Time to Talk BB-Day v. Spartans

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BOUNDOUTPASSDUNK

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Seems to me we will learns ton in the match-up with MSU. (I should be working but thinking about this stuff).

1. Will Dre have enough energy to contain a top flight point guard and be effective on the offense end? If so, that portends great things during the B1G.

2. Will EE have the body to be able to play his game, rebound, stay out of foul trouble, force turnovers on the defensive end keep B1G wide bodies out of double doubles?

3. Must Trevor come in to guard Nix and Payne and can he do so effectively?

3. Alternatively, can (yes) Mo Walker body up with Nix and Payne? Will he have the stamina and lateral movement that will be necessary?

4. Will the Gophers have to go to the next level with Ingram?

5. Will the Gophers remain as active on the offensive end as they have in non-conference play to avoid the last 5 seconds of shot clock prayer shots?

6. HAVE THE GOPHERS BEEN CURED OF INFECTIOUS TURNOVER DISEASE?

7. Can Rodney start what has the potential to be a first team all B1G performance season? I truly think he's capable.

This is the most anticipated B1G home opener in a number of years given our potential. Go Gophs.
 

I feel optimistic - Dre has arrived - Rodney is playing great - Trevor is coming on - Joe and Hollins are solid - and we do not have Ralph to slow down our offense. Looking at both teams, I believe we have the better team. Gophers by 10!
 

Can we beat a quality yet lower ranked opponent on our home court? I think this is the game that sets the narrative for this team. After this game, I think most people will say about us either "yes, they are for real" or "eh, they looked good against a bunch of unimpressive out of conference opponents."
 

I hope all of this time off doesn't effect us in a negative way. Best believe Michigan State will be ready for this one. I sure hope the Gophers are ready too.
 

Must win at home and show we can close out games in the B1G putting those late game misfires firmly into seasons past.
 


BOUNDOUTPASSDUNK said:
Must win at home and show we can close out games in the B1G putting those late game misfires firmly into seasons past.
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Agree. To expand fan interest and maintain the course, this is a huge game. Win and hopefully the ball is rolling along with players confidence. Lose this game and it sets MN back, IMO. If MN is going to be a player in the B10 this year, this is a game they need to have.
 

If we lose, our undefeated Big Teen season is out the window.:)
 

Question before MSU... Can we get by LaFayette first?
 

tmvander said:
I hope all of this time off doesn't effect us in a negative way. Best believe Michigan State will be ready for this one. I sure hope the Gophers are ready too.
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They will have been off the exact same amount of time.
 



Nix scored 25 and posted a double double v. Texas on Saturday. Trevor can't be expected to guard him for 25 minutes. I hope EE is ready to play - we will need him as well as his reinforcements.
 


Tubtastic said:
Is this the new name for the 14 team Big Ten? :)
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Yes Sir. Also works for 16 & 18 teams.....I'm a person of vision you know.:) I never really liked the B1G.

I'm still working on that Legends and Leaders thing.
 




My take after posting on this board for 15 plus years.

If we win, most posters will come out with some pretty good analysis of the game....and a few will over reach and claim we are destined to the final four.

However, if we lose, the board will implode with stuff about how the team is over rated, Tubby stinks, Elliason isn't a big ten player, Etc. etc.

I think we will win, but I know we are a good team, even if things go south against MSU.
 

I agree, Gophers ARE a good club, just a question of how good are we?

Can we largely seal the paint and force MSU to take contested shots from the outside? I like our chances if that's true. They will try to break us down with Appling, Dawson and Harris.

I'm intrigued by this MSU match up because I wonder whether the USC game foreshadowed any vulnerabilities down low with wide bodies or 7 footers. Also, as stated above, wondering whether Dre can be an all around force when confronted with a talented opposing point guard. If we contain Nix, Appling and Payne, and Appling is not a Payne in the Nix, I will be really pleased and impressed. Go Gophs.
 

BOUNDOUTPASSDUNK said:
I agree, Gophers ARE a good club, just a question of how good are we?

Can we largely seal the paint and force MSU to take contested shots from the outside? I like our chances if that's true. They will try to break us down with Appling, Dawson and Harris.

I'm intrigued by this MSU match up because I wonder whether the USC game foreshadowed any vulnerabilities down low with wide bodies or 7 footers. Also, as stated above, wondering whether Dre can be an all around force when confronted with a talented opposing point guard. If we contain Nix, Appling and Payne, and Appling is not a Payne in the Nix, I will be really pleased and impressed. Go Gophs.
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Eliason and Walker are going to have to play 10 to 15 minutes each and both will need to grab some boards, get a block or two and use their 5 fouls if needed. Nix and Payne are both pretty poor at the FT line.
 

Nix will be a tough matchup, he has improved drastically, Michigan State is a good team, can't lose to them at home and expect a top 5 finish.
 

Sparty has to thinking, "Dang, why did Smith insert Mbakwe into the line up?" and "Man, that Rodney Williams could cause some real headaches", also "Don't let Coleman go off", etc.

Gophers have a nice club. Game's at the Barn. Winnable game.
 

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