BTN: Minnesota has joined B1G teams who rely more on pass than rush

Donate To GopherHole
BleedGopher

BleedGopher

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 11, 2008
Messages
62,417
Reaction score
19,265
Points
113
per BTN:

Minnesota has joined the list of Big Ten teams who are relying more on the pass than on the run this season. Much like Wisconsin and Nebraska, the Gophers are trying to find a new identity in their offense with the loss of the explosive David Cobb from last season. And the numbers are perfect evidence of that transition. After passing on just 32.2 percent of their offensive plays last season, the Gophers have gone to the air on 50.6 percent of their plays in 2015. That +18.4 percent increase in the largest of any team in the FBS. And behind that passing attack is redshirt junior quarterback Mitch Leidner, who is currently in the midst of the best passing stretch of his career. He has thrown for 899 yards over his last three games; the most by any Minnesota QB over a three-game stretch since Cory Sauter had 909 between Sep. 14 – Oct. 5, 1996. With at least 250 passing yards against Iowa this weekend, he would become only the second player in program history to pass for 250-plus yards in four straight games: (Mike Hohensee – four straight in 1982).

http://btn.com/2015/11/12/five-facts-heading-into-week-11-of-the-big-ten-football-season/

Go Gophers!!
 

I don't think it's a strategic choice. I think it's a tactical imperative. IMO, college football games are won by the offensive line.
 

more of an issue with our line, we have the backs IMO to be a good running team and I think guys like Moore, the Mayes brothers and Olineman who are redshirting this year and are coming in next year's class have bright futures. Just haven't been able to stay healthy this season. Hopefully Lauer and Pirsig stay healthy next year
 

We've done quite a bit of trailing this year. Sometimes the situation simply calls for a more potent passing game.
 

Yah - if the O-line, Brooks and Smith were all 100% healthy, the Gophers would be going on a run-pass ratio of at least 60% run/40% pass. Run the ball effectively, eat the clock, keep your defense off the field. That is(was) Kill's philosophy, and until we see evidence to the contrary, I have to believe it's shared by Claeys and Limegrover.
 


As much as Mitch has been disparaged on this board, he has made marked improvement this season and I hope the team can finish strong. With all of the struggles on the line, he's been called upon to shoulder a bigger load and has stood in there. He still needs to make better reads, both passing and in the read-option, but I wonder what winning these last four games would do for momentum into next year?
 

killme said:
As much as Mitch has been disparaged on this board, he has made marked improvement this season and I hope the team can finish strong. With all of the struggles on the line, he's been called upon to shoulder a bigger load and has stood in there. He still needs to make better reads, both passing and in the read-option, but I wonder what winning these last four games would do for momentum into next year?
Click to expand...
Ditto this
 

killme said:
As much as Mitch has been disparaged on this board, he has made marked improvement this season and I hope the team can finish strong. With all of the struggles on the line, he's been called upon to shoulder a bigger load and has stood in there. He still needs to make better reads, both passing and in the read-option, but I wonder what winning these last four games would do for momentum into next year?
Click to expand...

But, but...he's a DII TE/LB.
 

The Gophers current struggles will only strengthen their resolve next year.

We are seeing the emergence of a credible passing game.

This many injuries to the offense and defense in one season is unprecedented.

The Gophers in 2016 will have a very potent offense if they can stay healthy. I agree with BemidjiGopher that the future looks bright with the o-linemen and RBs that we have going into next season.

Much maligned Mitch Leidner has shown his steadfast leadership in the face of sometimes severe criticisms by the media and the fans. GH included. This is what angered Jerry Kill the most. We have seen Mitch at his worse and at his best. But, he has progressively gotten better year after year.

He will be an important cog in the Gophers push for a B1G West title challenge in 2016. Who knows, he may very well rewrite the record books before his career is over.
 



killme said:
As much as Mitch has been disparaged on this board, he has made marked improvement this season and I hope the team can finish strong. With all of the struggles on the line, he's been called upon to shoulder a bigger load and has stood in there. He still needs to make better reads, both passing and in the read-option, but I wonder what winning these last four games would do for momentum into next year?
Click to expand...

Agreed. I have nothing bad to say about Mitch this season.
 


You must log in or register to reply here.



Top Bottom