I hope I am wrong but don't think we can stop Wisconsin's run game

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I am not really sure where this thread is at or where it has been but I remember saying words to this affect prior to the Nebraska game, and I think it rings true for our next game.

To date, Wisconsin's best wins are Iowa and well probably BYU. Now, I think the Badgers are a pretty darn good football team but if the Gophers play a solid game in all three phases, offense, defense and special teams we have a legitimate shot a beating them at home at TCF.
Go Gophers!!!
 


Nort73 said:
Indiana has done two things wrong that we don't normally do. Turn the ball over and have costly penalties. Their LBs are also playing the majority of the game in the wrong gaps and making terrible reads as well. The weather has played right into Wisconsin's hands as well.

Wisconsin will get their rushing yards against us, but we will fare a hell of a lot better than Indiana. IMO. Hope I'm not wrong either.
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Agree. It was also when they began relying on run blitzes (which were entirely ineffective) that all hope was lost, as selling-out on the blitz like that and against the run of all things is always the option of last resort and the hallmark of a truly desperate team. It's a recipe for disaster, such that even when Indiana ran the run blitz, Sconnies backs would usually be entirely untouched all the way into the second level of the defense. Ugly, ugly, ugly....

They're going to get their rushing yards, that much is for certain, but that hardly makes them an unbeatable team. What I hope to see us do is simply accept the fact we're going to give up some yards on the ground and maintain and stay in a conventional defense as opposed to falling into desperation blitzing tactics like Indiana did, and just stick to the fundamentals. Stay disciplined, maintain your gaps, and fricken tackle for God's sake when you've got the opportunity to do so. I cannot even begin to count the number of half-hearted arm tackles and missed tackles altogether that Indiana had yesterday, and that is a result of their own doing rather than anything Sconnie was doing. You fail to tackle time after time after time again, well, that's your own fault, and 51-3 the kind of result which happens because of that.

Extremely discouraging for Indiana, but that has nothing to do with us, as in my opinion, defensively we are much more fundamentally well-rounded and sound as a whole than they are, and I do still believe we can beat Wisconsin
 

maroonedinCA said:
I'm a diehard Gopher fan, have been since I was born and have been since I graduated from the U. I'm also realistic and not prone to throwing out platitudes.
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BS. BS. BS.
Honestly, after abiding your crap in other threads, it's painfully obvious you are a wisky fan now.
Go cheer for your beloved and sacred red and white.
I'll be the obvious dumbass gopher fan screaming blood for a win against our blood rivals from the east.
You cannot be a gopher fan, because everything you say negates everything even a casual mn fan should understand. WI is our rival, to whom we will not surrender, ever.
F Wisconsin forever. Ski U Mah
 

MNSpaniel said:
I really hope I am wrong but I don't see us stopping Wisconsin's run game. We have to some how stack up the fullback before he can get to our linebackers. Then we might have a chance to slow them down.
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Don't get me wrong - I want to destroy Wisconsin next Saturday. Unfortunately, you are right. They will score on us... almost at will. We have to score with them, and win the turnover battle by at least 2 to win - or have substituting special teams TDs.

I'm really not trying to be Debbie downer Minnesotan... but we have beaten 4 teams straight that could have beaten us, and not on a fluke. Wisconsin is leaving no doubt that they are the better team, no matter the day, against most teams they face. Can we beat them? Absolutely. Is it probable? No. I like us more (and I'd still put it at less than 25%) against Mich St. Wisconsin is a top level team this year. We are an upper mid level team. They should beat us, probably handily. And if we do lose, I recognize that we are making great strides, even if they beat us 100-0. If we beat them, then no one will argue with me that we are making great strides. It is what it is. I'm ready for a loss, and hoping the rivalry will shove an H-bomb up our collective arses and prove me wrong.
 


jaymil said:
They will get their yards, we just can't give them the 30, 40, and 70 yard runs. Those are devastating. Make them work up and down the field and have to convert some third downs through the air, and hope Stave is shaky and makes some mistakes. We don't have to completely shut down their run game to win the game. There are other options, we've seen it our past 4 games.
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Play man on the WRs. No other choice. Try to make Stavi beat you. They will score points either way, but the pass, particularly in the cold, reduces their chances.
 

The Gophers don't matchup well at all with Wisconsin. With that said, we need to sustain long 7 or 8 minute drives to shorten the game. We limit their possessions, we increase our chances of winning.
 

I have always wondered if we should play 5 down linemen against Wisconsin. Have a lineman over each o-lineman to follow those pulling guards. It eliminates double teams and wouldn't be something they scheme for nor have faced before.
 

In watching the two teams yesterday I think we have a better chance against Michigan St. than we do Wisconsin. I don't know why Michigan St. is rated higher than Wisconsin. Wisconsin has been blowing people away and Michigan St. has to that extent.
 



The Gophers have a better shot of beating Wisconsin, then they do Michigan State. i don't see us winning in East lansing period.
 

