What Gerry DiNardo said last night....

[nsmike]

Well, they lost their leading receiver (McNut), their leading rusher (Coker) and their LT (Reilly Reif) those are big time positions. They are probably going to lean on 2 true freshman at TB as well. Watching their BTN preview Big questions about RB and WR for sure. I think we have fewer question marks that being said I think it's a toss up game.

You left out new Offensive and Defensive Coordinators the O-Line coach is now coaching the Defensive Line which is young and they only have one sure corner. Add all that up and throw in Iowa's typical non conference schedule a win is not out of the question.

 

[oak_street1981]

Well, they lost their leading receiver (McNut), their leading rusher (Coker) and their LT (Reilly Reif) those are big time positions. They are probably going to lean on 2 true freshman at TB as well. Watching their BTN preview Big questions about RB and WR for sure. I think we have fewer question marks that being said I think it's a toss up game.

Iowa will have:

-very good O line play
-D Line will get better over time
-Vet QB play
-good TE play
-very sold secondary
-very solid LB group

The new OC Davis, who came from Texas will bring some freshness to the program.

If Iowa can get some production at RB and WR, and the D Line shows up, I would not bet against them. I would say a win there is possible, but not probable. Iowa will be better than expected and very motivated this year.

Iowa could be a 8,9 win team.

 

[emann]

I wouldn't take what the BTN guys say during the preview show too seriously; they have every team winning about 60 percent of its games. Some teams are going to have to lose.

Purdue absolutely crushed this team last year; I wouldn't be so quick to pencil in a win. (The Gophers outplayed Northwestern last year though. That was a game they really should have won.)

Six wins is a goal, but remember guys, we all thought they would roll over NDSU and New Mexico State last year, too.

 

[mkAz]

Breakout Player (we haven't heard of): Dinardo = Harold Legania

This would be nice, they need some beef in the middle.

 

[matt]

For those who missed it or want to rewatch it, a lot of the BTN's preview can be seen here: http://btn.com/video/

They have interviews with Stoudermire, Gray, Tracy Claeys, Matt Limegrover, and Jerry Kill. The poor facilities question is shown in the Jerry Kill interview. They also have a couple videos with their analysts talking about the team and Fall practice. Definitely worth the watch.

 

[mcrow]

Exactly as I see it - maybe five wins. I don't see victories on the road with Iowa and Illinois and everybody seems to think Purdue is much improved - plus Northwestern is always tough. Possible upset? Michigan. They will be coming off games with Michigan St. and Nebraska.

I think Iowa and Illinois are solid possible wins on the road this year. The way I see it is if the Gophers are going to win 6 games this year it will be the 4 non-conf games and Iowa or Illinois on the road and NW. If they don't win 6 of those 7 they won't go to a bowl without a sizable upset elsewhere.

 

[calminnfan]

One thing encouraging to me is that the players arenot only working out during off season, they are truly developing in many ways, becoming very solid players, both individually and as a team.

It is hard to guage where the Gophers are at otherwise...the positive vibes from sping and fall practice need to translate into the season. Show begins at LV.

 

[mcrow]

One thing encouraging to me is that the players arenot only working out during off season, they are truly developing in many ways, becoming very solid players, both individually and as a team.

It is hard to guage where the Gophers are at otherwise...the positive vibes from sping and fall practice need to translate into the season. Show begins at LV.

Realistically, it probably doesn't mean much until B1G schedule starts. Not that they have to win a bunch of B1G games but they need to show they can be competitive to claim improvement.

 

[Wouldn't You like to Know]

Realistically, it probably doesn't mean much until B1G schedule starts. Not that they have to win a bunch of B1G games but they need to show they can be competitive to claim improvement.

If we come out like gang busters steamrolling opponents through our non-conference schedule (like a B1G team should) than that will be a strong indication of how competitive we will be in the B1G.

3 ?'s that need to answered during the non conference games:

1. Are we able to run the ball and can we stop the run?

2. Do our receivers have big play ability?

3. How much has MG improved as a passer (accuracy and going through his progressions)?

If the answers to 1 and 2 are YES and if MG has improved drastically than IMO we get to 7 and an outside chance at 8 wins. Seriously, we almost beat Michigan State away last year and if we can drastically improve these 3 areas I think we are going to be a lot better than people think.

