BleedGopher
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2008
- Messages
- 61,974
- Reaction score
- 18,168
- Points
- 113
per Sandell:
Positives
Defense
Solid defense is once again serving as the Gophers' backbone. Even in the loss to TCU, Minnesota was more a victim of a bad field position and a stagnant offense than breakdowns on the defensive side. The Gophers are tied for second in the FBS in takeaways, having registered seven interceptions and six fumble recoveries. Senior defensive tackle Cameron Botticelli has helped stabilize a defensive front line that has had to deal with numerous
Minnesota has talked highly about its secondary and so far the unit has lived up to the hype. Cornerback Eric Murray continues to be one of the team's best defensive threats, particularly in man coverage. The development of speedy sophomore corner Jalen Myrick (15 tackles, interception returned for a TD) and the return of Briean Boddy-Calhoun (16 tackles, two interceptions, three pass breakups) have provided a major boost for the secondary.
Strong defensive play is crucial to the Gophers' success. Minor breakdowns on third down (San Jose State and Middle Tennessee converted a combined 50 percent of the time, 15-of-30) and a susceptibility to big plays still need to be addressed.
Run game
After a breakout season a year ago, senior running back David Cobb is back at it. Cobb has already run for more than 200 yards in two different games - only the sixth player in Gophers history to do so in a single season. Minnesota ranks fourth in the Big Ten in rushing offense (236.2 yards per game). Apart from the debacle at TCU, the offensive line has been a formidable rush blocking force.
Special teams
Redshirt freshman Ryan Santoso has a powerful right leg, and it has shown on kickoffs. Santoso is averaging 64.5 yards - second-best average in the Big Ten - and has recorded 15 touchbacks. Minnesota had 22 touchbacks last season. Opponents have returned a kick on the Gophers only three times this year, which is tied for the fewest in the FBS. Santoso's accuracy on field goals (1-of-3) is a work in progress.
Peter Mortell, one of the top punters in the Big Ten last season, ranks second in the conference with a 46.2 yards per punt average, with nine kicks of 50 yards or more and five landed inside the 20-yard line.
Minnesota has blocked a field goa and returned a blocked punt for a touchdown. Opponents have registered a net punt average of just 28.6 percent (18 attempts) and are converting 50 percent of the time on field goals (4-of-8).
http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/...ves_the_Gophers_showed_in_nonconference092514
Go Gophers!!
Positives
Defense
Solid defense is once again serving as the Gophers' backbone. Even in the loss to TCU, Minnesota was more a victim of a bad field position and a stagnant offense than breakdowns on the defensive side. The Gophers are tied for second in the FBS in takeaways, having registered seven interceptions and six fumble recoveries. Senior defensive tackle Cameron Botticelli has helped stabilize a defensive front line that has had to deal with numerous
Minnesota has talked highly about its secondary and so far the unit has lived up to the hype. Cornerback Eric Murray continues to be one of the team's best defensive threats, particularly in man coverage. The development of speedy sophomore corner Jalen Myrick (15 tackles, interception returned for a TD) and the return of Briean Boddy-Calhoun (16 tackles, two interceptions, three pass breakups) have provided a major boost for the secondary.
Strong defensive play is crucial to the Gophers' success. Minor breakdowns on third down (San Jose State and Middle Tennessee converted a combined 50 percent of the time, 15-of-30) and a susceptibility to big plays still need to be addressed.
Run game
After a breakout season a year ago, senior running back David Cobb is back at it. Cobb has already run for more than 200 yards in two different games - only the sixth player in Gophers history to do so in a single season. Minnesota ranks fourth in the Big Ten in rushing offense (236.2 yards per game). Apart from the debacle at TCU, the offensive line has been a formidable rush blocking force.
Special teams
Redshirt freshman Ryan Santoso has a powerful right leg, and it has shown on kickoffs. Santoso is averaging 64.5 yards - second-best average in the Big Ten - and has recorded 15 touchbacks. Minnesota had 22 touchbacks last season. Opponents have returned a kick on the Gophers only three times this year, which is tied for the fewest in the FBS. Santoso's accuracy on field goals (1-of-3) is a work in progress.
Peter Mortell, one of the top punters in the Big Ten last season, ranks second in the conference with a 46.2 yards per punt average, with nine kicks of 50 yards or more and five landed inside the 20-yard line.
Minnesota has blocked a field goa and returned a blocked punt for a touchdown. Opponents have registered a net punt average of just 28.6 percent (18 attempts) and are converting 50 percent of the time on field goals (4-of-8).
http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/...ves_the_Gophers_showed_in_nonconference092514
Go Gophers!!