Shama: Gophers on Spot to Fix Offense Before Mighty Michigan

BleedGopher

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Per Shama:

The Golden Gophers, with a 2-1 record, have scored only four touchdowns in their first three games and are averaging a paltry 17 points (including two points from a safety in the Eastern Michigan win). They have two games ahead to improve production before national championship contender Michigan comes to Huntington Bank Stadium on October 7.

Minnesota will have the most minimal of chances to hang with the Wolverines if the offense struggles like it did in home wins over Nebraska and Eastern Michigan, and yesterday’s embarrassment at North Carolina when the Tar Heels won 31-13. There’s not been enough efficiency with the offense other than the field goal kicking of Dragan Kesich who has converted on seven of eight attempts.

What the Gophers have done consistently is fail to score touchdowns inside the red zone. They have turned to first-year field goal specialist Kesich when unable to get six points. That reality may change in the next two games against opposition the Gophers should be able to handle, at Northwestern next Saturday and home against Louisiana on September 30. The 1-2 Wildcats are giving up 45.67 points per game, while 2-1 Louisiana is yielding 24.

Right now the Gophers have no identity offensively. Known for years as a program that pushes opponents around with its run game, Minnesota is trying to rediscover its former muscle. The Gophers averaged 207.5 yards rushing last season and had 33 touchdowns in 13 games. So far Minnesota is averaging 173.7 yards rushing, with three touchdowns.


Go Gophers!!
 

I don’t want to see freshman Taylor pound the rock 30 times per game like Mo and get banged up. We need to have some sort of passing attack. Guys are getting open, need to coach up the young gunslinger
 

Vs Wisc last year, AK:
19-29-319yd-2td-0int

Vs Neb and UNC this year, AK:
35-73-329yd-1td-2int


Only two things happened, that we know about:
1) he got hurt in the bowl game against Syracuse (I believe was ankle)
2) QB coach/OC changed
 

Vs Wisc last year, AK:
19-29-319yd-2td-0int

Vs Neb and UNC this year, AK:
35-73-329yd-1td-2int


Only two things happened, that we know about:
1) he got hurt in the bowl game against Syracuse (I believe was ankle)
2) QB coach/OC changed
AK will be back. A good QB can have a really bad day. We just saw that. A bad QB can never beat Wisconsin at Camp Randle with the performance AK put up or lead a second half comeback at Lincoln.

A bad QB can never be Gatoraid Player of the Year in Illinois.
 

I agree with the article. Assuming they outclass the opponents, the Gophers should use the next two games to really work on the passing game. It felt like that's what Fleck was trying against UNC, but that wasn't a good time to force things.
 


Michigan may be mighty when they come here but they have been anything but mighty thus far.
 

I agree with the article. Assuming they outclass the opponents, the Gophers should use the next two games to really work on the passing game. It felt like that's what Fleck was trying against UNC, but that wasn't a good time to force things.
We were not working on either part of the offense at NC. We were trying to win with a balanced game plan. We ran 31 times and threw 30.
 

Shama probably thinks Bo is still the coach at Michigan.
 




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