The Matchup With Iowa

[RememberMurray]

On OFFENSE:

Iowa is last in the B1G in total offense. Minnesota is 5th.

Iowa is 13th (next to last) in rushing offense. Minnesota is 2nd.

Iowa is last in passing offense. Minnesota is 12th.

Iowa is 13th (next to last) in scoring offense. Minnesota is 4th.

--------------

On DEFENSE:

Iowa is 3rd in the B1G in total defense. Minnesota is 5th.

Iowa is 3rd in rushing defense. Minnesota is 4th.

Iowa is 5th in passing defense. Minnesota is 4th.

Iowa is 4th in scoring defense. Minnesota is 3rd.

 

[short ornery norwegian]

an efficient passing game does not have to mean taking 20 or 30-yard shots downfield.

To quote Sid quoting Jerry Burns: "a 5-yard pass is just as good as a 5-yard run."

use some moving pocket and designed roll-outs to set up a short, controlled passing game. a 6 or 7-yard pass to the TE, or a flip to the RB moves the sticks.

just have to throw often enough - and effectively enough - so the LB's have to respect the pass and can't jam the line of scrimmage.

mix in some QB keepers and designed runs.

BUT - if the Gophers come out "run-run-pass" and they're looking at a lot of 3rd-&-8 situations, then that hands the advantage to Iowa. have to stay out of 3rd-&-long.

 

[RememberMurray]

an efficient passing game does not have to mean taking 20 or 30-yard shots downfield.

To quote Sid quoting Jerry Burns: "a 5-yard pass is just as good as a 5-yard run."

use some moving pocket and designed roll-outs to set up a short, controlled passing game. a 6 or 7-yard pass to the TE, or a flip to the RB moves the sticks.

just have to throw often enough - and effectively enough - so the LB's have to respect the pass and can't jam the line of scrimmage.

mix in some QB keepers and designed runs.

BUT - if the Gophers come out "run-run-pass" and they're looking at a lot of 3rd-&-8 situations, then that hands the advantage to Iowa. have to stay out of 3rd-&-long.

How do you like Iowa's offense against Minnesota's defense?

 

[Panthadad2]

I'm guessing the playing surface will be slippery.

Going back to the horrid 2019 Gopher/Badger bad weather game, the Minnesota coaches didn't change their play calling one iota to accommodate the weather. Meanwhile, Wisconsin coaches threw all kinds of new wrinkles into their offense including a lot of counter plays, reverses and quick outside pitches to gain an advantage on the slippery surface. I'm hoping the Gophs do the same this year vs. Iowa.

 

[PMWinSTP]

Wrinkles - you mean like a 3 yard.slant instead of the usual 4 yard slant?

Philly Special...or Fleaflicker or reverse FF? Seriously though, some formations and pass plays they have not used in a game yet...I'm sure there are quite a few they regularly practice but rarely use.

Jerry used to throw in a delayed TE seam route randomly that literally worked every time. TE would chip block and delay just enough to be wide open for a 7-15 yard gain.

 

[RememberMurray]

Philly Special...or Fleaflicker or reverse FF? Seriously though, some formations and pass plays they have not used in a game yet...I'm sure there are quite a few they regularly practice but rarely use.

I always like rollouts, especially with a young, mobile QB.

The threat that he might keep it and run puts added pressure on the defense. And by rolling him away from pressure, it gives him a clearer vision path downfield.

 

[MGGopher]

an efficient passing game does not have to mean taking 20 or 30-yard shots downfield.

To quote Sid quoting Jerry Burns: "a 5-yard pass is just as good as a 5-yard run."

use some moving pocket and designed roll-outs to set up a short, controlled passing game. a 6 or 7-yard pass to the TE, or a flip to the RB moves the sticks.

just have to throw often enough - and effectively enough - so the LB's have to respect the pass and can't jam the line of scrimmage.

mix in some QB keepers and designed runs.

BUT - if the Gophers come out "run-run-pass" and they're looking at a lot of 3rd-&-8 situations, then that hands the advantage to Iowa. have to stay out of 3rd-&-long.

I'm not gonna go back to the box scores, but my perception is that Minnesota hasn't been getting in 3rd and long because they run, run as often as people think. It seems to me it's often been incomplete pass, short run (or vice versa) that's doing them in. So yeah, I agree the offense would be better if it was more balanced and had them in less 3rd and longs, but if you can't pass, you're really not helping yourself by passing more. We'll see how it goes, though.

 

[upnorthkid]

I'm guessing the playing surface will be slippery.

