BleedGopher
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Per Wilson:
Minnesota has a run-heavy, ball-control offense that chews up clock and leaves its opponent with little margin for error. The Gophers are among the best and extending drives; their 52.1% conversion rate on third downs was the third-best mark in the country. Nebraska’s defense was exactly 100 spots lower, stopping offenses 42.4% of the time. Among Big Ten teams, only Indiana was worse at getting off the field.
“That’s the challenge,” Rhule said. “If you ask me, ‘Hey coach, what’s a game come down to?’ Besides the turnovers and the obvious things, can we win some third downs against a team that does it really well?"
As for how the Huskers can do that, they left some hints in last year’s November game against Minnesota.
The 2022 Gophers racked up yards behind thousand-yard rusher Mohamed Ibrahim and a big, powerful offensive line. Their ability to push forward kept their third downs to a manageable distance.
Buoyed by three sacks that set the Gophers back 26 yards, Nebraska limited Minnesota to 2.8 yards per attempt. The Gophers were 3-for-11 on third down and their average distance from the sticks was 6.45 yards. Six of their eight failed attempts were on plays in which the quarterback — first Tanner Morgan, then Athan Kaliakmanis after the starter was injured — at least dropped back to pass. All three they converted in the 20-13 victory were on the ground from either one or two yards away.
journalstar.com
Go Gophers!!
Minnesota has a run-heavy, ball-control offense that chews up clock and leaves its opponent with little margin for error. The Gophers are among the best and extending drives; their 52.1% conversion rate on third downs was the third-best mark in the country. Nebraska’s defense was exactly 100 spots lower, stopping offenses 42.4% of the time. Among Big Ten teams, only Indiana was worse at getting off the field.
“That’s the challenge,” Rhule said. “If you ask me, ‘Hey coach, what’s a game come down to?’ Besides the turnovers and the obvious things, can we win some third downs against a team that does it really well?"
As for how the Huskers can do that, they left some hints in last year’s November game against Minnesota.
The 2022 Gophers racked up yards behind thousand-yard rusher Mohamed Ibrahim and a big, powerful offensive line. Their ability to push forward kept their third downs to a manageable distance.
Buoyed by three sacks that set the Gophers back 26 yards, Nebraska limited Minnesota to 2.8 yards per attempt. The Gophers were 3-for-11 on third down and their average distance from the sticks was 6.45 yards. Six of their eight failed attempts were on plays in which the quarterback — first Tanner Morgan, then Athan Kaliakmanis after the starter was injured — at least dropped back to pass. All three they converted in the 20-13 victory were on the ground from either one or two yards away.
The 'gritty' area that could decide Nebraska's Week 1 fate? Third down
There's an area Matt Rhule feels could decide Nebraska's season opener. It's third down, and the Huskers are emphasizing its importance.
Go Gophers!!