ESPN: Brighter days are ahead for Claeys.

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BleedGopher

BleedGopher

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per ESPN:

What the loss means for Minnesota: It was another punch in the gut for the Gophers, who have lost four in a row for the first time since 2011, Kill's first season. Much has happened since then, highlighted by a pair of eight-win seasons. Despite its 4-6 record, with just one win in league play and dimming bowl hopes, the Gophers are in a much better place they were than four years ago. They've simply worn down this year because of injuries and the emotional toll of Kill's departure. Brighter days are ahead for Claeys.

http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post...ent-minnesota-to-extend-perfect-start-to-10-0

Go Gophers!!
 

Nonsense. This team isn't worn down. Just not our year.
 

Worn down due to injuries, yes. Not so much emotionally on Coach Kill's departure.
 

I agree 100%. This is a team that has been destroyed by injury and still has been very good against 3 top 20 teams in a row. The quality depth they now have is amazing when compared to anything we've seen in the last forty years. If Claeys can continue to build upon the start Kill has given him, the program Will flourish under him.
 

Who will we miss the most next year ?

KJ Maye
Campion

D
BBC
Cockran
Campbell
 


BarnBoy said:
Who will we miss the most next year ?

KJ Maye
Campion

D
BBC
Cockran
Campbell
Click to expand...

Alex Keith probably more than anyone you listed. Keith has been really really solid most of the year. BBC will be missed but the DB group has some depth. Can't say that about the DE position as much
 

KJ Maye Yes
Campion No couldn't stay healthy.

D
BBC Yes.
Cockran No, over hyped.
Campbell Sometimes

--------------------------------------------------

KJ Maye -Eric Carter/Dredrick Snelson
Campion -Quinn Oseland

D
BBC - Myrick/James/Hardin
Cockran -Webber/Elmore
Campbell -Celestin/Coughlin
 





The whole point of building a program is getting to a point where you have quality depth, and have good young players waiting in the wings to replace the seniors. The Gophers aren't there yet, but IF this staff can put two good recruiting classes back-to-back, I can see them being in position to really take a step forward in the next few years.
 

We will have FAR more experience on the depth chart going forward because all these kids
have gotten thrown into the fire.
 

short ornery norwegian said:
The whole point of building a program is getting to a point where you have quality depth, and have good young players waiting in the wings to replace the seniors. The Gophers aren't there yet, but IF this staff can put two good recruiting classes back-to-back, I can see them being in position to really take a step forward in the next few years.
Click to expand...

I think they are closer than we've been in a long time, and because of the injuries this year, I think they leaped forward in depth for a few positions in particular. Injuries to the DB's and the LB's have allowed players like Julian Huff, Celestin, Ayinde, McGhee, and even Hardin to gain some valuable experience.

On the positive side, two players that are leaving after this year won't quite be the major losses that they were expected to be by this time. Campbell and Cockran are definitely solid defensive players but I think it's safe to say that expectations for both of them were CONSIDERABLY higher than what they actually achieved. The pieces are there to replace Campbell, but with Cockran AND Keith leaving after this year, there certainly is a hole at DE, or at the very least not a lot of depth.

Murray and BBC would be monumental losses for most teams but the depth at DB is fortunately really strong right now and the strength at Safety (especially with Rogers and Travis hopefully getting medical RS) will soften that blow even more.

DL line depth is still a big concern. For some reason I've been thinking that Scott Ekpe was a SR (only a JR) so the starters in Ekpe and Richardson will be strong, just not sure what's behind them at this point.
 

Underrated senior class. Every single player that's a senior on the roster has played significant snaps. I find that a bit amazing. Lots of shoes to fill.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 



MaxyJR1 said:
Underrated senior class. Every single player that's a senior on the roster has played significant snaps. I find that a bit amazing. Lots of shoes to fill.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Also think about contributions in 2013 and 2014
 


I think we have a lot to be optimistic about on the offensive side, especially the "skill position players".

Percentage of rushing yards by class:
Senior - 10%
Junior - 13%
Sophomore - 3%
Freshman - 74%

Percentage of receiving yards by class:
Senior - 31%
Junior - 19%
Sophomore - 32%
Freshman - 18%

Total rushing and receiving:
Senior - 23%
Junior - 16%
Sophomore - 21%
Freshman - 40%

61% of our rushing and receiving yards have come from underclassmen. Over 75% of the yardage will return next year.
 

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