Leidner Leads Rushing Attack
The Gophers put on an impressive performance against a talented San Jose State team, winning 43-24 to improve to a perfect 4-0 on the season. Led by Mitch Leidner, the Minnesota offense posted 353 yards rushing on an amazing 67 carries.
“The thing is, we took what they gave us,” said Jerry Kill. “We tried play-action passes but their safeties were playing about 12 to 14 yards deep in the soft corner. So with that it is hard to play a play-action, but we hit them a couple times. If you don’t get that extra guy down there in the run then you better be able to run the ball. And then the quarterback is the extra guy that can run it. Running the action game and mixing up the power game it was a good formula, no question about that. I am proud of the kids.”
In his first start, Leidner had a career day running the ball, racking up 151 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Gophers. Kill knew that Leidner was capable of this type of rushing attack due to his aggressive nature in practice.
“I knew he was pretty good because him and Ra’Shede [Hageman] used to go at each other all the time when he was on the work team and not many people are going to challenge Ra’Shede…Overall, you ask the kid to do what he did, you know, we’re very proud of him.”
Leidner got some help from running back David Cobb who added 125 yards and two scores of his own.
“The start of the game was a little tough but the offensive line did a great job pushing,” said Cobb. “The coaches kept telling us to be patient and make the right decisions so that the big plays can happen. And Mitch did a great job today.”
Gophers Offense Starts Fast
Minnesota’s offense has been criticized for starting slowly during the first three games this season. Last week, the Gophers managed only seven points in the first half against Western Illinois. Following that game, Tracy Claeys acknowledged the offense needs to start playing well from the opening kickoff. Today they did. Minnesota scored 20 points and rushed for 200 yards before halftime.
“For this whole week of practice, the message to the team was to get out the gate and go quickly,” said running back David Cobb, who rushed for 71 yards and a touchdown in the first half. “The offensive staff did a great job of preaching that message. The offense really wanted to make a statement by making a long drive and keeping the defense off the field.”
A crucial piece to the quick start was Mitch Leidner. The redshirt freshman quarterback looked poised and in command of the offense. He accumulated 85 yards rushing and found the end zone two times in the first half.
“I thought we had a lot of great preparation for this game,” Leidner said. “We had good practices this week and the guys were excited to get out and play. We got off to a fast start finally and we were able to keep pounding the ball down the field. Eventually we wore them down and took over the game.”
Gophers D Makes Adjustments
Although the Gophers allowed 329 yards of offense in the first half, a number of adjustments were made in the locker room to shut down the Spartans. Minnesota held Fales, to just 145 yards on 10-for-19 passing to go with two interceptions in the second half.
“Coach told us to be more aggressive,” said De’Vondre Campbell. “If we have an opportunity to get someone, get them and don’t sit back and wait. That was the biggest adjustment.”
Kill noted that he had to change the attitude of his team in order to stop the explosive SJSU offense.
“We had to get [Fales] out of a rhythm,” said Kill. “I think the mindset; we’ve got a young football team, a young secondary to get them to believe. The kid’s a good player, there’s no question about that. We had to step it up. We had to get more pressure. We had to do a better job in coverage; be tighter.”
Linebackers Shine
Minnesota’s defense was led by their linebacker group, especially by the play of De’Vondre Campbell and Aaron Hill. Campbell led the team with six tackles and a key forced fumble to end a Spartan drive in the redzone.
“He’s a good looking athlete, isn’t he?” said Kill of Campbell. “He’s fun to watch. That’s one of those, with the pieces of a puzzle; you got to have four or five difference-makers on each side of the ball. Just like the NFL. I believe that De’Vondre will develop into one of those guys that will be a difference-maker.”
Hill intercepted Fales early in the second half, giving the Gophers great field position and a chance to extend their lead.
“I think the play was a turning point for us,” said Hill of his interception. “The field position between the 10 and 15-yard line motivated us. The coaches made a good adjustment at halftime, telling me to cheat to the outside since that was a high-percentage passing zone. I was able to go up and make a play and the offense finished the job, so I think it was definitely a momentum shift for us.”