BleedGopher
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per Chip:
Gophers fans are mad after a narrow win over a team from Ohio. Vikings fans are really mad after an overtime loss to a team from Ohio.
As for the angst, both teams had specific areas that were highlighted as either question marks or major concerns coming into the season, and this weekend magnified them.
Start with the 1-1 Gophers. The rush-and-cover tandem in pass defense has been a problem through two games. P.J. Fleck made upgrading his defensive line a priority this offseason by bringing in two graduate transfers to add to a mix of returning veterans. So far, that position's impact has been minimal, generating zero sacks in two games.
The front seven needs to create more pressure to help a secondary that has been susceptible to big plays. The Gophers already have allowed six touchdown passes (tied for 118th nationally) and nine completions that have netted at least 20 yards.
Starting cornerbacks Terell Smith and Coney Durr each allowed touchdown passes against Miami (Ohio) on Saturday. Both players were in position to make a play, but they didn't finish the deal.
Fleck talked Monday about the need to have better technique in those situations. He noted that his defensive backs had solid technique in coverage in the first half, limiting the RedHawks to only five completions for 57 yards.
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
Trouble spots: Gophers DBs; Vikings OLs
The weekend provided the first full slate of games for every level, and for the two most prominent teams in the state the headline should read: "Angst and anger."Gophers fans are mad after a narrow win over a team from Ohio. Vikings fans are really mad after an overtime loss to a team from Ohio.
As for the angst, both teams had specific areas that were highlighted as either question marks or major concerns coming into the season, and this weekend magnified them.
Start with the 1-1 Gophers. The rush-and-cover tandem in pass defense has been a problem through two games. P.J. Fleck made upgrading his defensive line a priority this offseason by bringing in two graduate transfers to add to a mix of returning veterans. So far, that position's impact has been minimal, generating zero sacks in two games.
The front seven needs to create more pressure to help a secondary that has been susceptible to big plays. The Gophers already have allowed six touchdown passes (tied for 118th nationally) and nine completions that have netted at least 20 yards.
Starting cornerbacks Terell Smith and Coney Durr each allowed touchdown passes against Miami (Ohio) on Saturday. Both players were in position to make a play, but they didn't finish the deal.
Fleck talked Monday about the need to have better technique in those situations. He noted that his defensive backs had solid technique in coverage in the first half, limiting the RedHawks to only five completions for 57 yards.
Devastating football injury in northern Minnesota puts Gophers, Vikings angst in perspective
Football Across Minnesota: A weekly tour of our favorite fall sport brings out many emotions in its debut. And don't miss: game balls, big stats, best quotes, what's next and more.
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
