BleedGopher
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per the Patriot News:
BIG PICTURE: For any team, but especially one as limited athletically as Minnesota usually is, an effective running attack is vital. It allows you to shorten the game, rest your defense and limit the opponent's chances for big plays. Jerry Kill built that sort of team in his three years at Northern Illinois, climaxing with his 2010 squad that led all 120 FBS schools with 6.3 yards per rush. Only Auburn (6.1) and Oregon (5.9) were close to NIU that year and they met in the national title game. Kill is quietly working toward that end in his third year at “The U.” The Gophers still can't move a front like, say, Michigan State's. But they are running on the Illinois and Purdue types and this year have their entire O-line back with mobile QB Philip Nelson and RB Donnell Kirkwood behind them.
BIG ISSUES: None of the QB stable – there are four who could play – will scare a defense with his arm and the receiving corps is unimpressive, though freshman K.J. Maye has opened eyes this August. The season will be judged by small accomplishments – like whether the Gophers can beat fellow bottom-feeders Iowa and Indiana, maybe spring an upset late in the year against a weary contender and return to a fleabag bowl. That's where that running game comes in.
PREDICTION: 6-6, 2-6 (T-5th, Legends)
http://www.pennlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/08/big_ten_minnesota_preview.html
Go Gophers!!
BIG PICTURE: For any team, but especially one as limited athletically as Minnesota usually is, an effective running attack is vital. It allows you to shorten the game, rest your defense and limit the opponent's chances for big plays. Jerry Kill built that sort of team in his three years at Northern Illinois, climaxing with his 2010 squad that led all 120 FBS schools with 6.3 yards per rush. Only Auburn (6.1) and Oregon (5.9) were close to NIU that year and they met in the national title game. Kill is quietly working toward that end in his third year at “The U.” The Gophers still can't move a front like, say, Michigan State's. But they are running on the Illinois and Purdue types and this year have their entire O-line back with mobile QB Philip Nelson and RB Donnell Kirkwood behind them.
BIG ISSUES: None of the QB stable – there are four who could play – will scare a defense with his arm and the receiving corps is unimpressive, though freshman K.J. Maye has opened eyes this August. The season will be judged by small accomplishments – like whether the Gophers can beat fellow bottom-feeders Iowa and Indiana, maybe spring an upset late in the year against a weary contender and return to a fleabag bowl. That's where that running game comes in.
PREDICTION: 6-6, 2-6 (T-5th, Legends)
http://www.pennlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/08/big_ten_minnesota_preview.html
Go Gophers!!