Texas Bowl loss aside, the future is bright for our offense!

[everybody knows my name]

They lost in the Texas Bowl, but on the morning after I can't help smiling, and I can't wait for spring!

Let's take stock of what offensive units should be improved in 2014.

Offensive Line (lots of guys returning, and young guys developing)
Wide Receivers (our young WRs will be a year older and more experienced)
Running Backs (the same guys returning, plus Berkeley Edwards in the mix)
Quarterbacks (our young QBs will be older & smarter, plus Streveler in the mix)

I don't know whether the tight ends will be improved, but I suspect so. Maxx Williams heads up a strong unit.

What do you think?

 

[ncgo4]

It's easy to concentrate on Nelson's poor game and the inability to respond to SU's blitz package. It's easier, however, to forget just how bad this offense was after three decades of Brewsters merry go round. No? Seemed like that long.

We have come a long way. I think Leidner stepped up and made claim to being able to reach the next level ahead of Nelson. Remember he's had 1 less year if experience. Certainly Williams and Wolitarsky made a statement at receiver. The cupboard ain't bare. Add in Edwarsd and a few red shirted linemen and another receiver and this could be a very good O.

 

[GopherMike]

None of that is going to matter though unless one of the QBs steps up and takes charge. That is what I will be looking for during spring ball.

 

[everybody knows my name]

I'm amazed by the negativity I see regarding our quarterback situation. Next year our sophomore will be a junior and our RS freshman will be a RS sophomore. They've both had very nice moments so far. And Streveler, who some people say is better than either of them, will be competing for the job too.

 

[die hard gopher]

They lost in the Texas Bowl, but on the morning after I can't help smiling, and I can't wait for spring!

Let's take stock of what offensive units should be improved in 2014.

Offensive Line (lots of guys returning, and young guys developing)
Wide Receivers (our young WRs will be a year older and more experienced)
Running Backs (the same guys returning, plus Berkeley Edwards in the mix)
Quarterbacks (our young QBs will be older & smarter, plus Streveler in the mix)

I don't know whether the tight ends will be improved, but I suspect so. Maxx Williams heads up a strong unit.

What do you think?

we will get an immediate upgrade at running back with Jeff Jones, after all he will be a gopher and will qualify academically, i am not worried about that, and he will start over Cobb

 

[MNVCGUY]

They lost in the Texas Bowl, but on the morning after I can't help smiling, and I can't wait for spring!

Let's take stock of what offensive units should be improved in 2014.

Offensive Line (lots of guys returning, and young guys developing)
Wide Receivers (our young WRs will be a year older and more experienced)
Running Backs (the same guys returning, plus Berkeley Edwards in the mix)
Quarterbacks (our young QBs will be older & smarter, plus Streveler in the mix)

I don't know whether the tight ends will be improved, but I suspect so. Maxx Williams heads up a strong unit.

What do you think?

With all the returning experience you would think the offense would be poised to take a step forward next year. But we need the passing game to take a huge step for this offense to really get to the point where it is a legit threat. QB and WR development will be key because we seem to have some decent options at RB (with Edwards as a wild card), some solid TE's and lots of experience on the O-Line.

We don't need to be a great passing team but we have to be competent with the passing game and for the most part this season we were not. Mason never had great passing offenses but they were good enough to keep teams from loading up to stop the run.

 

[die hard gopher]

our offense went from averaging 22.1 points last year to 25.7 this year, i am expecting about 30 points next year

 

[nc2mn]

I'm excited too! With the extreme youth of both the qb's and receiving corps - and then losing Engel, its no wonder our passing game struggled. If either one of them had had a seasoned veteran or two... Bring on 2014!

 

[doctor j]

bright future

I'm amazed by the negativity I see regarding our quarterback situation. Next year our sophomore will be a junior and our RS freshman will be a RS sophomore. And Streveler, who some people say is better than either of them, will be competing for the job too.

Agreed, but separate from all the negative talk about quarterbacks and the positive talk re next year's offensive line, what really jumped out at me the last 3 games of the season is how badly Engel's injury hurt this team. Engel was not flashy, but he was fast, he got open, and he made catches. If we are to improve next year we MUST find a top notch receiver somewhere. D Jones is a gifted receiver AFTER the catch, but has not yet shown he is able to run by someone to get open. Wolitarsky is a nice receiver but he lacks speed. There needs to be a full court press nationwide for a receiver that can come in and contribute next year.

 

[GopherinPhilly]

Agreed, but separate from all the negative talk about quarterbacks and the positive talk re next year's offensive line, what really jumped out at me the last 3 games of the season is how badly Engel's injury hurt this team. Engel was not flashy, but he was fast, he got open, and he made catches. If we are to improve next year we MUST find a top notch receiver somewhere. D Jones is a gifted receiver AFTER the catch, but has not yet shown he is able to run by someone to get open. Wolitarsky is a nice receiver but he lacks speed. There needs to be a full court press nationwide for a receiver that can come in and contribute next year.

FR receivers that make an impact are rare. Most offenses have many reads and adjustments and FR don't typically pick it up that quickly. I am far more optimistic that Jones, running 7 on 7 all summer, will start to learn how to run routes, break off the ball and get separation on his routes.

 

[GophersInIowa]

I'm extremely excited about Wolitarsky. He was constantly getting separation in the game last night. If Nelson doesn't badly overthrow him, he has another long TD reception. He led the team with 17.3 yards per reception.

And Maxx Williams could be an all conference 1st teamer next year as a sophomore.

 

[50PoundHead]

Color me optimistic as well. Line is pretty much back (only Ed Olson moving on). Hope Edwards is a home run back to complement Cobb and Kirkwood. WRs will be more experienced, but need some depth there. TE is position of strength. I think either Nelson or Leidner can be successful if the other gears are working.

 

[PartoPitinosPosse]

Any possibility of a JUCO wr coming in that could make an immediate impact? I know Mason brought a few in that we had high hopes for, but I don't remember any of them really panning out?