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Highs and Lows for Gophers from Ohio and Looking Ahead to Northwestern
By Luke Gildemeister
http://www.gopherhole.com/news_article/show/558684?referrer_id=
The circumstances may be extremely different, but the Golden Gophers’ record (3-1) resembles what many fans and analysts predicted it to be at this point. Minnesota narrowly defeated the Ohio Bobcats 27-24 on Saturday in front of an announced sellout homecoming crowd at TCF Bank Stadium. The Gophers now await Big Ten conference play starting Oct. 3 when they travel to Evanston, Ill. to face Northwestern. Here are some highs and lows following the narrow victory:
Highs
-Mitch Leidner continues to get the job done. Not only did he throw for a career-high 264 yards, but Leidner also led the Gophers on what proved to be a game-winning, 78-yard drive late in the fourth quarter. The drive culminated in freshman Shannon Brooks’ 3-yard run to give the Gophers the lead. The defense (barely) held on to close out the game. Despite heavy criticism and some questionable throwing decisions, he has proven that he can lead his teammates to score much-needed points when the pressure is on. Hopefully his psyche is sound for next Saturday, when he will face a Northwestern defense that currently ranks third in the Big Ten in passing defense.
-Freshmen Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks look like they can provide the Gophers with a respectable running duo heading into Big Ten play. Smith handled the primary role well, rushing 16 times for 94 yards. Brooks finished with the following stat line: 10 carries, 82 yards, and two touchdowns. What should offer even more encouragement is that Smith and Brooks both broke long runs of 30 and 40 yards, respectively. The banged-up offensive line will need to continue to open up holes for the Georgia-born duo to succeed, but Saturday provided a glimpse of what has the potential to be the best Gopher running duo since Laurence Maroney and Marion Barber III.
Lows
-The injury bug seems to be plaguing this team. Yes, injuries will happen in football. But the number of hurting bodies is staggering. Among those injured against Ohio: Safety Antonio Johnson, cornerback Briean Boddy-Calhoun, linebacker Cody Poock, cornerback KiAnte Hardin and wide receiver Drew Wolitarsky. And don’t forget about offensive linemen Ben Lauer and Jon Christenson, who were injured prior to the Ohio game. Only time will tell how much these injuries will disturb the narrative of this season, but the Gophers’ depth at numerous positions will undeniably be tested in Big Ten play. Look for multiple underclassmen to step up while the others get healthy. Unfortunately for Minnesota, a much-needed weekend off won’t come until Oct. 24.
-The turnover margin is a glaring error that will need to be fixed immediately. The Gophers fumbled an unimaginable six times against Ohio. After four games Minnesota has a turnover margin of -2, which ranks 10th in the 14-team Big Ten. Minnesota has won its three games by a combined spread of just nine points. If the Gophers want to continue winning close games, taking care of the football should be of the upmost importance.
By Luke Gildemeister
http://www.gopherhole.com/news_article/show/558684?referrer_id=
The circumstances may be extremely different, but the Golden Gophers’ record (3-1) resembles what many fans and analysts predicted it to be at this point. Minnesota narrowly defeated the Ohio Bobcats 27-24 on Saturday in front of an announced sellout homecoming crowd at TCF Bank Stadium. The Gophers now await Big Ten conference play starting Oct. 3 when they travel to Evanston, Ill. to face Northwestern. Here are some highs and lows following the narrow victory:
Highs
-Mitch Leidner continues to get the job done. Not only did he throw for a career-high 264 yards, but Leidner also led the Gophers on what proved to be a game-winning, 78-yard drive late in the fourth quarter. The drive culminated in freshman Shannon Brooks’ 3-yard run to give the Gophers the lead. The defense (barely) held on to close out the game. Despite heavy criticism and some questionable throwing decisions, he has proven that he can lead his teammates to score much-needed points when the pressure is on. Hopefully his psyche is sound for next Saturday, when he will face a Northwestern defense that currently ranks third in the Big Ten in passing defense.
-Freshmen Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks look like they can provide the Gophers with a respectable running duo heading into Big Ten play. Smith handled the primary role well, rushing 16 times for 94 yards. Brooks finished with the following stat line: 10 carries, 82 yards, and two touchdowns. What should offer even more encouragement is that Smith and Brooks both broke long runs of 30 and 40 yards, respectively. The banged-up offensive line will need to continue to open up holes for the Georgia-born duo to succeed, but Saturday provided a glimpse of what has the potential to be the best Gopher running duo since Laurence Maroney and Marion Barber III.
Lows
-The injury bug seems to be plaguing this team. Yes, injuries will happen in football. But the number of hurting bodies is staggering. Among those injured against Ohio: Safety Antonio Johnson, cornerback Briean Boddy-Calhoun, linebacker Cody Poock, cornerback KiAnte Hardin and wide receiver Drew Wolitarsky. And don’t forget about offensive linemen Ben Lauer and Jon Christenson, who were injured prior to the Ohio game. Only time will tell how much these injuries will disturb the narrative of this season, but the Gophers’ depth at numerous positions will undeniably be tested in Big Ten play. Look for multiple underclassmen to step up while the others get healthy. Unfortunately for Minnesota, a much-needed weekend off won’t come until Oct. 24.
-The turnover margin is a glaring error that will need to be fixed immediately. The Gophers fumbled an unimaginable six times against Ohio. After four games Minnesota has a turnover margin of -2, which ranks 10th in the 14-team Big Ten. Minnesota has won its three games by a combined spread of just nine points. If the Gophers want to continue winning close games, taking care of the football should be of the upmost importance.