BleedGopher
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2008
- Messages
- 62,322
- Reaction score
- 19,020
- Points
- 113
per Megan:
In Smith’s own words, Purdue really “committed” to stopping the run, even when the Gophers’ slant routes continuously torched the Boilermakers’ cornerbacks. But toward the end of the game, Purdue loosened up a bit, which gave Smith his opening.
Smith gained 36 yards on eight carries in the fourth quarter, mostly on the last drive of the game when the Gophers just needed to preserve their lead and burn four minutes. Offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca said he wasn’t surprised at Smith’s solid game. He sensed it was coming after Week 3 against Georgia Southern, when Smith managed 57 yards on 11 carries before a first-half injury took him out of the game.
“In the Georgia Southern game, Rodney turned the corner,” Ciarrocca said. “… I liked how decisive he was in that game. And I thought, OK, we’re moving forward now with him. We’re really shaking that rust off.”
Smith didn’t quite feel that way, but he did say he’s “getting more comfortable.” The Gophers will need their leading rusher, with his 3,284 career yards, as the run game has yet to dominate a game. In fact, the Gophers 2.6 yards per carry ranks 126th of 130 FBS teams.
“We have to have more explosive runs. And as a running back room, we know that. And that’s on us,” Smith said. “Because the O-line is doing, definitely, a better job. We’re getting to the third level, and we have to make guys miss and turn those gains of 15, 16 into 25-plus yard runs.”
http://www.startribune.com/rodney-s...gophers-run-game-finds-its-footing/562026092/
Go Gophers!!
In Smith’s own words, Purdue really “committed” to stopping the run, even when the Gophers’ slant routes continuously torched the Boilermakers’ cornerbacks. But toward the end of the game, Purdue loosened up a bit, which gave Smith his opening.
Smith gained 36 yards on eight carries in the fourth quarter, mostly on the last drive of the game when the Gophers just needed to preserve their lead and burn four minutes. Offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca said he wasn’t surprised at Smith’s solid game. He sensed it was coming after Week 3 against Georgia Southern, when Smith managed 57 yards on 11 carries before a first-half injury took him out of the game.
“In the Georgia Southern game, Rodney turned the corner,” Ciarrocca said. “… I liked how decisive he was in that game. And I thought, OK, we’re moving forward now with him. We’re really shaking that rust off.”
Smith didn’t quite feel that way, but he did say he’s “getting more comfortable.” The Gophers will need their leading rusher, with his 3,284 career yards, as the run game has yet to dominate a game. In fact, the Gophers 2.6 yards per carry ranks 126th of 130 FBS teams.
“We have to have more explosive runs. And as a running back room, we know that. And that’s on us,” Smith said. “Because the O-line is doing, definitely, a better job. We’re getting to the third level, and we have to make guys miss and turn those gains of 15, 16 into 25-plus yard runs.”
http://www.startribune.com/rodney-s...gophers-run-game-finds-its-footing/562026092/
Go Gophers!!
