Game Thread - Minnesota at Iowa, November 21, 2009

by JG2112 on Nov 21, 2009 8:25 AM CST

Screw that negativity. Minnesota is going to take back the PIG. We've got that beautiful trophy case in TCF Bank Stadium and IT NEEDS SWINE.

Here are a couple keys to the game today:

(1) If Iowa is getting to Adam Weber without having to blitz, Minnesota's offense is in trouble.

(2) If Iowa QB Vandenberg throws a couple interceptions (Iowa has 11 TOs the past three games), Minnesota has to capitalize on the mistakes and turn them into points.

(3) Watch Iowa WRs Marvin McNutt and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos against the Gophers secondary. Simmons and Sherels are a little bit nicked up, and McNutt has a decided height (6'5") and speed advantage over Simmons and Carter. The MN safeties have to provide support and pick up the run fakes quickly and accurately in order to stop the Herkeye running attack.

Thanks for coming here all year to chat. Let's not let this descend into WEBER HATE DAY. Remember: THIS IS HERKEYE HATE WEEK. Focus your antipathy on the enemy - there is plenty of time for navel-gazing, starting tomorrow.

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Comments

Going to Twin Peaks!

Will be watching the game with some Iowa fans. You can lead a horse to water but you cant make him drink, so I will withhold my Weber comments today…I hope I can eat my words and this kid ends his Junior season with a bang. What a great chance for the Gophs to steal a game from a top 20 team, but Im not very confident in the coaching staff….cant beat Illinois at home? But anything can happen. Go Gophers!

by DallasGopher on Nov 21, 2009 8:55 AM CST reply actions

Up to defense

The bend but don’t break, gritty, senior-heavy defense is going to have to carry the load today like they have done all year. I just have a feeling that Campbell and company are going to contain Iowa and then hope for some scoring miracles. This D has over-achieved all year and busted their collective butts. Screw the offense, these guys are going to win it without them. Prediction: UM wins in defensive struggle 17-13. (why do I feel delusional??)

by Texas Gopher on Nov 21, 2009 9:59 AM CST reply actions

Agree that D needs to set the tone

First, stop the run and then dial up some creative blitzes using speed rushers Cooper and Lawrence. Vandenberg has shown that he will throw picks. Unless the D gets some turnovers, it will be another blowout.

by Garrick on Nov 21, 2009 10:21 AM CST up reply actions