MNVCGUY
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2011
- Messages
- 21,279
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The Good - Special Teams part 1 with the fake Field Goal and the Kickoff return for TD accounting for all of our points. Fewer mental mistakes and penalties. Defense was able to get pressure on Wilson early and get a few sacks.
The Bad - Special Teams part 2 with Orseske continuing his season long struggle with consistency. That one that bounced backwards almost 20 yards was not something you see very often. The offense had nothing today. Gray couldn't get it done through the air and the running game never got anything going. Defensive backs had a terrible game, yes Wilson was on fire but most of the time his receivers were wide open so it was just a matter of getting the ball to them. I know coverage is a combo of pass rush as well and the lack of it certainly played a part but the DB's have to share much of the blame for not being able to stay with their guys and at least make them work for the catch.
The Ugly - Special Teams part 3 with Wettstein missing the PAT after pulling off the great fake on the Field Goal. Gray's INT was a matter of him being late with his throw and his inability to throw with a great deal of velocity. He has a strong arm but he does not have a powerful arm.
Overall this one was certainly a step back from the progress of the last few weeks. That being said this was a very good opponent that is only a couple plays away (literally) from being in the National Title picture. Outside of a very brief window after the KR for a TD we were never really in this game.
I think the Gophers have a legit shot at winning one or both of the next two. Northwestern and Illinois are both decent teams but they are not unbeatable. If the offense that showed for the Michigan State game can make an appearance the team will have a chance but this is a team with little to no margin for error so they will have to play very well to win either game.
The Bad - Special Teams part 2 with Orseske continuing his season long struggle with consistency. That one that bounced backwards almost 20 yards was not something you see very often. The offense had nothing today. Gray couldn't get it done through the air and the running game never got anything going. Defensive backs had a terrible game, yes Wilson was on fire but most of the time his receivers were wide open so it was just a matter of getting the ball to them. I know coverage is a combo of pass rush as well and the lack of it certainly played a part but the DB's have to share much of the blame for not being able to stay with their guys and at least make them work for the catch.
The Ugly - Special Teams part 3 with Wettstein missing the PAT after pulling off the great fake on the Field Goal. Gray's INT was a matter of him being late with his throw and his inability to throw with a great deal of velocity. He has a strong arm but he does not have a powerful arm.
Overall this one was certainly a step back from the progress of the last few weeks. That being said this was a very good opponent that is only a couple plays away (literally) from being in the National Title picture. Outside of a very brief window after the KR for a TD we were never really in this game.
I think the Gophers have a legit shot at winning one or both of the next two. Northwestern and Illinois are both decent teams but they are not unbeatable. If the offense that showed for the Michigan State game can make an appearance the team will have a chance but this is a team with little to no margin for error so they will have to play very well to win either game.