Going back to the horrid 2019 Gopher/Badger bad weather game, the Minnesota coaches didn't change their play calling one iota to accommodate the weather. Meanwhile, Wisconsin coaches threw all kinds of new wrinkles into their offense including a lot of counter plays, reverses and quick outside pitches to gain an advantage on the slippery surface. I'm hoping the Gophs do the same this year vs. Iowa.

I’m hoping we don’t do a ton of running laterally. We haven’t done it successfully all year. And on a slippery surface, your guys gotta be able to turn the corner. This team can beat Iowa up front if they can do just enough to keep both the safeties out of the box (which means one of Wright, Jackson, BSF, or MBS has to win a couple times outside).

 

[PMWinSTP]

an efficient passing game does not have to mean taking 20 or 30-yard shots downfield.

To quote Sid quoting Jerry Burns: "a 5-yard pass is just as good as a 5-yard run."

use some moving pocket and designed roll-outs to set up a short, controlled passing game. a 6 or 7-yard pass to the TE, or a flip to the RB moves the sticks.

just have to throw often enough - and effectively enough - so the LB's have to respect the pass and can't jam the line of scrimmage.

mix in some QB keepers and designed runs.

BUT - if the Gophers come out "run-run-pass" and they're looking at a lot of 3rd-&-8 situations, then that hands the advantage to Iowa. have to stay out of 3rd-&-long.

Athan had the keeper like he ran against Rutgers wide open probably 3-4 times against NW.

 

[PMWinSTP]

I’m hoping we don’t do a ton of running laterally. We haven’t done it successfully all year. And on a slippery surface, your guys gotta be able to turn the corner. This team can beat Iowa up front if they can do just enough to keep both the safeties out of the box (which means one of Wright, Jackson, BSF, or MBS has to win a couple times outside).

The Frosh RB looks like he's a pretty good lateral runner.

 

[GopherWeatherGuy]

If Morgan is healthy, I think he will and should get the start. It's the one west team neither he nor PJ has beaten, and he deserves one last shot to get it done. But I also think AK should play some as a change of pace QB to keep Iowa's defense on their toes.

We saw some creativity we hadn't see previously last season in the Iowa game with a 'worse' offensive coordinator. That included Kramer coming in as the wildcat QB and throwing a long TD to Ko Kieft. AK is a much bigger all around threat than Kramer is, and we need to give Iowa's defense some unexpected looks if we're going to move the ball on them.

 

[Gophers_4life]

If Morgan is healthy, I think he will and should get the start. It's the one west team neither he nor PJ has beaten, and he deserves one last shot to get it done. But I also think AK should play some as a change of pace QB to keep Iowa's defense on their toes.

We saw some creativity we hadn't see previously last season in the Iowa game with a 'worse' offensive coordinator. That included Kramer coming in as the wildcat QB and throwing a long TD to Ko Kieft. AK is a much bigger all around threat than Kramer is, and we need to give Iowa's defense some unexpected looks if we're going to move the ball on them.

Bolded should not be the reason, if the decision is made to start TM.

This entire season for TM was a gift from Covid. He "should've" graduated last year.


Realistically, once you actually get PJ Fleck to pull the trigger on changing something -- a monumental feat -- I don't think you can possibly expect him to just change it back. I don't think he is capable of that, even if it is the right move.



Second bolded: take every last penny you own/control to the bank that it was Fleck and/or Simon doing the play calling for Iowa last year. Zero point zero chance that Sanford wasn't relieved of those duties by then.

 

[Tully55]

Philly Special...or Fleaflicker or reverse FF? Seriously though, some formations and pass plays they have not used in a game yet...I'm sure there are quite a few they regularly practice but rarely use.

Jerry used to throw in a delayed TE seam route randomly that literally worked every time. TE would chip block and delay just enough to be wide open for a 7-15 yard gain.

Fumble-rooski!!

 

[GopherWeatherGuy]

Bolded should not be the reason, if the decision is made to start TM.

This entire season for TM was a gift from Covid. He "should've" graduated last year.


Realistically, once you actually get PJ Fleck to pull the trigger on changing something -- a monumental feat -- I don't think you can possibly expect him to just change it back. I don't think he is capable of that, even if it is the right move.



Second bolded: take every last penny you own/control to the bank that it was Fleck and/or Simon doing the play calling for Iowa last year. Zero point zero chance that Sanford wasn't relieved of those duties by then.

It's one of the reasons besides the fact that TM's completion percentage is 67% and AK's is 46% so far this season. I liked that they came out throwing last week and they need to do it again this week. It wasn't all AK's fault but several of those early throws were bad throws, and TM likely makes them.

Simon and Fleck were definitely involved in play calling last season against Iowa, and they are still here. Ciarrocca has shown the ability to be more creative in the past, so there's no reason they can't be more creative than they have been with those 3 involved this year.