ToddisGahd said:
My reading comprehension is just fine, thanks. He was talking about how we're loving being in the Leaders division. My point is it doesn't matter. We beat Iowa and Northwestern handedly. We play Minnesota. That leaves three teams left. We'd run the train on Nebraska and Michigan.

That leaves MSU. And I wish we played them this year, because I think we are 2a and 2b in the conference. Would be a great game, as always.

I actually wish we were in the legends division this year. We'd be one of the two favorites to win and I think we would beat OSU about 40% of the time on a neutral field. In short, being in the legends division, with four mediocre teams, a dumpster fire and an equal would improve our chances at the Rose Bowl.

Thankfully that will (sort of) be the case moving forward.
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His point was that the Leaders division is extremely weak this year and because of that, Wisconsin has not had to play a lot of tough games this year. Like I said in my previous post, no where did he say Wisconsin would be scared to play in the Legends division and nowhere did he say that the Legends division was some super-division or anything.
 

I'm just glad that Legends and Leaders are dead.
 

Wisconsin fans have been conditioned to come here with their ugly red pullovers, drink beer, and watch their team dominate. Nothing would make me happier than giving them a strong dog fight. We beat Nebraska because we got physical for 60 minutes and that got into their heads. They were conditioned to do nothing but win and they couldn't mentally recover when they saw they were getting beat. That's exactly what I want with Wisconsin's team. Be physical, be close at half time, and then come out strong in the second half. Even if they win, I want their fans to be disappointed (see Michigan) and have the nation cast doubts they are ready for the BCS. We can't win on talent, we win this game because we came for the physical fight and we put Wisconsin in a mental position they weren't ready for.
 



MZBKA said:
We played toe-to-toe with Indiana Indiana is losing 37-3.

It doesn't look like we can realistically hope to 1. score on the Wisconsin D or 2. stop Wisconsin from scoring. I agree with the OP: It's not looking good.
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The transient theory doesn't apply to football. Just because A beats B and B beats C doesn't mean A will beat C.
 

Gold Vision said:
The defense is scarier than their run game to me. UW is by far the best team we have played this year.
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Totally agree. Everyone focuses on their running game which as usual is very strong but their defense has been shutting teams down all season. Look at the conference only stats and you will see our next two opponents at or near the top in every defensive category. Our offense is going to have to figure out a way to put up some points but that has not been an easy thing to do against MSU or Wisconsin to this point in the season.
 

Ole said:
BS. BS. BS.
Honestly, after abiding your crap in other threads, it's painfully obvious you are a wisky fan now.
Go cheer for your beloved and sacred red and white.
I'll be the obvious dumbass gopher fan screaming blood for a win against our blood rivals from the east.
You cannot be a gopher fan, because everything you say negates everything even a casual mn fan should understand. WI is our rival, to whom we will not surrender, ever.
F Wisconsin forever. Ski U Mah[/

I'll second this.
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Gold Vision said:
The defense is scarier than their run game to me. UW is by far the best team we have played this year.
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Probably true - they have an excellent coaching staff and a 20-year winning tradition with lots of seniors. Still, in college ball, you never know...
 

Their beefcake OL are averaging around 320 lbs each of immovable objects. They'll make any RB and QB look good. Put Cobb, Williams, and Kirkwood behind those behemoths, and I'll not be surprised if they gain lots of yardage. How many of their RBs in the NFL last a long time, or are game breakers? I would venture to think that most of them become ordinary RBs against much higher level of competition.

BTW, how did we miss on Tyler Marz from Springfield MN? Beau Allen I can understand there was no way he wasn't going to sign with Wisconsin. Coach Kill need to lock down the borders in recruiting.

What is more scary is their much improved defense.

Am I worried that the Gophers can't stop Wisconsin? Yes. Is it impossible to beat them? No. The Gophers have to play a flawless game with heart to have a chance, and never say never.
 

hungan1 said:
Am I worried that the Gophers can't stop Wisconsin? Yes. Is it impossible to beat them? No. The Gophers have to play a flawless game with heart to have a chance, and never say never.
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Sheesh, they're not that good. They're a fine team and will be a stiff test, but I wouldn't toss in the towel if we had a couple of early miscues. Remember what happened after our last bye week? Looked like a different team to me. Confident. Determined. Sparked a 4-game streak where we've gone from a season of despair (bandwagon had lots of extra seats) to nationally ranked. If we healed up during the bye week, had an extra week to game plan, I like our chances of looking good this week.
 




killme said:
Sheesh, they're not that good. They're a fine team and will be a stiff test, but I wouldn't toss in the towel if we had a couple of early miscues. Remember what happened after our last bye week? Looked like a different team to me. Confident. Determined. Sparked a 4-game streak where we've gone from a season of despair (bandwagon had lots of extra seats) to nationally ranked. If we healed up during the bye week, had an extra week to game plan, I like our chances of looking good this week.
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What kind of razzamatazz might Claeys and Limegrover ring up for this one? The bye week came at a great time and the challenge will be a good one, but I like that the team had a chance to dissect the Badgers blocking schemes and defense. Vereen and Murray have been playing very well. If those two can take care of the wide outs, the Gophers can sneak a safety up to stop the run.
 

