Summary report of coach Kill's responses on today's Sports Huddle:
1) Yesterday's victory: "Number one, happy for the kids." "Coaching staff did a great job." Matt Limegrover trying hard to find ways to get Gray comfortable at quarterback and what he can do. "We've cut back instead of adding (making it simpler for the player(s), Gray)."
2) Marqueis Gray: "Gray has to correct things in throwing the ball . . . has big hands squeezing the ball (causing release problems) . . . missed three passes in critical situations . . . getting more comfortable."
3) Special teams: Need to step up special teams play and get better in the kicking game (referenced missed PAT). Cited Duane Bennett on his blocked punt and said LaMonte Edwards played a big part in the blocked punt by blocking an opposing player that opened a lane for Bennett. They practice blocked punt efforts continually and have averaged about four blocked punts per year. Credited special teams coach Jay Sawvel.
4) Sid said they put pressure on the Miami QB: Kill responded by saying, "Couldn't catch him. Like watching the movie Rocky chasing that chicken." (Referred to late game scrambles - one that led to a Red Hawk touchdown.)
5) John Rabe (TE): "John Rabe did a nice job." (Caught the TD pass.) He is recovering from a knee injury that he sustained in fall camp.
6) Offensive line: "I'll know more after I study some film." "We're not physically strong." Donnell Kirkwood stepped up. He's a strong physical player. "We don't have a physical mentality."
7) Tommy Olson catching two kick-offs: Rather see Stoudermire returning the kicks . . . Olson has good hands and protected the ball. Anytime you start at your 30-35 yard lline you're in a good position to start a drive.
8) Praised the student section. They were loud, especially when it counted at game's end. They deserve much credit in preserving the win; made it difficult for the opposing quarterback.
9) Asked if they played a lot of freshman: He said he honestly didn't know. "We're playing a few and want to redshirt some. We'll know more this week (who they'll redshirt)."
10) Moulton: "He made a nice play. He's learning the game." We've got a lot of players with little game experience.
11) Penalties: Not happy. Anxious to see film and the calls made by the officials (five men in the backfield, illegal formation. Apparently the call was made on an interior lineman.)
12) DBs: Safety is the eighth man in the box and must tackle like a linebacker. Cited Stoudermire and his interception . . . Stoudermire is knocking the rust off.
13) Short passes: Trying for early success for the QB. We started slow in the first two games and wanted start the game fast against Miami of Ohio.
14) Health-related issues: "I'm fortunate . . . it's a frustrating process." Cited medical staff, Dr. Pat Smith (team physician), and his wife Rebecca for their invaluable help.
Go Gophers!!
1) Yesterday's victory: "Number one, happy for the kids." "Coaching staff did a great job." Matt Limegrover trying hard to find ways to get Gray comfortable at quarterback and what he can do. "We've cut back instead of adding (making it simpler for the player(s), Gray)."
2) Marqueis Gray: "Gray has to correct things in throwing the ball . . . has big hands squeezing the ball (causing release problems) . . . missed three passes in critical situations . . . getting more comfortable."
3) Special teams: Need to step up special teams play and get better in the kicking game (referenced missed PAT). Cited Duane Bennett on his blocked punt and said LaMonte Edwards played a big part in the blocked punt by blocking an opposing player that opened a lane for Bennett. They practice blocked punt efforts continually and have averaged about four blocked punts per year. Credited special teams coach Jay Sawvel.
4) Sid said they put pressure on the Miami QB: Kill responded by saying, "Couldn't catch him. Like watching the movie Rocky chasing that chicken." (Referred to late game scrambles - one that led to a Red Hawk touchdown.)
5) John Rabe (TE): "John Rabe did a nice job." (Caught the TD pass.) He is recovering from a knee injury that he sustained in fall camp.
6) Offensive line: "I'll know more after I study some film." "We're not physically strong." Donnell Kirkwood stepped up. He's a strong physical player. "We don't have a physical mentality."
7) Tommy Olson catching two kick-offs: Rather see Stoudermire returning the kicks . . . Olson has good hands and protected the ball. Anytime you start at your 30-35 yard lline you're in a good position to start a drive.
8) Praised the student section. They were loud, especially when it counted at game's end. They deserve much credit in preserving the win; made it difficult for the opposing quarterback.
9) Asked if they played a lot of freshman: He said he honestly didn't know. "We're playing a few and want to redshirt some. We'll know more this week (who they'll redshirt)."
10) Moulton: "He made a nice play. He's learning the game." We've got a lot of players with little game experience.
11) Penalties: Not happy. Anxious to see film and the calls made by the officials (five men in the backfield, illegal formation. Apparently the call was made on an interior lineman.)
12) DBs: Safety is the eighth man in the box and must tackle like a linebacker. Cited Stoudermire and his interception . . . Stoudermire is knocking the rust off.
13) Short passes: Trying for early success for the QB. We started slow in the first two games and wanted start the game fast against Miami of Ohio.
14) Health-related issues: "I'm fortunate . . . it's a frustrating process." Cited medical staff, Dr. Pat Smith (team physician), and his wife Rebecca for their invaluable help.
Go Gophers!!