 

[Pompous Elitist]

Good Tanner and bad Tanner has been a real thing. He’s been pretty good versus both Iowa and Wisconsin with notable exception of 2019 but that was a team-wide collapse IIRC.

I guess we’ll know in a few days.

 

[Word]

Good Tanner and bad Tanner has been a real thing. He’s been pretty good versus both Iowa and Wisconsin with notable exception of 2019 but that was a team-wide collapse IIRC.

I guess we’ll know in a few days.

As I've said for pretty much every other big game this year, it all comes down to our O-line and D-line, especially the O-line.

It doesn't matter who is QB, if they don't have time to throw, our passing game will struggle.

 

[cjbfbp]

On OFFENSE:

Iowa is last in the B1G in total offense. Minnesota is 5th.

Iowa is 13th (next to last) in rushing offense. Minnesota is 2nd.

Iowa is last in passing offense. Minnesota is 12th.

Iowa is 13th (next to last) in scoring offense. Minnesota is 4th.

--------------

On DEFENSE:

Iowa is 3rd in the B1G in total defense. Minnesota is 5th.

Iowa is 3rd in rushing defense. Minnesota is 4th.

Iowa is 5th in passing defense. Minnesota is 4th.

Iowa is 4th in scoring defense. Minnesota is 3rd.

Yes, the defenses are close in these numbers but there are two supplements to the story:

1) They've played a tougher schedule than ours (OSU and Michigan in crossover games and Iowa State in non conference); and

2) more importantly, they weaponize their defense and special teams. Our defense has been good at holding teams. Their defense does that and gets turnovers that sometimes result in direct scores or set up the offense with great field position. We also don't get sacks like they do. Our coaches seem to have very limited goals for special teams: catch the ball (don't fumble it) and get down the field as quickly as you can when you're on the punting team. Their special teams actively go after blocking kicks to create great field position and they are much more likely than us to improve field position by aggressively running the ball. Iowa is the only team in the league that can score 24 points on 146 offensive yards.

Everyone knows what you have to do to beat Iowa (DON'T GIVE THEM SHORT FIELDS) but few have been able to execute that strategy very well.

 

[GopherTheJugular]

They are going to try to throw deep balls over the middle to the tight ends to hit our weak spot 55 just like every other team has the last month but we are subbing him out now on 3rd down more so that should help some.

It's funny how on every broadcast they always highlight him as one of the players on D to watch, he's our best defender, etc. Do the announcers even watch any football of the upcoming team, or...?

I wasn't aware he was being exposed on passing downs, thanks.

 

[noamfromm]

If Morgan is healthy, I think he will and should get the start. It's the one west team neither he nor PJ has beaten, and he deserves one last shot to get it done. But I also think AK should play some as a change of pace QB to keep Iowa's defense on their toes.

We saw some creativity we hadn't see previously last season in the Iowa game with a 'worse' offensive coordinator. That included Kramer coming in as the wildcat QB and throwing a long TD to Ko Kieft. AK is a much bigger all around threat than Kramer is, and we need to give Iowa's defense some unexpected looks if we're going to move the ball on them.

4th time is the charm?

 

[MNVCGUY]

It's funny how on every broadcast they always highlight him as one of the players on D to watch, he's our best defender, etc. Do the announcers even watch any football of the upcoming team, or...?

I wasn't aware he was being exposed on passing downs, thanks.

Gopherchase has an extreme dislike for Morgan and MSM so would take anything he says about either them with a grain of salt.

 

[huntster17]

How was that Iowa defense in Columbus?

 

[MaxyJR1]

The longest Run play Iowa has given up is 23 yards. MN 68. I think Iowa has started to run the ball better and that is my area of fear. Our DE's have to have a great day in the run defense and set an edge for our linebackers. Iowa won't miss on the deeper passes like Northwestern did if we need help in the run game. Purdue and Illinois exploited our run defense a bit. We have to score first or it will be a long day.

 

[Gophergrandpa]

It's funny how on every broadcast they always highlight him as one of the players on D to watch, he's our best defender, etc. Do the announcers even watch any football of the upcoming team, or...?

I wasn't aware he was being exposed on passing downs, thanks.

#55 had real trouble in the Penn State game recognizing and covering a releasing TE. Resulted in two PSU TDs. He is real good in run stopping; OK in zone coverage; not particularly good in man coverage (the weak spot if many LBs, in fairness). BTW, Iowa passes a lot to its TE. Our plan, if in man, can’t be to just let 55 handle TE coverage. Suddenly Iowa’s passing game will look very good.

 

[MaxyJR1]

On OFFENSE:

Iowa is last in the B1G in total offense. Minnesota is 5th.

Iowa is 13th (next to last) in rushing offense. Minnesota is 2nd.

