Offense much more the problem than defense

[Some Day...Is Coming!]

So many people are ripping on the defense but I don't think the defense is nearly as much of a problem as the offense. Last year's defense gave up more than 28 points in 9 out of 12 games. I think the defense is better and will continue to improve, but if the offense can't find a rhythm and score points then it's just going to get tougher for the defense. 28 points was definitely too much against New Mexico State, but they again played much better in the second half. I think if the offense could get going the defense would feed off of it, but it's got to be frustrating watching that offense and wondering if they will even be able to score. It's a lot easier to play defense with a lead. I think the defense will prove to be much better this year when it's all said and done, ofcourse, how could you be much worse than last year.

 

[Doc1001]

Lack of rhythm is a good word for our offense especially with Gray right now. But maybe it will change today. Sure been frustrating so far and i agree with your post.

 

[popeyoung5]

I agree. Run blocking and accurate passing needs to improve big time.

 

[gophmeister]

I think improved run blocking would be a great start.

 

[Atl Gopher]

If we can't hit a pass consistantly, there is not reason that the opposition will stop stacking the line with 8 defenders. Gray can run the draw well and that helps but it is not enough. We need to be able to throw screens to our backs and if they keep stacking the line, fake the short pass and throw it down field. There is no evidence that we are able to do that yet.

When Gray finally shows that he can do that, the offense will improve and keep the D on the bench longer.

 

[Blackhammer]

The worst pass rush in college football is without doubt our biggest problem.

 

[50PoundHead]

The worst pass rush in college football is without doubt our biggest problem.

This. Claeys is going to have to start mixing it up in the front seven with some blitz schemes. I'm surprised I haven't yet seen a waiter come and take the opposing QB's order on passing plays.

 

[ncgo4]

I agree, if the offense would just do their job and score a TD each posession, the D will take care of itself.

 

[Some Day...Is Coming!]

I agree, if the offense would just do their job and score a TD each posession, the D will take care of itself.

Hey Pal, scoring 19 points a game isn't going to win a college football game very often. Now I know New Mexico State is a stout defense so maybe it'll be easier against Big Ten teams. But keep reading my posts and maybe you'll learn something.

 

[Some Day...Is Coming!]

I agree, if the offense would just do their job and score a TD each posession, the D will take care of itself.

Hey Jack Johnson/ncgo4, the defense says your welcome you clown. Again, keep reading my posts and maybe you'll learn something. Boy that #5 really knows where to go with the ball and his passes are so accurate. I love the kid and I love the Gophers but you know nothing about the game of football.

 

[zambam]

Hey Jack Johnson/ncgo4, the defense says your welcome you clown. Again, keep reading my posts and maybe you'll learn something. Boy that #5 really knows where to go with the ball and his passes are so accurate. I love the kid and I love the Gophers but you know nothing about the game of football.

334 YARDS OF TOTAL OFFENSE! WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT?

 

[FireCosgroveGuy]

The scheme is terrible, same old horse crap spread garbage. 4th and 1? Snap it 9 yards behind the line and hope for the best.

I hate the spread/read offense.

 

[Former Goofer]

The scheme is terrible, same old horse crap spread garbage. 4th and 1? Snap it 9 yards behind the line and hope for the best.

I hate the spread/read offense.

The one thing I really only hate about Kill's play book is that the only play he has for our RB's is a run up the gut.

 

[zambam]

The one thing I really only hate about Kill's play book is that the only play he has for our RB's is a run up the gut.

Really that should be our bread and butter with our most experienced linemen being the guards and center.

 

[Cobra]

So many people are ripping on the defense but I don't think the defense is nearly as much of a problem as the offense. Last year's defense gave up more than 28 points in 9 out of 12 games. I think the defense is better and will continue to improve, but if the offense can't find a rhythm and score points then it's just going to get tougher for the defense. 28 points was definitely too much against New Mexico State, but they again played much better in the second half. I think if the offense could get going the defense would feed off of it, but it's got to be frustrating watching that offense and wondering if they will even be able to score. It's a lot easier to play defense with a lead. I think the defense will prove to be much better this year when it's all said and done, ofcourse, how could you be much worse than last year.

 

[Former Goofer]

Really that should be our bread and butter with our most experienced linemen being the guards and center.

Ya, it should be, but it just hasn't been working very well at all.

Personally i'd like to see a little more creativity from our run game. Maybe Kill is just holding back until everyone gets more comfortable with the offense.

 

[50PoundHead]

"Someday" is likely lakesbison or pantherhawk.

Cobra, you appear to have a great collection of photos to post for any occasion.

 

[Some Day...Is Coming!]

I agree, if the offense would just do their job and score a TD each posession, the D will take care of itself.

In our usual halftime interview, Assistant Head Coach Bill Miller told me the Gophers planned to be more aggressive defensively in the second half. It was the first time all season the Gophers had a lead and they were ready to take advantage of it. Another defensive coach told me last week that he was desperately ready to ‘defend the lead.” Through the first eight quarters of the season, the Gophers were playing catch-up. Could you tell how excited the defense was to defend the lead? The first defensive series after the Gophers took a 10-3 lead went like this: sack (the first of the season), incomplete pass under pressure, incomplete pass under pressure. While the Gophers would give up a few big plays later in the game, it was fun to see them let loose a bit and play the aggressive style the coaches were waiting for.

 

[ShushPush]

We haven't lost games because of the D this year. They seem to be improved. Gray needs to learn how to hand off the ball with subtlety and not just stand there after the hand-off. He needs to be more of a decoy, especially when we are in a 2 back set.

 

[GophersInIowa]

I don't know how anyone can say it's been one side of the ball or the other that's to blame. Both sides need to get better in a lot of areas.

 

[Bob_Loblaw]

Well, I don't think we've been impressive anywhere (especially in the redzone), however the defense is at least as much to blame for our problems. We gave up over 400 yards to NMSU (and 133 yards rushing). For comparison, NMSU has a total of 26 yards rushing in their other two games....yep, 13 rushing yards a game. The fact that our front 7 couldn't dominate NMSU in a similar manner that Ohio or UTEP were able to is EXTREMELY problematic.