While gearing up for his upcoming wedding with fiancee Katie Miller, Cole Kramer, the fifth-year quarterback, had one last college football performance to deliver.
In his first and final start as he approaches life after football, Kramer showcased his skills by completing eight of 16 passes for 26 yards, throwing two touchdowns, and scoring a rushing touchdown with a quarterback sneak.
Minnesota’s leading rusher, Taylor, a three-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week, carried the ball 35 times, amassing an impressive 208 yards and contributing a touchdown to the team’s victory.
The game ended with a 30-24 triumph for the Gophers.
Your Champions!! pic.twitter.com/CN5OXwDiln
— FOX 9 Sports (@Fox9Sports) December 26, 2023
However, while the game was entertaining, the ESPN broadcast took an awkward turn as it delved into Kramer’s personal life. Much like the way cameras often focus on Taylor Swift during Kansas City Chiefs games, ESPN’s cameras seemed fixated on Katie Miller for a significant portion of the broadcast, making for an unusual viewing experience.
Fans watching the game took note of this unusual focus on Miller and criticized the ESPN crew for their actions.
So, Cole Kramer is getting married in a month or so?
It hasn’t been mentioned 4,285 times during this broadcast so I’m just checking
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteDustin) December 26, 2023
@espn going all in on Cole Kramer’s girlfriend. College QB has a hot girlfriend. We get it. #QuickLaneBowl pic.twitter.com/yj2xjNwQAp
— Scott Teague (@actorscott) December 26, 2023
Any chance ESPN+ shows Cole Kramer’s wedding?
— Judd Zulgad (@jzulgad) December 26, 2023
Hey @espn it is possible for Kramer to play today AND get married. Calm down.
— Michael Knight (@SCSU1999) December 26, 2023
The @espn announcers discussing Kramer’s fiancé and Mario Kart is beyond cringe.
Dude even said he went on the Knot. Who cares.
— DaLEO👽 (@RaphikeyDaLEO) December 26, 2023
Would be really nice if espn stopped showing cole kramer’s gf every single play like she’s Taylor or smth it’s really annoying 😭😭
— tracy (no e!) (@someprairieb) December 26, 2023
In case ESPN overlooked this detail, it’s worth mentioning that after his football career, Kramer plans to relocate to Phoenix to marry Katie Miller and pursue a career in sales.