Defense

[gopherfield]

Being at the game, It seemed clear this loss was on the Defense. We knew they were young, but I didn't expect so many mistakes from this group which is more athletic than many past groups. Many of these obviously don't grasp yet their role, assignments, duties, schemes, etc. The offense was not perfect, but they did enough (including 28 2nd-half points which could have been even more). There were just so many blown assignments and guys out of position on defense. Backers and corners releasing receivers to safeties who weren't there, and then receivers running free on us. The 4th and 1 play on the fifty were the End (and the whole D) crashing down for run up the middle and the QB simply boot-legs out and jogs to the endzone untouched. Quick snap play for a touchdown where we weren't lined-up and out-of-position for the easy score. No containment when the QB would break the pocket, little pass rush all day, undisciplined on screen plays, etc, etc. USD is not a better team, or more athletic, etc. We just collectively did not play sound defense and guys weren't doing their jobs.

 

[Schnoodler]

It was endless. Great effort, but a complete lack of schematic discipline. Typical of freshman. Excusable for freshmen, but not for a Big Ten team in year four of the program. I know Theret and Royston would have made the difference. Royston is off the hook. But I hope Theret realizes his off field problems just probably cost Brewster and the staff their jobs.

 

[CentralGopher]

I guess I didn't see a great effort. I constantly saw guys standing around before the play was over. I saw our defensive linemen and linebackers completely giving up before the play was over. There was at least a couple of plays where we could have gotten a sack but the lineman quit because he thought the play was over or that the quaterback no longer had the ball. The guys just didn't keep fighting. Maybe they were tired after running after players who broke big plays all day but I don't think you should ever just give up and stand there. It was a complete lack of discipline and effort.

 

[cncmin]

I guess I didn't see a great effort. I constantly saw guys standing around before the play was over. I saw our defensive linemen and linebackers completely giving up before the play was over. There was at least a couple of plays where we could have gotten a sack but the lineman quit because he thought the play was over or that the quaterback no longer had the ball. The guys just didn't keep fighting. Maybe they were tired after running after players who broke big plays all day but I don't think you should ever just give up and stand there. It was a complete lack of discipline and effort.

You can see it in their mannerisms. The team has quit. They quit last year already. Lack of confidence in the coaching staff and in important teammates.

 

[MNRideorDieChick]

Maybe it's the coaches that have given up on the defensive players. There were very few substitutions yesterday. Doesn't seem like the coaches have confidence in the 2nd team guys. Looked like the first-team guys were lost and/or gased enough to warrant some changes.

 

[UpnorthGo4]

You guys are all wrong. The loss was on the offense. They should have scored 50 to 60 points without breaking a sweat. That is how Mason did it when he was coach. He would roll up huge amounts of yards and lots of points against inferior opponents and his defense would be as bad or worse than what we have now. The Gophers have a young and inexperienced defense that is handicapped by injuries and suspensions. The defensive showing in the first two games was entirely predictable. The offense simply did not play up to its capability.

 

[GopherGod]

You can see it in their mannerisms. The team has quit. They quit last year already. Lack of confidence in the coaching staff and in important teammates.

Unfortunately this wouldn't be the first defense that Cosgrove has had quit on him.

 

[maroon and gold]

Unfortunately this wouldn't be the first defense that Cosgrove has had quit on him.

Cosgrove is the problem. I work with a Nebraska fan(atical) who knows EVERYTHING about the Husker program. He alternated between fits of laughing and groaning when he heard that Cosgrove was coming to Minnesota. He predicted that our defense was about to get worse ... a lot worse.

Maybe Brewster/Maturi should fire Cosgrove on Monday.

 

[UpnorthGo4]

Cosgrove is the problem. I work with a Nebraska fan(atical) who knows EVERYTHING about the Husker program. He alternated between fits of laughing and groaning when he heard that Cosgrove was coming to Minnesota. He predicted that our defense was about to get worse ... a lot worse.

Maybe Brewster/Maturi should fire Cosgrove on Monday.

Not yet. Cosgrove's defenses are nowhere near as bad as Mason's defenses. He still has a ways to go before he gets falls that low.