STrib: Gophers lose two offensive starters early to injury vs. Purdue

[BleedGopher]

per Randy:

Already facing depth problems, the Gophers took a trio of hits Saturday when wide receiver Phillip Howard, offensive tackle Nick Connelly and cornerback Kiondre Thomas suffered injuries and did not return during the 31-17 loss to Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium.

Howard, a redshirt freshman starting in place of the injured Demetrius Douglas, took a hard hit from Purdue cornerback Da’Wan Hunte on the second play from scrimmage. Howard was hit in the head by Hunte’s shoulder and had to be tended to on the field.

Mark Williams, another redshirt freshman, took Howard’s place.

Connelly was hurt during the extra-point attempt following the Gophers’ tying touchdown with 4:56 left in the first quarter. He was assisted off the field and limped to the locker room. Sam Schlueter replaced Connelly in the lineup. The Gophers did not play true freshman tackle Blaise Andries, preserving the chance to redshirt him.

Thomas injured a leg early in the fourth quarter and walked off the field with a slight limp. Coney Durr replaced him.

Coach P.J. Fleck did not have an update on the three, saying only, “They’re out.’’

http://www.startribune.com/gophers-lose-two-offensive-starters-early-to-injury-vs-purdue/449938943/

Go Gophers!!

 

[NotAFanOfBecky]

How in the hell was the Howard hit not targeting? That was the very definition of targeting! Lead with his head, helmet to helmet...targeting all the way!

 

[A_Slab_of_Bacon]

 

[ruppertflywheel]

How in the hell was the Howard hit not targeting? That was the very definition of targeting! Lead with his head, helmet to helmet...targeting all the way!

Yep...watched the replay last night. Targeting with a Capital "T"

 

[upnorthkid]

How in the hell was the Howard hit not targeting? That was the very definition of targeting! Lead with his head, helmet to helmet...targeting all the way!

Agree it was odd not to see it reviewed. Looked to be helmet to helmet live and on replays. Rhoda did Howard zero favors with that floated ball while backpedaling, that’s for sure

 

[PMWinSTP]

Agree it was odd not to see it reviewed. Looked to be helmet to helmet live and on replays. Rhoda did Howard zero favors with that floated ball while backpedaling, that’s for sure

I think in the NEB/WI game a play similar happened with no flag, but it got reviewed was called targeting. Player ejected and I think a penalty was assessed as well.

 

[WorkingMyTailOff]

Agree it was odd not to see it reviewed. Looked to be helmet to helmet live and on replays. Rhoda did Howard zero favors with that floated ball while backpedaling, that’s for sure

Feel really bad that Howard was injured and I think it was a cheap hit.
To blame it on Rhoda is bs. That pass was right on the money.

 

[Word]

It would be nice to see the league step in and levy a penalty on the targeting no-call. Not sure if they can do that, but I know in hockey it's been done before.

 

[tikited]

Seemed like us watching were the only ones who saw the targeting. No mention from the terrible announcers and no reaction from the coaching staff from the looks of it.

 

[Pompous Elitist]

It would be nice to see the league step in and levy a penalty on the targeting no-call. Not sure if they can do that, but I know in hockey it's been done before.

We will never see the league publicly disagree with their officials these days. The steps taken to muzzle coaches are part of a united front to promote a thin veneer of competence land credibility.

 

[NotAFanOfBecky]

Seemed like us watching were the only ones who saw the targeting. No mention from the terrible announcers and no reaction from the coaching staff from the looks of it.

I was quite surprised that the coaching staff didn't say anything. Maybe the officials told them, "gentlemen, we only listen to Coach Brohm when he disputes a call...and then we will re-review the replay we already reviewed, got it?"

 

[upnorthkid]

Feel really bad that Howard was injured and I think it was a cheap hit.
To blame it on Rhoda is bs. That pass was right on the money.

I didn’t blame him. Merely said it gave the defense time to get there and thump him. I agree the ball was thrown on a perfect spot

 

[WorkingMyTailOff]

I didn’t blame him. Merely said it gave the defense time to get there and thump him. I agree the ball was thrown on a perfect spot

Yes, you are right. The safety had a full head of steam and only had to run straight ahead to hit Howard.

 

[upnorthkid]

Yes, you are right. The safety had a full head of steam and only had to run straight ahead to hit Howard.

Agreed. Unfortunate that the guy went high and didn’t go to the midsection. Dangerous play. Feel bad for a Anyone who takes that hit. Hope he has a speedy recovery but doesn’t come back before he’s ready