Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Just as the show started I lost my internet connection. When I got the show back on the following was discussed:
1) Coach Kill had been talking about Donnell Kirkwood's injury and then he said, "David Cobb stepped up and we know what Roderick (Williams) can do."
2) Sid asked about the offensive line in the UNLV game: Kill responded, "Different type of game - punted (only) three times." Also, because of the kick-off return (Marcus Jones) to open the second half as well as turnovers that led to touchdowns (blocked field goal by Hageman and return by Shabazz and Brody-Calhoun's pick for a td) the offense spent a lot of time on the sidelines. Happy with the touchdowns, of course, but Kill would have liked to have seen the offense execute more than they did, especially in the 2nd half.
Kill also gave credit to UNLV and their play, "UNLV is a better team than last year . . . had everybody back . . . (UNLV has) a good coach."
Coach Kill finished the question alluding to the team's miscues in the game, "(Gophers) A lot more coachable after a game with UNLV."
3) Mona asked about backup quarterback, Mitch Leidner: He said Mitch did a good job executing the option. He also cited the play of the young 2nd line - Ben Lauer, Joe Bjorkland and Tommy Olson at center when Leidner was the QB.
4) Mona asked about the defensive backs. He said they went three deep in the game: Kill responded, "played without Derrick Wells - best defensive back." He also said they started two new corners that got better and better as the game went on.
Kill also mentioned UNLV running the no huddle offense which he expects to see a lot of in Big Ten play (specifically mentioned Northwestern) and next week against New Mexico State. Kill said, "More experience against the "no huddle offense" will be beneficial in the future."
5) Sid sang the praises of the team's orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Pat Smith (referencing Marcus Jones' return): Kill's response to Sid's comment, "It takes a team." He also was referring to the blocking on Jones' kickoff return. When talking about Marcus Jones, Kill said, "It couldn't happen to a better man, after all that he's gone through . . . good things happen to good people." Kill was talking about Jones' attitude and work ethic after suffering two ACL injuries and surgical repairs.
6) A fan in the State Fair audience asked about UNLV's 70% completion rate: Kill said the Rebels threw 50 passes and yet they averaged only 3.2 yards per catch, "More concerned about not giving up the big play . . . played two young corners that got better."
7) Another fan asked about the lack of penalties by the Gophers and what they do to prevent miscues in the games: "We had some ups and downs in camp and we address the mistakes immediately." He went on, "Don't beat yourself and you have a chance to win."
8) Dave asked about the play of Eric Murray (Mona was impressed): "He's going to be a great player. I think he'll play in the National Football League. . . . he got better and better . . . (adds) depth in secondary."
9) Sid asked about injuries: "Donnell is a big concern . . . got out of a boot yesterday. Berkley Edwards is a question mark (for next week's game) . . . Derrick Wells will be back . . . Drew Goodger hurt a knee (remained in the game) and was moving slowly (yesterday)." Kill said Goodger told him he'll be ready.
10) Sid asked if any freshmen played against UNLV: Kill replied, "Four or five . . . a couple on special teams . . . a lot of redshirt freshmen (saw action)."
Freshmen players mentioned as seeing the field: Donovahn Jones, Drew Wolitarsky and Hendrick Ekpe. Kill also said Eric Carter, Drew Wolitarsky and Donovahn Jones have to step it up as receivers. (Kill didn't sound overly pleased with the team's receiving in the UNLV game when he mentioned the three true freshmen, IMO.)
11) When asked about the blocked field goal and return for a touchdown by Shabazz: Kill replied, "We teach them what to do - "Scoop and Score." He also said they coach the kids and make sure they are aware of the rules.
12) Sid asked about Hageman's injury: Kill didn't sound too concerned about Hageman's injury early in the game. (Hageman continued to play through the "nick" and later blocked UNLV's field goal.) Kill talked about the heat and the toll it takes on the players, "Chasing can wear you out." He also said you have to fight to remain mentally focused in games of extreme heat.
13) Students at the game: Kill said, "Got an opportunity to visit with them (encouraging the students to attend the game) . . . must get a good product on the field (for the fans to show up) . . . kids had a great time."
14) Linebackers: "De'Vondre Campbell will play at the next level." He also cited Jack Lynn, Nick Rallis and Damien Wilson . . . "I think we'll get better." Overall, he sounded pleased with the linebackers; however, he mentioned Wilson was out of position on a run.
