Some thoughts about the game

[Spoofin]

We are a physical team who runs the ball. All the talk and time about balance or a passing game was a waste of time and talent. Our brand is based on just what we did at Purdue. <b>There were times when going to West Lafayette was a horror show.</b>

I was at one of those.

 

[DrinoneMays9]

I feel ya Spoofin! My mom and I were in West Lafayette in 2002. The refs screwed us out of a TD in the first half. Possibly Logan Payne getting his feet in!?!? Anyway, the rest was history. The Boiler fans were complete classless jerks too. To be fair, it was only the students. Still feel bitter about that experience.

 

[DrinoneMays9]

Sorry spoofin! I believe it was Aaron Hosack who was screwed out of a TD!

GO GOPHERS!

 

[GophersInIowa]

You did?... Just watching the replay now, and the thing I notice the most, are his mis-reads and mis-tackles..

I don't remember every play but I thought he made some big plays and showed why he'll probably get a shot in the NFL.

 

[GophersInIowa]

Good observations as always, GophersInIowa. Can I pick your brain over a few things?

1) Was holding Purdue to 13 points today more a result of a stifling, swarming defense or an incompetent Purdue offense?

Probably some of both. We got after the QB a lot more than we've done all year. Two of the interceptions were caused because the QB was under a ton of pressure. It reminded me a little bit of the game at Michigan last year. Michigan scored early and then we really turned on the heat.

2) How do you envision the coaches splitting carries between Brooks and Smith moving forward? Obviously Brooks looked very good today, but I think his stat line was aided by a few long runs and a mediocre Purdue run defense.

My guess is Brooks will start but both will get carries by the second drive. If one is hot, then he'll get more carries. My guess is it will remain fairly similar to what we saw today. Brooks with a few more than Smith but both of them getting 10+ carries each game.

3) What are your thoughts on the Nebraska game next week?

I think it will still be a tough game. It'll be interesting to see how NE reacts after another crushing loss. 4th game they have lost this year in OT or with a lead with less than 11 seconds left in the game. If we can get the running game going again, I think we have a good chance.

 

[Pompous Elitist]

+

We are a physical team who runs the ball. All the talk and time about balance or a passing game was a waste of time and talent. Our brand is based on just what we did at Purdue. There were times when going to West Lafayette was a horror show.

We had a good day against the second worst run defense we will see this year. Maybe the worst. I wouldn't puff out our chests about being a competent running team just yet. Maybe the addition of a stampeding bull elephant in Tyler Moore and the maturation of Connor Mayes will open up the middle -certainly looks promising going forward.

That said, we absolutely will need to have some competency in moving the ball through the air. To say otherwise is simply stubbornness and a plan to fail. We are going to play some excellent defenses soon that can make us one dimensional. How we respond to that is the open question.

S and P + Defensive rankings (overall/rushing/passing)

TCU: Overall 77 Rushing 58. Passing 36
CSU. 82. 120 .107
Kent. 13 . 35 . 34
Ohio. 62 . 78 . 51
Purd. 76 . 97 . 59
Mich... 3 . 5 .. 2
NW... 6 .. 50 .. 7
Ill..... 9 .. 27.. 12
Wis... 11. 73.. 16
OSU.. 20. 28 .. 3
Iowa.. 21. 8.. 48

 

[Gopher028]

You are both right. DC26 plays a high risk high reward style. He isn't as disciplined as some (me) would like, so he makes some big plays and misses some things that frustrate you as well. Raw talent he has in spades. He will need to clean it up some to play at the next level tho, IMO.

Watching further along, he did make some very nice plays and good angle tackles, but yes I agree with you, he's literally 'hit and miss'.
Either a big play or a really bad read/tackle.

 

[Jike Spingleton]

Biggest takeaway from yesterday was definitely the improved play of both lines, especially in the second half. First time all year we were getting a consistent pass rush.

 

[station19]

Biggest takeaway from yesterday was definitely the improved play of both lines, especially in the second half. First time all year we were getting a consistent pass rush.

Agreed.