Gopher028
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http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/88759/gophers-gaining-respect-in-the-big-ten
If there was any doubt that Minnesota is evolving into a balanced offense, that was put to rest in the 24-10 win over Penn State.
The Nittany Lions stacked the box early against the Gophers, dared them to pass -- and then watched Minnesota quarterback Philip Nelson respond in a big way. The sophomore was 12-of-18 for 165 yards by halftime, helped his team score on their first four drives and then watched tailback David Cobb take over the second half.
This marked the Gophers' fourth straight win in Big Ten play, the first time that occurred since 1973, about two decades before Penn State even joined the conference. The Gophers are now 8-2, one of the more unlikely eight-win teams in the BCS, and they haven't been eliminated from the Big Ten title race just yet.
Minnesota earned the Governor's Victory Bell as a result but, more importantly, the Gophers are finally starting to earn respect in the Big Ten.
Where the game was won: Through the air. As unlikely as it might've sounded before the game, Minnesota's run-heavy offense decided to pass early and often against a struggling Penn State secondary. It was, statistically, the second-best passing performance on the season for Minnesota. The running game took off in the second half, but it was during that pass-happy first half where Minnesota scored its 24 points.
The game was over when ... : Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg fumbled the snap just 1-yard shy of the end zone with less than seven minutes left to play. Minnesota linebacker James Manuel fell on the ball, and that put an end to Penn State's comeback hopes. The Nittany Lions trailed 24-10, and a touchdown would've given them life. But that fumble put the game out of reach.
What it means for Minnesota: The Gophers are making their case to be considered one of the better teams in the Big Ten. They're still behind the likes of Ohio State and Michigan State, but Minnesota and Wisconsin certainly seem to be the best teams behind them. Minnesota could find itself in a decent bowl for a change, as this is the best squad it's fielded in at least the last decade.
What it means for Penn State: Complementary football, something Bill O'Brien stresses, isn't coming easy for Penn State. The offense played OK in the first half, while the defense was dominated. And those roles were reversed in the second half -- the defense shut out Minnesota, but the offense didn't score. Expectations this season were around seven or eight wins, and that's far from a guarantee now.
If there was any doubt that Minnesota is evolving into a balanced offense, that was put to rest in the 24-10 win over Penn State.
The Nittany Lions stacked the box early against the Gophers, dared them to pass -- and then watched Minnesota quarterback Philip Nelson respond in a big way. The sophomore was 12-of-18 for 165 yards by halftime, helped his team score on their first four drives and then watched tailback David Cobb take over the second half.
This marked the Gophers' fourth straight win in Big Ten play, the first time that occurred since 1973, about two decades before Penn State even joined the conference. The Gophers are now 8-2, one of the more unlikely eight-win teams in the BCS, and they haven't been eliminated from the Big Ten title race just yet.
Minnesota earned the Governor's Victory Bell as a result but, more importantly, the Gophers are finally starting to earn respect in the Big Ten.
Where the game was won: Through the air. As unlikely as it might've sounded before the game, Minnesota's run-heavy offense decided to pass early and often against a struggling Penn State secondary. It was, statistically, the second-best passing performance on the season for Minnesota. The running game took off in the second half, but it was during that pass-happy first half where Minnesota scored its 24 points.
The game was over when ... : Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg fumbled the snap just 1-yard shy of the end zone with less than seven minutes left to play. Minnesota linebacker James Manuel fell on the ball, and that put an end to Penn State's comeback hopes. The Nittany Lions trailed 24-10, and a touchdown would've given them life. But that fumble put the game out of reach.
What it means for Minnesota: The Gophers are making their case to be considered one of the better teams in the Big Ten. They're still behind the likes of Ohio State and Michigan State, but Minnesota and Wisconsin certainly seem to be the best teams behind them. Minnesota could find itself in a decent bowl for a change, as this is the best squad it's fielded in at least the last decade.
What it means for Penn State: Complementary football, something Bill O'Brien stresses, isn't coming easy for Penn State. The offense played OK in the first half, while the defense was dominated. And those roles were reversed in the second half -- the defense shut out Minnesota, but the offense didn't score. Expectations this season were around seven or eight wins, and that's far from a guarantee now.