Go Gophers!!
1) Coach Kill had been talking about Donnell Kirkwood's injury and then he said, "David Cobb stepped up and we know what Roderick (Williams) can do."
2) Sid asked about the offensive line in the UNLV game: Kill responded, "Different type of game - punted (only) three times." Also, because of the kick-off return (Marcus Jones) to open the second half as well as turnovers that led to touchdowns (blocked field goal by Hageman and return by Shabazz and Brody-Calhoun's pick for a td) the offense spent a lot of time on the sidelines. Happy with the touchdowns, of course, but Kill would have liked to have seen the offense execute more than they did, especially in the 2nd half.
Kill also gave credit to UNLV and their play, "UNLV is a better team than last year . . . had everybody back . . . (UNLV has) a good coach."
Coach Kill finished the question alluding to the team's miscues in the game, "(Gophers) A lot more coachable after a game with UNLV."
3) Mona asked about backup quarterback, Mitch Leidner: He said Mitch did a good job executing the option. He also cited the play of the young 2nd line - Ben Lauer, Joe Bjorkland and Tommy Olson at center when Leidner was the QB.
4) Mona asked about the defensive backs. He said they went three deep in the game: Kill responded, "played without Derrick Wells - best defensive back." He also said they started two new corners that got better and better as the game went on.
Kill also mentioned UNLV running the no huddle offense which he expects to see a lot of in Big Ten play (specifically mentioned Northwestern) and next week against New Mexico State. Kill said, "More experience against the "no huddle offense" will be beneficial in the future."
5) Sid sang the praises of the team's orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Pat Smith (referencing Marcus Jones' return): Kill's response to Sid's comment, "It takes a team." He also was referring to the blocking on Jones' kickoff return. When talking about Marcus Jones, Kill said, "It couldn't happen to a better man, after all that he's gone through . . . good things happen to good people." Kill was talking about Jones' attitude and work ethic after suffering two ACL injuries and surgical repairs.
6) A fan in the State Fair audience asked about UNLV's 70% completion rate: Kill said the Rebels threw 50 passes and yet they averaged only 3.2 yards per catch, "More concerned about not giving up the big play . . . played two young corners that got better."
7) Another fan asked about the lack of penalties by the Gophers and what they do to prevent miscues in the games: "We had some ups and downs in camp and we address the mistakes immediately." He went on, "Don't beat yourself and you have a chance to win."
8) Dave asked about the play of Eric Murray (Mona was impressed): "He's going to be a great player. I think he'll play in the National Football League. . . . he got better and better . . . (adds) depth in secondary."
9) Sid asked about injuries: "Donnell is a big concern . . . got out of a boot yesterday. Berkley Edwards is a question mark (for next week's game) . . . Derrick Wells will be back . . . Drew Goodger hurt a knee (remained in the game) and was moving slowly (yesterday)." Kill said Goodger told him he'll be ready.
10) Sid asked if any freshmen played against UNLV: Kill replied, "Four or five . . . a couple on special teams . . . a lot of redshirt freshmen (saw action)."
Freshmen players mentioned as seeing the field: Donovahn Jones, Drew Wolitarsky and Hendrick Ekpe. Kill also said Eric Carter, Drew Wolitarsky and Donovahn Jones have to step it up as receivers. (Kill didn't sound overly pleased with the team's receiving in the UNLV game when he mentioned the three true freshmen, IMO.)
11) When asked about the blocked field goal and return for a touchdown by Shabazz: Kill replied, "We teach them what to do - "Scoop and Score." He also said they coach the kids and make sure they are aware of the rules.
12) Sid asked about Hageman's injury: Kill didn't sound too concerned about Hageman's injury early in the game. (Hageman continued to play through the "nick" and later blocked UNLV's field goal.) Kill talked about the heat and the toll it takes on the players, "Chasing can wear you out." He also said you have to fight to remain mentally focused in games of extreme heat.
13) Students at the game: Kill said, "Got an opportunity to visit with them (encouraging the students to attend the game) . . . must get a good product on the field (for the fans to show up) . . . kids had a great time."
14) Linebackers: "De'Vondre Campbell will play at the next level." He also cited Jack Lynn, Nick Rallis and Damien Wilson . . . "I think we'll get better." Overall, he sounded pleased with the linebackers; however, he mentioned Wilson was out of position on a run.
Go Gophers!!
