Beating the 'Clones

[frozengopher]

I haven't posted much lately because all I would be doing is reiterating what a lot of people are saying; I don't have much to contribute. That being said, I'm really looking forward to this game.

I think our defense will come out like it was towards the end of the season againt South Dakota and Iowa, and we will stifle ISU. I think our lb's will play out of their minds to put a good ending on the story of their careers, and we will see a few guys like Coop and Carter establish themselves as the future of this defense.

On offense, I'm really curious. I'm hoping we've played around with the offense in a way to put Weber in a more comfortable position, and I really hope this test of Gray at wr pays dividends. I have a lot of faith in the line, as a few have said they've looked better as the year went on. With the run game, I don't know what to expect. We have all this agility, but no tackle breakers. Work some screens.

I would personally like to see the d hold ISU to one touchdown and see our offense score at least three (considering how we played to end the season, I hope this isn't expecting for too much). This game would be a nice opportunity to start a good rivalry with another up and coming team for the future.

 

[ISU_phoria]

I'd be really surprised if either team won this game by more than a touchdown. There are many ugly stats that could be high lighted for both teams this year. I'm a little surprised you consider the Minny/SDSU game as a positive, even if you were commenting on just the defensive performance.

Yes, ISU did get 8 turnovers from Nebraska in our win, but we also did it with a backup QB & RB, both of whom are freshmen. Also, ISU only won two games last year. One was against SDSU by more than 3 touchdowns. (to be clear, I don't think any of this matters at all as it relates to the outcome of the bowl game).

My point is that no matter how any of us try to analyze/speculate on this game, I really think it is just too close to confidently call. That said, I'll go ISU 24, Minny 20.

 

[hyaluronic]

I honestly think the Gophers will win by more than one score. My only hesitation in saying that is our offense. I can easily see us coming out flat, yet again. I don't see ISU scoring more than 17 points, our defense is underrated and has the capability to lock teams down. The Gophers played a superior schedule, both in conference and out of conference. ISU missed 3 of the top 4 Big 12 teams. The Gophers missed two of the bottom three Big 10 teams. The overall strength of conferences slightly favors the Big 12 according to the Sagarin ratings, but that is more than negated by who each team played. We have the same record.

I see ISU scoring between 10 and 17 points. The X factor is our offense. I can see us scoring anywhere between 6 and 34. Gopher fans should be pleasantly surprised: Minn 24, ISU 13.

On a sidenote, we will be playing my two favorite Big 12 teams in consecutive years, KU and ISU. If I thought ISU stood a good chance, I would say it. I really don't see it. Here's hoping I don't eat my words.

 

[StartGrayPlz]

If the Gophers run the ball well, they'll win, but it will be a close game.

 

[Donovan]

This game is HUGE for my personal attitude of the Gopher football program. If we look decent and win, I'll be a happy camper waiting for spring practice (even an extension to Brewster will be palatable). If we lose 12-0 to ISU.....I don't even want to think about that.

 

[StPaulCyclone]

To be fair, the top four team in the B12 this year were Texas, Nebraska, Okie State and Mizzou/TX Tech (tie). We played 3 out of these 5 and went 1-2 against them; beating NU, hanging with MU and getting whipped by OSU. There is no question that the Gophers are a different team without Decker.

Likewise, ISU is a different team without Arnaud (QB) and Robinson (1000+ RB). These two missed games, parts of game and play hurt in the following contest: KSU (RB tried to go, but out), KU (RB played hurt), Baylor (RB played hurt, QB out second half), Nebraska (QB & RB out), A&M (QB & RB out), OSU (QB & RB both played hurt).

Both Arnaud and Robinson played against Colorado, but were not 100%. They both played against Mizzou, with Robinson feeling the best he had since the injury. Arnaud was not 100%, but also the best yet since early in the Baylor game.

Fortunately, these two will be as healthy as they have been since the Army game. As you can imagine, we are a different team with these two Junioes healthy. The RSFr backup did an admirable job at filling in, but they just don't have the experience. However, they were able to hand out to beat NU.