Gophers win thriller in triple overtime

Well, the general storyline was very similar to last week’s game against Bowling Green. One team made a huge comeback to send the game into overtime only to let the victory slip away. Last week it was the Gophers who came from 21 points down only to lose 32-31 in OT. This week the Gophers were the heartbreakers, as Miami of Ohio came from a 28-12 deficit with just 8:35 minutes left in the game to send it into OT only to let the game slip away (41-35) in the 3rd extra period.

No doubt this was not a crisp game for Minnesota. There were signs of brilliance, especially on offense, but major mistakes kept this game close. Adam Weber was outstanding, throwing four touchdown passes and running for nearly 100 yards, including one touchdown run. Amir Pinnix had another 100+ yard day running (126 yards) and the game winning TD run. On the other hand, the special teams were a disaster. There were three missed field goals and a blocked punt, costing the Gophers 12 points.

Defensively, things didn’t look much better than last week until the very end. “œSure” interceptions that could have clinched the win were dropped. Jamal Harris finally held onto an INT in the 3rd overtime, ending a string of heartbreaking losses dating back to last season’s bowl game. In the final analysis it was the total yards statistic for each team that tells us a lot. The Minnesota offense tallied 577 yards, while the Gopher defense gave up the exact number of yards. Miami backup QB Daniel Raudabaugh did more than his share in evening those yards up by throwing for 202 yards in the final 6:35 of regulation.

All other things being equal and the special teams gaffs by the Gophers, it was a curious victory to say the least. The Red Hawks did have problems of their own on special teams with two missed field goals, a missed extra point, an unsuccessful onside kick and a failure on a 2-point conversion attempt. I guess it came down to who flinched in that final overtime.

This game proved again that the Gophers are not ready for Big Ten competition. The antics late in the 4th quarter were an indicator that this team lacks confidence and some good sense ““ coaches included. However, winning covers up a lot of blemishes and can only help the confidence. A loss today would have put the season on the brink of disaster.

Tim Brewster got his first win as Minnesota coach and his first as a college head coach. I know, this coach has made rookie mistakes. He is also dealing with a freshman quarterback and rookie secondary surrounded by a suspect defense. Youth and general lack of talent are big obstacles Brewster and Co. are up against. Weber is the lone pleasant surprise here.

Every win will be precious this season and we will hopefully see this team gradually come together, as Brewster tries to keep things at least somewhat respectable right now and will hopefully recruit like a madman for the future. At least that’s the blueprint I’m seeing for taking the program beyond what we saw during the Mason Era.

Talk about the game on the Brew’s Crew Message Board.