So as Minnesota is heads into the one-week Illinois season, I think the Gophers are indeed headed in the right direction. Now in a four tie in the Big 10 West at 3-2, and 5-3 overall, Minnesota is once again in a position that they control their own destiny in the West. Right now that’s what you should focus on, and by some miracle if they would beat Ohio State, well that’s just icing on the cake. Lets take a look at three areas where Minnesota is improving.
- Another star running back is born in Jordan Nubin.
What a day it was for the redshirt sophomore, with only six carries this year, the younger brother of Gopher star defensive back Tyler Nubin stole the show and busted unto the scene as a new Gopher threat. Nubin rushed for 204 on 40 carries, and he really shined in the fourth quarter with 84 yards, two touchdowns, and really helped the Gophers put the game away against Michigan State. Can he continue this weekend against the Illini? It may not be 200 yards, but no reason to think Jordan can’t handle the load. So, with another breakout running back, the running game is moving in the right direction. Nubin earned Big 10 offensive player of the week.
- Gophers Strong Defense Has Returned
We see ya Cody Lindenberg, and welcome back. The Gophers best linebacker had one big tackle, along with a couple of assists back for the first time seeing major action. The Gopher’s defense is finding its footing again and at the right time of year. Shutting down Iowa for most of the second half, and outside of one drive the pretty much shut down the Spartans. Illinois’ offense hasn’t been impressive at all, and I look for Minnesota to continue to dominate the Illinois offense this Saturday. Danny Striggow, Tyler Nubin, Jah Joyner and crew should have a stellar day at Huntington Bank Stadium. And help PJ Fleck finally beat Brett Bielema as the Gophers coach. Gopher defense going in the right direction.
- Welcome Aboard Athan Kaliamanis
At the press conference after last weekends win, I asked PJ Fleck about his quarterback looking more “poised” as the game progressed. Athan finally had his first 200 yard passing game, after going 14-22 for 200 yards exactly with a touchdown. Athan finally looked like he took that deep breath and just settled in, like PJ said was he perfect? No, but the Gopher QB looked better, and his passes were more consistent. Kaliakmanis has another great opportunity to build on that against an Illinois defense ranked 12th out of 14 in the Big Ten. I’m predicting a nice day for Athan against Illinois, he may not be asked to do a whole lot if Minnesota finds that running game again. It’s on Athan to come out and finally establish a consistent passing game also.
The Minnesota quarterback is finally headed in the right direction.
I predict Minnesota wins this game somewhere around the 27-13, 28-10 or something like that. This is the best chance PJ Fleck has of finally taking down Bielema, and there is no reason Minnesota shouldn’t win this game. Make the statement and dominate all four quarters. Get win number six, become bowl eligible and get ready for Purdue on the road next.
Vince Wright is a GopherHole contributor and host of The Sports Done Wright Podcast
Twitter- @Thebigsmooth1
Instagram – sportsdonewright