Well, it wasn’t pretty, but Minnesota squeaked out another close win over Nebraska 13-10 in front of a sellout crowd in Minneapolis, and was broadcast nationally on FOX TV. And while this wasn’t Minnesota’s best effort by any means, I want to share three things I saw in this team that I think will help Minnesota as the season goes on. Have faith, it will get better.
- The defense stayed hungry.
As I’ve said I think this is the year PJ Fleck’s defense looks to make a statement. And last night they kept Minnesota in the game. With a sputtering offense not helping, the defense played with aggression. Sure, Jeff Sims got a couple big runs (he wound up as the Huskers leading rusher) but Minnesota was able to contain him for the most part. Big sacks from Danny Striggow and Jah Joyner, along with Jalen Logan-Redding (credited with half a sack) showed us why many are excited for this defense and their potential this season. Tre’von Jones lead the Gophers with 8 solo tackles and a key interception in Nebraska’s end zone that ended a possible score for them. Don’t get me wrong, there were missed tackles, the linebackers need to play better, but for game 1 it was enough to win.
- Defensive Playmakers
The Gophers have two big stars on defense, and they showed up to make big time contributions.
Let’s start with Tyler Nubin. Tyler had two big interceptions last night, and his second as the Cornhuskers were driving for a possible winning score was huge. In the postgame press conference, the preseason All-American DB talked about the will to win. He remarked about Minnesota being “poised”, practicing being in tough situations and having to respond to those situations. Well, he did just that, and his contributions were critical to a Minnesota win.
Justin Walley despite dealing with cramps made his mark known also with a forced fumble, recovered by the Gophers that lead to the tying score. When asked about the forced fumble Walley replied “It was really instinctual, the ball was out so I just made a play”. Well Gopher fans, be glad they practice this because he saw an opportunity and got a huge turnover. Walley also had 7 tackles and I believe Justin will be a major factor in the Big 10 as the season progresses.
- The Will to WIN!
I’ve seen many Gopher games as student here way way back in the early 90’s, and as a season ticket holder for almost 20 years now. This Gopher team doesn’t give up in the close games anymore. Years ago, Minnesota would have lost a ugly game like this. But when the game is close, like the battles with Nebraska have been, Minnesota just finds a way to win. Last night, despite a ho-hum showing offensively, Athan Kaliakmanis completed some short passes along the sidelines on the final drive which stopped the clock and helped the offense set up that game winning field goal. And props to our kicker Dragan Kesich, he missed a kick from 54 yards earlier, but on a windy night he nailed the game winner from 47 yards out. PJ Fleck has instilled a new attitude in Minnesota Football, and his team kept “Rowing The Boat”, which is a motto that fits this team perfectly
Vince Wright is a GopherHole contributor and host of The Sports Done Wright Podcast
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