42-17?!?
by PJS on Sep 7, 2008 9:23 AM CDT
13 comments
Well, I'm not sure even the most positive MInnesota fans expected a romp at Bowling Green like this. Before I turn off the computer for a day of begging my fantasy team to produce, I thought I'd run through a list of good and bad from a surprising Saturday night.
The Good:
- Adam Weber was 21 for 25 for 233 yards, three TDs and no interceptions. He converated on a key 4th down pass in the third quarter when the game was still in doubt. Much improved from a season ago against Bowling Green, when a then redshirt freshman Weber turned the ball over.
- During the live blog last night, I kept writing that Weber needed another receiving option to compliment Eric Decker. That came from Duane Bennett who grabbed 8 catches for 100 yards and a score. Bennett also ran the ball 14 times for 49 yards before exiting with an injury. We'll update you when we hear more about his health.
- The Minnesota defense swarmed to the ball. The defense forced four fumbles, made six tackles for a loss and Tramaine Brock grabbed his first interception as a Gopher when the game was in doubt.
- Ted Roof's gameplan called for the use of a 3-4 defense. On occasion, the Gophers sent an extra rusher from this alignment. But the larger result was Minnesota's ability to stop the big plays we feared.
- Ball control. For those who don't like the spread because it's supposedly too pass-oriented, well, Mike Dunbar showed otherwise. Minnesota ran 45 times for 186 yards. Weber threw 25 passes. That's run heavy, and was a needed component against a BGSU team that could move the ball.
- The Gophers smelled blood and finished. Aided by a turnover prone Falcons team, Minnesota took advantage of its opportunities to put up 21 points in the fourth quarter to run away.
- Eric Decker was the best player on the field. Six catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving).
- Kick coverage. Minnesota did a fantastic job giving BGSU a long field after kickoffs. Jay Thomas forced the most important fumble of the game on coverage.
- Two wins. One more than last year. Congrats to Brewster and the team.
The Bad:
- Aside from Decker and Bennett, no receiver other than Ben Kuznia caught more than one ball. Freshman Brandon Green, Xzavian Brandon and JUCO transfer David Pittman saw action, but didn't see a pass come their way. Weber needs other wide receiving options. On the rare times he forced something, he was locked on Decker too long.
- During a hard-fought first half, the Minnesota defense remained susceptible to various types of bubble screens. The huge play didn't result, but this should be a focus of Roof's defense. With the vast majority of Big Ten team's employing the spread offense, this is a play we need to learn to stop.
- While the 3-4 defense might have helped stop the big play, Minnesota still rarely put pressure on BGSU's Tyler Sheehan. For most of the game, Sheehan picked apart the Minnesota secondary. He was 29 for 44 for 261 yards.
- Injuries. Duane Bennett went down. Nedward Tavale also was hurt on the same play. And center Jeff Tow-Arnett was banged up as well. Injuries are a part of the game, but Minnesota needs all three to be healthy.
- BGSU's Diyral Biggs picked up three sacks by maneuvering outside around Dom Alford.
Conclusion: This was a much closer game then the score indicated. But the Gophers created and took advantage of opportunities. The defense still has a long way to go in terms of disrupting the flow of the opponent's offense, but there was some improvment here to be happy. Weber was efficient and calm under duress. But he needs a wide receiver to step up to compliment Decker, whether it's Kuznia, Spry or one of the newcomers. Great win. Minnesota made a statement. They should be able to go 4-0 in the non-conference slate. Did I just raise expectations for Brewster's second team?
What are your thoughts?
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Everyone will now look past Montana State....
….and FAU. It is impossible to get the players really focused on every game. Nonetheless, with some players needed the MSU off due to injury, the rest of the guys are going to need to get their heads turned around.
Hate the white uniforms for us.
Montana State
Hopefully all Bennett would need is a week off. It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to have Salamon get some reps and ESkridge as well.
I didn’t mind the white jerseys actually.
Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room.
Positives Outweighed the Negatives in This One
I think its first important to establish that Bowling Green isn’t the normal cup cake team that we’ve been playing in the last few years in non-conference games. They’re not a BCS team but Brewster can’t control the schedule in his second year because they are made years in advance. With that in mind, I could not have thought of a better way for this game to turn out for the gophers (minus the injuries to key players: I heard bennett might have a torn acl?!?!)
