Only way people are calling us a joke after this one is if we go there and get blown out which I just don't see happening. Losing a close game on the road wouldn't be a big deal and certainly wouldn't ruin our season.
I'm certain the Michigan State is planning to find out if Tanner and Kirk can recreate the magic, as they're sure to stack the box and try to suffocate the run game. They've got the personnel to make a legit attempt at this... Although I'm sure Mo's got something to say about that.
Summers hasn’t shown he can wrote an article good.
And how many times with the first stringers in? Clown show article.
Don't understand the continually expressed hopes for BSF's "coming out party".
Gophers are #1 in the nation in TOP, averaging 39 minutes per game, and #2 in the nation in First Downs allowed.
The Gophers did not spend much time in the Red Zone in the first three games, IIRC.
Hopes...? Sure, although I'm fairly certain it is more of a must, this week. He's the one receiver that might be a reliable difference maker. I'll be more than happy to be wrong if Clay Geary goes off for 10/200 or Dylan or Daniel do it... but I think that BSF is the one to put my money on, were I a betting man.
We are 3 point favorites not dogs as of this morning. But if MSU does win it would be a very minor upset.
www.ncaa.com
I think you're putting 10,000 times more significance on this game than it deserves. It will look bad that we steamrolled cupcakes and then lost to our first real opponent, but we could still have a great season, and a loss to MSU will have no bearing on what people think of us next year.
I'm not sure what first goal they are talking about either, but if Western Illinois got inside the 20, then got pushed back by penalties/sacks, etc. then the 47 yard FG would still count as scoring after getting inside the red zone. So that could be it.
By my count we have allowed one team in the red zone and they scored a touchdown.
The same can be said of touting MSU's run defense considering they have yet to face a good running team. The only power 5 team they have faced is Washington and they are very much a pass first team.Just to be clear, that stat was for red zone defense...not offense. But ya, our defense has kept opposing offenses out of the red zone quite well this year. According to NCAA FBS stats, Gopher opponents have two red zone attempts, both successful - one garbage TD against Colorado, and a FG. However, I don't know what field goal they're talking about...wasn't Western Illinois' FG a 47-yarder?
It's like the writer of the article just went searching for some category where Minnesota ranked near the bottom of the list and took off with it.
Anyway, here's a link to the stats page...
NCAA College Football FBS current team Stats | NCAA.com
Discover the current NCAA FBS Football leaders in every stats category, as well as historic leaders.
Yes we have faced bad teams but they still have athletes out there capable of making plays if you give them the opportunity. We haven't been tested in a high pressure situation but it isn't like we were running plays against air either.
This board loves it some tight ends…ain’t nothin wrong with that.
You could be right and I hope you are but I actually feel like we gained next to nothing from our first three games. I don’t want to be pessimistic by I expect MSU to score the first 14 points. Hopefully we can settle in after that.
I know as Minnesota sports fans we are wired to expect the worst but I will clue you in on a little secret. Sports are a lot more fun when you are actually looking forward to the games believing your team has a shot as opposed to dreading the game just hoping your team doesn't get blown out.
bold prediction -- no team since Rossi was the DC has opened the game 14-0 against minnesota.
And neutralize their QB, who is pretty decent.
I came into this article thinking to myself, "Hard to believe the Gophers are favored in this game." Walked away thinking, "If this is the best argument they have, I'm not sure Gophers by 1.5 is enough."
Is he a big threat to run? I heard their stud receiver missed last game due to a cut he received on the sideline the week before? I trust our coaches will have them ready, just need to execute.
I don’t think he is a QB option runner like Adrian Martinez (important cog in team’s designed rushing game), but he can pull the ball down and run. Can’t lose contain on him. He has some very talented receivers. Our DBs will get first real test of the season.