Gopher Football
“¢ Tough loss to Northwestern. In one point losses, 2 or 3 plays are the defining moments and the difference between winning and losing
“¢ We came in Sunday and began preparations for Wisconsin. We began our scouting report on them
“¢ This is the longest running rivalry in college football, not a whole lot of discussion needs to take place. Our players understand it’s a trophy game, it’s a meaningful football game. Our team understands that it’s a great opportunity to play an outstanding team like WI. It’s the ultimate challenge for our coaching staff and players
“¢ When you look at WI on offense, obviously it all starts upfront with their big, strong, offensive line. They do an outstanding job with their schemes in the running game. They do a great job of getting the ball to John Clay, who will present a great challenge to us. James White has also done a nice job for them, they’re similar to what we do here, at Minnesota with our running backs. All three backs play. It will be a great challenge for our defense to match them. They do a great job in the play action pass game. They have one of the best tight ends in the Big 10 in Kendricks. They have receivers in tune, Gilreath, Anderson, etc. It will all start with the physicality and being able to match the physicality. They give up very few explosive plays to other teams. JJ Watt is one of the better players in the Big 10, good job of batting balls, he does a great job or rushing the passer and getting his hands up. They have an excellent track record of playing at home. We’re going to practice and plan accordingly this week.
“¢ We’ve had 3 straight 3 point games with WI. We know that’s exactly what type of game it’s going to be. It’s going to come down the 4th quarter. It’s a battle that we’re looking forward to
“¢ Very few changes in the depth chart, on defense, James Manuel will start as will Kyle Theret. Our corners will be Henderson and Carter.
“¢ When asked about subbing on defense ““ we need to make sure we keep fresh guys on the field. It’s exciting to see all the young guys that we had on the field playing well. I thought that we really improved as the game progressed defensively.
“¢ I’ve said how close we are as a football team, each game has been a dogfight. Each game has been determined by 2 or 3 or 4 plays.
“¢ Collado will play some at corner, he’ll back up Theret.
“¢ James Manuel is a big, physical safety. We want to get him on the field.
“¢ I think we are closed to getting over the hump, there is a fine line that determines winners and losers. We need to define that line. Our guys have to have the confidence to go win the game. We need to make those plays at those moments to win
“¢ Royston ““ this is a huge week for Kim. Whether or not he’s on the field, or on the sidelines, he’s going to be a big part of this game. He’s going to be a part of leading the charge for us. I certainly hope that he’ll play in the game, but I can’t say right now whether he will or he won’t.
“¢ When you look at the national statistics, we’re doing a solid job on 3rd downs. We’re ranked in the top 25 or so. We were 3-11 and they were 8-11, that’s a pivotal part of the game
“¢ On penalties ““ we were 9th in the country in penalties, obviously it’s a part of the game that we’ve really emphasized. We can’t help them in anyway with penalties or turnovers
“¢ MarQueis Gray is doing much better, he has decreased pain in his foot. As of the meeting he had today, there are no limitations on him.
“¢ Every game matters, but no games matters more this week than this game. We’re going to put a great deal of effort into our preparation.
“¢ We have a group of guys that desperately want to go and get that axe. That’s the fun part of this week.
“¢ Really pleased with the tight ends. Eric Lair is developing into a really good football player. Curtis Hughes is the unsung hero, one of the better blocking tight ends in the Big 10. He does a great job blocking. They have all done a nice job. I really like what we’re doing offensively.
“¢ May do some work on the silent count (due to atmosphere). Their crowd is going to be loud and be into the game. A few years ago we played a great game over there. Our guys know what they’re going into.
“¢ There’s a road mentality you have to take with you as a football team, an us against the world mentality. Have the confidence in yourself, be extremely well prepared. This is what college football is all about.
“¢ On why WI is successful – I don’t know what goes on at Wisconsin, they’ve done a nice job. Barry Alvarez started the program over there and got it going. Through the years, Minnesota has won a lot of nice things too. We’ve won 59 games and they’ve won 52 in the series.
“¢ Winning is what we’re trying to accomplish, graduating our players, making sure our guys are strong student athletes, behaving on and off the field.
“¢ It would be exciting to get the 1st trophy win, all I can think about is how meaningful it will be to the players. I would like to sit back and watch our guys celebrate.
“¢ I’ve looked very closely at all three games that we’ve played vs. WI. One thing we know is, we know exactly who WI is, there’s no trickery there with who they are.
“¢ There’s nothing but positive energy flowing, that’s the feeling our players have to have
“¢ When asked if there was any confusion during the last few plays vs. NU ““ no, there was no confusion. Our 2 minute offense this season has been good.
“¢ Mike Rallis saw a doctor yesterday, and he’s working through pain he’s having in his abdomen, he’s a strong question mark at best. Ryan Grant will play. Aaron Hill will play as well. We feel like we have 2 competent guys. Ryan is a really smart football player, he was playing outside the box. He plays angles well, he’s a smart young guy.
“¢ When asked about WI not having a lot of trickery – Paul Chryst does a good job with deceptive plays in his gameplan, but they play a very physical game, that’s what I meant.
“¢ I think Adam Weber is going great. He’s played much smarter, been good in the pocket, been good in the pocket. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. I’m pleased with his production. He’s done a lot of significant things statistically, now he wants to win a trophy game.