It will be an emotionally charged game on Saturday night for the Gophers.
A damp, dreary day in the Dinkytown area commenced Wednesday with the startling news that Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill was retiring immediately. In an impromptu early morning presser, Kill listed his deteriorating health condition as his primary reason for leaving the position. During his tenure, Kill never wavered from who he was. He led the University of Minnesota football program with a strong sense of character, passion and enthusiasm that very few failed to notice and respect. Gopher Nation wishes you the best of luck, Jerry, nothing but health and happiness in your future endeavors.
“The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Michigan State Sp…”
Sportswriters across the nation were forced to delete the previous statement after a miraculous game-winning Michigan State blocked punt return changed the narrative of the Big Ten East Division race. Michigan has had two weeks to get over the heartbreaking loss and will look to regroup this Saturday. The Minnesota Golden Gophers seek to defend the Little Brown Jug when the Wolverines roll into Minneapolis on Halloween night.
Defensive Domination
The Gopher offense looks as if it could be in for a long night. Michigan boasts the best scoring defense in the nation, allowing just 9.3 points per game to opponents. Before the Michigan State debacle, the Wolverines’ defense allowed a combined 14 points in five games. Within that five-game stretch, the Michigan defense shutout three consecutive opponents (BYU, Maryland and Northwestern). Will the Minnesota offensive troupe, which is tied for 110th in the nation in scoring offense (20.4 points per game), be able to exhibit any signs of success against the Maize and Blue?
Consistent Scoring Offensively
Michigan continues to prove that it can put points on the scoreboard. The Wolverines are currently ranked seventh in the Big Ten in scoring offense (28.6 points per game). They rely heavily on their punishing ground attack led by junior De’Veon Smith. Smith is supplemented by senior Drake Johnson, who is listed as probable (knee), and junior Ty Isaac. Senior Jehu Chesson also could see time at running back when he isn’t playing wide receiver. Senior Jake Rudock, an Iowa transfer, will be under center for Michigan. The quarterback is having a slow start for his new team. He has thrown a total of six interceptions in seven starts. In two road games, Rudock has tossed a combined four picks. Will Minnesota’s defensive line, a unit that has struggled to apply quarterback pressure all season, force more bad throws from Rudock?
That Harbaugh Guy…
The journey continues for Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who likely remains the most talked-about man in the state. The borderline-egotistical Harbaugh told media members in his weekly presser on Monday that Michigan went “50/50” on game prep for Minnesota and teaching players’ individually during their bye week. He also added that the Little Brown Jug is “one of the great trophies” of college football and stated, “We want it.” At the end of the day, Harbaugh has coached his team to a 5-2 record thus far, earning the Wolverines a spot at No. 15 in the AP Poll.
Mr. Everything
If you notice #5 frequently on Saturday night, don’t worry, you’re not seeing double: Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers is technically a three-way player. Peppers starts on the defensive side of the ball as a safety. He also returns punts and kickoffs for the Wolverines. And two weekends ago, Peppers found time on the offensive side: He made two catches for 35 yards against Michigan State. Just a sophomore, Peppers is extremely fast and fun to watch.
Expect an exciting, Halloween-themed environment at TCF Bank Stadium on Saturday night. Costume-clad students and fans will make this event a spectacle worth attending. As for the on-field product, Minnesota’s offense will need to execute in critical situations against one of the nation’s best defenses to have a chance of victory. The Nebraska game verified the importance of not turning the ball over. The Gopher defense must show signs of improvement after a disappointing effort two weeks ago. It’s Big Ten football on Halloween night. Lets play.