Iowa QB Alex Padilla preparing for 1st start against Gophers

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Alex Padilla got his first opportunity to play meaningful snaps for Iowa and did enough to impress coach Kirk Ferentz. Now he’s days away from what probably will be his first start in place of the injured Spencer Petras.

The sophomore is listed No. 1 on the depth chart for Saturday’s home game against Minnesota and he’s been working with Iowa’s No. 1 offensive unit all week.

Padilla led the Hawkeyes to back-to-back touchdowns in a 17-12 win over Northwestern last week and passed for 172 yards.