Playing better at the end of the season than we did at the beginning

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akgo4

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People are going to say that we beat an average team in Illinois and they may be right. That said, we are playing better at the end of the season than we did at the beginning. I think if you asked Coach Kill right now, he would be happy with where this thing is heading, but also wanting to get next year started right now. There is some work to be done, but we have a shot at a decent bowl if Gray continues to improve and the team improves with him. A nice ending to a year in which there were some struggles expected.
 

I is.such a shame that the team had to play so poorly through parts of the season, but since this season was never about wins and losses, maybe the struggle through the adversity might turn out to be the best teaching tool this team had.
 

Much, much better at the end of the season, unlike most of Glen Mason's teams. Time will tell, but this guy looks like a solid coach. My expectations were met, as I didn't think this team could win more than four games this season and that was with three non-conference wins. Do better in the non-conference next year and this team can win 6-8 games. It's a start.
 

The level of play at the end of the year is far better. Kids are swarming to the ball on defense; sacks doubled from a year ago; all day long, Illinois QBs were compelled to abandon the pass, pull the ball down & try to get back to the line of scrimmage because they couldn't find anyone downfield.

Here's something else - the kids obviously believe in their coaches. They didn't quit, didn't mail it in.
 



The defense gave up 160 yards today, and only 18 yards in the first half. Only 78 yards passing, but it wasn't that Illinois was inaccurate, they were 15/27. A lot of short completions, but the Gophers stopped them from going anywhere. Five sacks and only 2 penalties for 30 yards. 8 of 16 on third down conversions for the Gophers, while Illinois converted on only 2 of 15 third down conversions.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313300135

This was the first time Minnesota led from start to finish since winning 17-6 at Purdue on Oct. 25, 2008. The Gophers posted their largest margin of victory since beating Florida Atlantic 37-3 on Sept. 20, 2008, and their biggest in a conference game since a 63-26 win over Indiana on Nov. 4, 2006.
 

Ever since the the second half of Nebraska game (minus Becky) this time has played so much better. Fun to watch today especially the defense. Wow - they were amazing in the first half. Very happy for the seniors. Plus, gotta help Monday morning waking up for the returning players to work out and get excited about 2012.
 

The kids clearly bought into what Kill's coaches were teaching. Just look at Gray & Hageman (?). They never quit on the field and that says volumes! Next year's team will be so far ahead of this one it is exciting to just think about it.

Almost as importantly, missing a minor bowl game may be a help in recruiting. The staff has no prep work to worry about and can concentrate on recruiting. Kill, in his post game comments said this victory would be a big help to recruiting!
 

I really think it will bring a lot of energy to the offseason workouts, especially with our younger players. Ending the season playing so well also should give some of these talented youngsters a shot of motivation/confidence. Vereen played well today, Lenkiawicz (spelling) looked really good, Hageman had moments of full blown beast mode, and those young DBs are running around.

I know it probably didn't go as they planned, but I am definitely happy that Royston, McKnight, Tinsley, Lewis, Bunders, McGarry, Orton, Wynn, Bennett and Co. got to go out on such a high note.
 



Bob_Loblaw said:
I know it probably didn't go as they planned, but I am definitely happy that Royston, McKnight, Tinsley, Lewis, Bunders, McGarry, Orton, Wynn, Bennett and Co. got to go out on such a high note.
Click to expand...

Right on! Those guys rode a roller coaster the last 4-5 years.

Royston was the man.
 

Only saw the first half. Best I've seen the defense play in decades.
 

I'm very excited about the trajectory this team is on right now. I'm looking forward to a much better season next year. Way to go boys!
 

Breaking down the numbers in 4-game groups according to http://www.cfbstats.com [Non-Conf games, middle 4 games, last four games]. Here are some notable improvements from the rebuilding perspective:

Sacks/game:
NC: 0.25
Mid: 1.75
End: 2.75

3rd Down Conversion:
NC: 38%
Mid: 29%
End: 47%

3rd Down Stops:
NC: 54%
Mid: 53%
End: 61%

Penalties/game:
NC: 6.5
Mid: 6.0
End: 4.5
 





Thanks for those comparison stats, magpie. Very interesting.
 

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