Though Weber only passed to a few receivers, the misplayed snap on third and long was very impressive. He kept his cool in several situations and converted on important plays. The reason for so few receviers could be he’s only throwing the ball 25 times as compared to Bowling Greens around 50 times where you are definitely more likely to see a better distribution of the passing.
You also have to love how Eric Decker came out as a playmaker in this game. Excellent touchdown catch and a strong run to the endzone for two touchdowns.
I love how you mentioned the special teams because I thought they were a huge key to the game. With the excellent field position from great coverage and great returns and the forced fumble, you couldn’t have asked for much more (except keeping that punt on the one yard line).
Defensively sure, we implimented the bend not break strategy. But if we are going to force 5 turnovers a game and not allow a 4th quarter point then let it roll.
I know its only bowling green and northern illinois but no one can deny that improvement was made between these two games and if that continues, Brewster’s second season is going to have a lot more excitement and promise than his first. Lets just hope Bennett’s injury isn’t as bad as the rumors imply or else shady is going to have to fill some big shoes very young.
I was also a fan of the jerseys
The spread is NOT a passing offense
It’s all about ball control, the goal being to create as many one-on-one situations for skill players, be they wide receivers, running backs or the QB.
When run properly, it’s like a basketball fast break brought to the football field – the option reads and the pitches are all about finding the guy who’s singled up and getting him the ball.
If the offense is pass-heavy for a particular team, it’s because that’s where that particular team’s strengths (relatively speaking) lie.
Good enough
This was definitely a closer game than the score indicated. We capitalized on BGSU’s mistakes and limited the big plays. We did not dominate any facet of the game. I’m hoping that the Rodents are able to dominate Montana State. Hopefully the players are geared up knowing this is a chance to pad the stats and have some fun rather than play under stress the entire game. However, nothing seems to come easy for this team, so we will see…
I can live with the bend and not break defense. It is an improvement over last year and even last week.
As far as the uniforms go, we don’t have a choice other than white on the road. I probably am in the minority on this one, but I actually liked the bright gold they wore a few times last year at home.
I thought turnovers would be a big decider in this game. If we stay in the positive in turnover margin we will win a fair share of games. Looking ahead, since we’re playing our weakest NC opponent, I hope some of our younger folks get a chance to give us a sneak preview of what the future holds. Especially if some of our injuries are severe(which I earnestly hope they are not)
Injuries
All there is right now is speculation on the injuries. Brewster is apparently going to have a presser Tuesday. Bennett had an MRI done on his knee.
We’ll see what happens. I’m confident Salamon can fill in running the ball, but Bennett has been great as a pass catcher. I haven’t seen enough of Salamon in that role to feel confident that we’re not losing at least a little.
Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room.
Update?
Have there been any updates on the condition of Tow-Arnett or Tavale? Or will their statuses be annouced during the Tuesday press conference Brewster is holding?
we maybe didn't "dominate"
but the second half was pretty close. We forced 4 second half turnovers and scored 7 on each of them.
what you say here can, and will, be used against you
My thoughts
1. If Tavale or Tow-Arnett are hurt, we have capable backups. I thought Trey Davis (Farmington) looked good when he came in. Tavale is just too big in mind.
2. The best stat from the first two weeks, other than a 2-0 record, is 0 interceptions.
3. Ralph Spry needs to be demoted. He is not a starter right now. He does nothing on the field. Get the FROSHs more throws.
4. That Stoudamire kid can fly. Love him.
5. You touched on it, but great kick coverage all around by the Gophs. Even when ALford got that bogus 15 yarder, BGSU still started at like the 28.
6. 4-0 is a must now.
7. Mortensen was the first backup off the bench.
UM vs UM
Dare I say…but if the Gophers were to be playing Michigan at home next week…we might actually be favored. The Wolverines are reminding me of the Gophers growing pains last year.
Totally random comment, I know.
Hopefully we keep the positive momentum going so we can sweep the non-conference schedule. Florida Atlantic genuinely worries me—they pass pretty much every down.
MIchigan
I completely agree that they are looking like MInnesota last year. They have more talent that the Gophers do on defense, but offensively, they are in the same process that the Gophers went through last season, trying to run the spread with traditional personnel.
Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room.
by PJS on Sep 8, 2008 8:05 AM CDT up reply actions
more on defense
but I would argue less at quarterback. Neither of the Mich QBs are really suited to run the spread while Weber at least has the tools to be a Spread QB. And let’s not forget that last year we had Decker/Wheelright catching the ball, both of whom are better than Michigan receivers.
what you say here can, and will, be used against you
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