Iceland12
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Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett accounted for four touchdowns in snowy conditions on Saturday. His counterpart, Mitch Leidner, completed only four passes before his final drive.
Sort through a game filled with momentum swings and big plays and sloppy mistakes, and Ohio State’s 31-24 victory at TCF Bank Stadium came down to the difference at quarterback.
Barrett continued to state his [unexpected] case as a serious Heisman Trophy candidate. Leidner and his receivers were virtually nonexistent.
Barrett passed for 200 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 189 yards, including an 86-yard touchdown run.
Leidner completed only 7 of 19 passes for 85 yards with two second-half interceptions.
The Gophers aren’t good enough to upset a team as talented as Ohio State by passing for only 85 yards.
“I’ve got to pick it up, I’ve got to do better,” Leidner said.
Leidner’s accountability is admirable, but, in fairness, he also didn’t exactly have a lot to work with in the absence of two of his top receivers, Drew Wolitarsky (injured) and Donovahn Jones (illness).
Outside of stud tight end Maxx Williams, the Gophers are limited in receiving options..
That largely starts with a quarterback who can capitalize in those situations. Leidner’s first interception came on an overthrow, a tendency for him.
His second pick came after the Gophers inexplicably lined up in an illegal formation on third-and-inches, which still had steam coming out of Kill’s ears after the game.
On third-and-manageable, Leidner forced a throw to KJ Maye in traffic and the Buckeyes turned that turnover into a 31-14 lead.
Leidner also overthrew Maye in the third quarter after he gained separation down the sideline on a nifty stutter-and-go move.
“I thought for sure that was a touchdown,” Leidner said. “That’s definitely a play I would like back. That just can’t happen by me. Same with turning the ball over. I’ve got to get better.”
On the flip side, it’s hard to imagine Barrett playing any better in relief of Braxton Miller, who probably has lost his job for good after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in fall camp...
http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/282835161.html?page=all&prepage=1&c=y#continue
Sort through a game filled with momentum swings and big plays and sloppy mistakes, and Ohio State’s 31-24 victory at TCF Bank Stadium came down to the difference at quarterback.
Barrett continued to state his [unexpected] case as a serious Heisman Trophy candidate. Leidner and his receivers were virtually nonexistent.
Barrett passed for 200 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 189 yards, including an 86-yard touchdown run.
Leidner completed only 7 of 19 passes for 85 yards with two second-half interceptions.
The Gophers aren’t good enough to upset a team as talented as Ohio State by passing for only 85 yards.
“I’ve got to pick it up, I’ve got to do better,” Leidner said.
Leidner’s accountability is admirable, but, in fairness, he also didn’t exactly have a lot to work with in the absence of two of his top receivers, Drew Wolitarsky (injured) and Donovahn Jones (illness).
Outside of stud tight end Maxx Williams, the Gophers are limited in receiving options..
That largely starts with a quarterback who can capitalize in those situations. Leidner’s first interception came on an overthrow, a tendency for him.
His second pick came after the Gophers inexplicably lined up in an illegal formation on third-and-inches, which still had steam coming out of Kill’s ears after the game.
On third-and-manageable, Leidner forced a throw to KJ Maye in traffic and the Buckeyes turned that turnover into a 31-14 lead.
Leidner also overthrew Maye in the third quarter after he gained separation down the sideline on a nifty stutter-and-go move.
“I thought for sure that was a touchdown,” Leidner said. “That’s definitely a play I would like back. That just can’t happen by me. Same with turning the ball over. I’ve got to get better.”
On the flip side, it’s hard to imagine Barrett playing any better in relief of Braxton Miller, who probably has lost his job for good after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in fall camp...
http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/282835161.html?page=all&prepage=1&c=y#continue