MZBKA said:
This.

The Wisconsin beat Indiana shows -- if nothing else -- how good its defense can be.
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Or even more likely, how a heavy underdog, one with a damaged psyche already, can quit when things go against them so very early in the game.
 

Bull bleep

MNSpaniel said:
I really hope I am wrong but I don't see us stopping Wisconsin's run game. We have to some how stack up the fullback before he can get to our linebackers. Then we might have a chance to slow them down.
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We can and we will stop the Wisconsin running game. Those that think it is not possible are the ones that have already lost. This Wisconsin Offensive line is not near as talented or as good as past groups. They can be beat by quickness and
by playing with correct leverage and not letting there fullbacks and tight ends get to the next level. You let them sit on you and just maul you then ya they will rip you a new one.
The Gophers can beat this team with defense not just scheme, our guys will be up to the physical challenge for this game.
 

Iceland12 said:
Or even more likely, how a heavy underdog, one with a damaged psyche already, can quit when things go against them so very early in the game.
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...against a big, physical team.
 

gopherdudepart2 Reply

"...This Wisconsin Offensive line is not near as talented or as good as past groups..."

Facts STRONGLY suggest otherwise. Depth might be missing relative to some of those past groups but, were you correct, it would be a case of splitting hairs. That line is really good.

"... They can be beat by quickness and by playing with correct leverage..."

D-lines that can maintain leverage and technique will cause anybody problems. Good offensive opponents put relentless pressure on defenses to maintain perfect technique and leverage. Miss even once and it's likely exploited.

In the end, though, our line doesn't have to be as good as the past. Just good enough this Saturday. We'll see.
 

Gophers are a ball control time of possesion team also.

bendbadgersteve said:
"...This Wisconsin Offensive line is not near as talented or as good as past groups..."

Facts STRONGLY suggest otherwise. Depth might be missing relative to some of those past groups but, were you correct, it would be a case of splitting hairs. That line is really good.

"... They can be beat by quickness and by playing with correct leverage..."

D-lines that can maintain leverage and technique will cause anybody problems. Good offensive opponents put relentless pressure on defenses to maintain perfect technique and leverage. Miss even once and it's likely exploited.

In the end, though, our line doesn't have to be as good as the past. Just good enough this Saturday. We'll see.
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If we hog the ball(we have a good O-line and finally a Big 10 caliber back) and time of possession like we are want to do than the Badger line doesn't get a chance to have the football that much then it is a moot point. I recognize the Badgers are a good football team I don't underestimate that team, just think everyone is taking the Gophers lightly and giving them no credit. I can easily see the Gophers competing and yes even possibly winning Saturday. This game is not going to be a blow out as the line would suggest. Never underestimate a rival playing with confidence and a chip on their shoulder at home. That and this isn't the Metrodome days your not going to see 20,000 Badger fans in TCF stadium. What the Wisconsin linebacker say's in the Star Tribune, cut's both way's, our Seniors do not want to be the last class in a decade that doesn't hold the Axe and are just as determined to win the dang thing as your guy's are to hold on to it. This is going to be tough hard fought Big 10 football game make no mistake about that, it is not going to be easy for either team to blow the other side out.
 

gopherdudepart2 said:
If we hog the ball(we have a good O-line and finally a Big 10 caliber back) and time of possession like we are want to do than the Badger line doesn't get a chance to have the football that much then it is a moot point.
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The odds that Minnesota is able to hog the ball better than Wisconsin are quite slim. Wisconsin has a better running game and a better defense. Wisconsin's rush defense is elite. To beat them you have to be able to throw the ball all over the field (see braxton miller)
 

What do you think we the Gophers have been doing lately

cmart102 said:
The odds that Minnesota is able to hog the ball better than Wisconsin are quite slim. Wisconsin has a better running game and a better defense. Wisconsin's rush defense is elite. To beat them you have to be able to throw the ball all over the field (see braxton miller)
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Yeah Nelson has just been sitting back there and running the ball we have not had any kind of passing game lately even though we are second in pass efficiency the last 4 games in the conference. We are at about the same level of time of possession this season as the Badgers 34 minutes average to 35 minutes for them.
Gophers can move the football with multiple weapons. I keep hearing from Badger fans that the Gophers are a lesser team on Saturday, we shall see. We have one common opponent Iowa, and our loss was not a blowout like others seem to think. Our QB Nelson was coming off hamstring injury and was off the whole game. He missed three wide open receivers that would have been touch downs. It is not like Iowa rammed the ball down our throats we were in that game the first Big test of the year until the fourth quarter and our defense did a pretty good job of adjusting at halftime and putting up stops. Our Guys were able to hold and force punts and field goals. I see your team is good but I belive our team is up to the challenge and we are getting slighted. We have every right as Gopher fans to feel our team can win the Axe just as the Badgers are confident they will roll. That is why the game is still to be played. Just don't be shocked when our mere lowly Gophers actually show up and play one heck of a football game. Gophers have improved a lot as the season has wore on and it is no FLUKE.
 

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