Iowa is last in passing offense. Minnesota is 12th.

Iowa is 13th (next to last) in scoring offense. Minnesota is 4th.

--------------

On DEFENSE:

Iowa is 3rd in the B1G in total defense. Minnesota is 5th.

Iowa is 3rd in rushing defense. Minnesota is 4th.

Iowa is 5th in passing defense. Minnesota is 4th.

Iowa is 4th in scoring defense. Minnesota is 3rd.

Look at the schedules. Iowa played, Iowa State (lost 5 games by one score), Michigan, tOSU. We played MSU, PSU, and Colorado. Iowa also played the #1 team in FCS, we played Western Illinois.

Common Opponents:
Both lost to Illinois. Iowa was closer game.
Both beat Rutgers. Iowa with dominant defense. Gophers ran the ball to death and excellent defense.
MN lost to Purdue, Iowa destroyed Purdue
Both beat Northwestern, Both in similar fashion.

 

[tikited]

Team that scores the most points will win.

Source?

 

[MGGopher]

#55 had real trouble in the Penn State game recognizing and covering a releasing TE. Resulted in two PSU TDs. He is real good in run stopping; OK in zone coverage; not particularly good in man coverage (the weak spot if many LBs, in fairness). BTW, Iowa passes a lot to its TE. Our plan, if in man, can’t be to just let 55 handle TE coverage. Suddenly Iowa’s passing game will look very good.

You're mostly right here in that teams are picking on MSM in the passing game, but it's not because he's in man coverage a lot, it's because MN plays a lot of cover 2 which leaves the MLB responsible for the deep middle part of the field (because the safeties are responsible for deep routes outside the hash marks). Since he's so aggressive in playing the run, he frequently finds himself flat footed on play action and scrambling to get back into his zone...mostly to cover a TE that's gotten by him. I don't know how MN will correct or avoid this against Iowa, but they LOVE throwing to the TE...so let's hope they have a plan.

 

[upnorthkid]

#55 had real trouble in the Penn State game recognizing and covering a releasing TE. Resulted in two PSU TDs. He is real good in run stopping; OK in zone coverage; not particularly good in man coverage (the weak spot if many LBs, in fairness). BTW, Iowa passes a lot to its TE. Our plan, if in man, can’t be to just let 55 handle TE coverage. Suddenly Iowa’s passing game will look very good.

I hope they put Nubin in this role with Howden taking the secondary role. Take Laporta out of the game and the Iowa passing game really shouldn't be able to hurt us at all

 

[upnorthkid]

You're mostly right here in that teams are picking on MSM in the passing game, but it's not because he's in man coverage a lot, it's because MN plays a lot of cover 2 which leaves the MLB responsible for the deep middle part of the field (because the safeties are responsible for deep routes outside the hash marks). Since he's so aggressive in playing the run, he frequently finds himself flat footed on play action and scrambling to get back into his zone...mostly to cover a TE that's gotten by him. I don't know how MN will correct or avoid this against Iowa, but they LOVE throwing to the TE...so let's hope they have a plan.

yup. hoping they switch this up and role with a more Cover 1/Robber look and let our CBs lock up with their WRs. No reason Walley and T time can't lock them up on the outside

 

[short ornery norwegian]

How do you like Iowa's offense against Minnesota's defense?

Here's my answer:

IF the Gophers defense shuts out Iowa's offense,
the Gopher offense still has to score points to win the game.

Both teams have very good defenses.

So, the key (IMHO) is which offense can be more successful against the other team's defense.

to be blunt - I don't think the Gophers can beat Iowa by running 65 or 70% of the time. If the Gophers are not able to pass the ball at least somewhat effectively, I think Iowa wins the game.

 

[Heshmo]

How was that Iowa defense in Columbus?

Iowa's defense held Ohio State, in Columbus, to 360 total yards (66 rush, 294 pass), 200 yards below their average of 560 at that time of the season. The Iowa defense scored 7 of the 10 total team points points. Ohio State's defense also returned favor with their own pick 6 with :17 remaining to end the first half at 26-10 score. Iowa's defense held Ohio State to an average of 3.9 yards per play in the first half and a total of 160 yards.

Iowa's offense committed 6 turnovers (3 fumbles, 3 interceptions) which gave OSU an average starting field position at their own 45 yard line.

The first half scoring for OSU looked like this:

4 plays, 1 yard, FG
10 plays, 75 yards, TD
4 plays, 4 yards, FG
5 plays, 17 yards, FG,
8 plays, 24 yards, FG
15 yard INT for TD

Iowa's defense slowly but surely ran out of gas in the second half which even the best of defenses will do, particularly against the #1 scoring offense in the country. At their place.

Peace.