Tracy Claeys filled in for head coach Jerry Kill on today's Sports Huddle. Claeys said Kill was not hospitalized after he suffered a seizure yesterday afternoon. He left the stadium for his home and is resting comfortably there now.
I lost my internet connection just before the start of the show. So, if you listened to today's Sports Huddle, please feel free to write your comments about the show and what I missed before being reconnected.
First topic that I heard was related to time of possession. Because of MSU's stout defense there was great disparity in time of possession. MSU held the ball for 37 minutes and Minnesota had it for 23 minutes.
1) Sid asked if the running game would get better: Claeys acknowledged the injuries to the offensive line has adversely affected the running game. He then said he was hopeful some of the injured would be back for the bowl game. As far as offensive woes, Claey said: "There's no excuse for it. We have to get better."
2) Mona mentioned the 266 yards that MSU running back Bell gained against the Gophers: On one of his long runs, Claeys said the Gophers were in a run blitz; however, a freshman DE had lined up on the wrong side and Minnesota didn't have any leverage. As to Bell: "He's a great back." He also said Bell and Montee Ball are two of the great running backs in the country.
Claeys closed saying that the Gophers would be stressing defense in the off season.
3) Sid asked if some of the injured offensive linemen would be back for the bowl game: Claeys said he expects at least two of the injured players to be available. He then talked about the importance of continuity in the line. He cited Notre Dame where their starting five offensive linemen have started and played in all twelve games.
Several times Claeys talked about the importance of participating in a bowl game . . . extra practices (15), which is like have another spring camp (important, especially for the freshmen and redshirts) . . . extra time in the weight room. He said the team needs to get stronger and hopefully reduce the level of injuries.
4) Sid asked about the workout schedule for the bowl game: This week the players will be off focusing on their academics, and after the conference championship game they'll get back to their regular routine for the bowl game.
5) Mona said he received a text from a listener that Nelson was not qualified to play at the Big 10 level: Claeys: "Everybody likes the back up quarterback. We've seen him in practice, he can play at this level." He said game time reps are extremely important in a player's development. He then cited the lack of continuity in the offensive line which has adversely affected Nelson's play.
6) Sid asked about redshirts that can immediately impact the team next year: "Never know, you have to earn it." Claeys, however, did mention three redshirts that have performed well in practice and showing promise: Jonah Pirsig on the offensive line; defensive lineman Yoshoub Timms; and linebacker Jack Lynn. He then quickly said that they're playing a number true freshman that are developing because of game time experience: "We feel good about our underclassmen . . . things are moving in the right direction."
7) In response to a question about injured players, Claeys cited the following that have great promise and that they've been missed: Jamel Harbison, Roland Johnson, Ed Olson. He then mentioned Marquies Gray's injury. He said Gray was one of the top five athletic players in the Big 10. "We've had to fight our way through the injuries." Again, he mentioned extra time in the weight room and its importance in reducing injuries.
8) Mona asked about te Rabe not being in some of the pass plays: Claeys said he was being held back to offer protection for the quarterback. He said MSU does a very good job of taking away the short routes over the middle (couldn't get the passing game on track).
9) Wettstein's long field goal: He said the field goal got the team back within a touchdown; however, MSU wore the team down in the fourth quarter: "Didn't finish the game well." He then credited MSU and their play and becoming bowl eligible, especially after losing so many close games. He said they'e one of the better teams in the conference.
10) Sid mentioned the defense losing 5 seniors: "I feel good about our young kids." He cited the play and potential of Eric Murray. He also said the defense improved in points allowed this season, 32 to 22. He finished by saying they've made progress on defense and the bowl game will help to develop the young kids.
11) Claeys reiterated the condition of coach Kill by saying he's at home resting. (He sounded positive and as though it's a common occurrence and "no big deal.")
Go Gophers!!
I lost my internet connection just before the start of the show. So, if you listened to today's Sports Huddle, please feel free to write your comments about the show and what I missed before being reconnected.
First topic that I heard was related to time of possession. Because of MSU's stout defense there was great disparity in time of possession. MSU held the ball for 37 minutes and Minnesota had it for 23 minutes.
1) Sid asked if the running game would get better: Claeys acknowledged the injuries to the offensive line has adversely affected the running game. He then said he was hopeful some of the injured would be back for the bowl game. As far as offensive woes, Claey said: "There's no excuse for it. We have to get better."
2) Mona mentioned the 266 yards that MSU running back Bell gained against the Gophers: On one of his long runs, Claeys said the Gophers were in a run blitz; however, a freshman DE had lined up on the wrong side and Minnesota didn't have any leverage. As to Bell: "He's a great back." He also said Bell and Montee Ball are two of the great running backs in the country.
Claeys closed saying that the Gophers would be stressing defense in the off season.
3) Sid asked if some of the injured offensive linemen would be back for the bowl game: Claeys said he expects at least two of the injured players to be available. He then talked about the importance of continuity in the line. He cited Notre Dame where their starting five offensive linemen have started and played in all twelve games.
Several times Claeys talked about the importance of participating in a bowl game . . . extra practices (15), which is like have another spring camp (important, especially for the freshmen and redshirts) . . . extra time in the weight room. He said the team needs to get stronger and hopefully reduce the level of injuries.
4) Sid asked about the workout schedule for the bowl game: This week the players will be off focusing on their academics, and after the conference championship game they'll get back to their regular routine for the bowl game.
5) Mona said he received a text from a listener that Nelson was not qualified to play at the Big 10 level: Claeys: "Everybody likes the back up quarterback. We've seen him in practice, he can play at this level." He said game time reps are extremely important in a player's development. He then cited the lack of continuity in the offensive line which has adversely affected Nelson's play.
6) Sid asked about redshirts that can immediately impact the team next year: "Never know, you have to earn it." Claeys, however, did mention three redshirts that have performed well in practice and showing promise: Jonah Pirsig on the offensive line; defensive lineman Yoshoub Timms; and linebacker Jack Lynn. He then quickly said that they're playing a number true freshman that are developing because of game time experience: "We feel good about our underclassmen . . . things are moving in the right direction."
7) In response to a question about injured players, Claeys cited the following that have great promise and that they've been missed: Jamel Harbison, Roland Johnson, Ed Olson. He then mentioned Marquies Gray's injury. He said Gray was one of the top five athletic players in the Big 10. "We've had to fight our way through the injuries." Again, he mentioned extra time in the weight room and its importance in reducing injuries.
8) Mona asked about te Rabe not being in some of the pass plays: Claeys said he was being held back to offer protection for the quarterback. He said MSU does a very good job of taking away the short routes over the middle (couldn't get the passing game on track).
9) Wettstein's long field goal: He said the field goal got the team back within a touchdown; however, MSU wore the team down in the fourth quarter: "Didn't finish the game well." He then credited MSU and their play and becoming bowl eligible, especially after losing so many close games. He said they'e one of the better teams in the conference.
10) Sid mentioned the defense losing 5 seniors: "I feel good about our young kids." He cited the play and potential of Eric Murray. He also said the defense improved in points allowed this season, 32 to 22. He finished by saying they've made progress on defense and the bowl game will help to develop the young kids.
11) Claeys reiterated the condition of coach Kill by saying he's at home resting. (He sounded positive and as though it's a common occurrence and "no big deal.")
Go Gophers!!