 

[gopherdudepart2]

I would agree with Harold Legaina as a breakout player if he could get on the footbal

Field. Legaina has the size and ability to see the field, what he lacks is focus and playing with any level of consistency of effort that you can count on him. He should be in the rotation no excuses, this one is on the player not the coaches, if he would make up his mind that he should be playing, he would be on the field.
He should be the one forcing the issue and getting on the field with his play and he is not.
I'm frankly really disappointed that at this stage of the game #94 has not stepped up and put himself in the game.

One minute he is up the field disrupting a play the next minute he is getting blown up the field
and absolutely run over. At his stature and size there is no good reason that he should be allowing Jacques, and Botticelli
and even a red shirt freshman walk on to be out playing him with attitude and hustle.
Legaina could be a force if he would play with more energy, effort and a little bit of mean streak.
Quit being so nice and start hitting people Mr Lagainia.
He could learn a thing or two from Beal, and start thumping people.

 

[Unregistered User]

Field. Legaina has the size and ability to see the field, what he lacks is focus and playing with any level of consistency of effort that you can count on him. He should be in the rotation no excuses, this one is on the player not the coaches, if he would make up his mind that he should be playing, he would be on the field.
He should be the one forcing the issue and getting on the field with his play and he is not.
I'm frankly really disappointed that at this stage of the game #94 has not stepped up and put himself in the game.

One minute he is up the field disrupting a play the next minute he is getting blown up the field
and absolutely run over. At his stature and size there is no good reason that he should be allowing Jacques, and Botticelli
and even a red shirt freshman walk on to be out playing him with attitude and hustle.
Legaina could be a force if he would play with more energy, effort and a little bit of mean streak.
Quit being so nice and start hitting people Mr Lagainia.
He could learn a thing or two from Beal, and start thumping people.

You do realize he is a RS Sophomore, right?

 

[Nate]

http://btn.com/2012/08/12/dinardo-minnesota-practice-tweets/

 

[I am a Gopher!]

Everyone should watch the BTN football review of the Gophers. It is really
excellent and right on.

One very special thing that impressed me was Coach Kill's and his staff's
replies about having the "same coaches" back and it's what will make "the
big difference" in FB success at Minnesota. It was about each of them
giving credit to another. They have a ton of respect for each other and it
shows! It makes all of them look good and then some!

The Coach is one smart man! He knows that "it's" about surrounding himself with
the best staff, who he is allowing to take charge and have responsibility for these
young men. It will take this program to some wonderful things!

Enjoy the ride...cause it's going to be fun! BTW...last Friday morning at TCF was
very special and was so refreshing to see what Coach Kill is putting together. It
was a perfect day! Go Gophers!

 

[gopherdudepart2]

I believe Legainia has the talent to play

You do realize he is a RS Sophomore, right?

I do realize he is a RS Sophmore, that said, he has shown flashes in practice and scrimmage situations that he can be
special and a really effective player. I hope Legainia realizes that, I know I was a little harsh on him because he is a young dude, but he needs to show the coaches and his teamates that he can make plays and be on the football field because the ability is there. At least I see that, when I watch him play, I think the guy flashes talent, he is able to penetrate and do some things that other people are not blessed with his strength and size level.
Now it is up to him to show that. I'm a fan of #94 if he is in the middle being disruptive, taking up two blocks, manning the correct gaps and being a hard to move force like he is capable of, the linebackers are clean and able to make more plays. He can make the Gophers a better overall team defense up front. He has more control of his destiny and playing time then he realizes.
Like I said the ability is there, he needs to light a fire under his own butt, the time for him to step it up and show his game is now.

 

[DMB123]

Agree with this post. Particularly the part about Purdue, I think they will surprise people, they have a lot of starters returning and have an outside shot at 9 wins. I put that game as an upset if we win. Iowa, Illinois and Northwestern will be by far our best shots for a B1G W this season

You think we have a better chance of beating Iowa on the road than we do against Purdue at home? I would respectfully and completely disagree with that take. To me the Illinois, Purdue, and Northwestern games are all huge and very winnable. The other 5 Big Ten games are all tougher imo.