Brewster said. “There’s some really good things, and then again the explosive plays bit us right in the tail.”
The coach said he would simply give Collado a hug and remind him to engage in short-term memory loss.
“We’ve all got things to work on,” Collado said. “My teammates picked me up and we got the win, and that’s the most important thing.”
