Minnesota Lost To TCU: How Did My Predictions And Hopes Go?

Well then. Not the prettiest game ever, but ultimately I feel more deflated by it than upset. The QB was more than suboptimal, but I don't feel terrible about how the defense did given the short fields they were given or all the times turnovers put them right back into it. Defensively the big lesson is that this is a defense that can probably help the Gophers hold their own for a while when the offense is struggling, but it is not a defense that can make up for too many turnovers and an offense that is struggling.

With that, let's take a look back at my predictions and hopes for the weekend and see how I did:

Predictions

The Prediction

Damien Wilson leads the team in tackles with another double digit performance.

The Outcome

Tied for leading tackler at 11 with Derrick Wells. Was tied for third on the team in unassisted tackles with four.

The Prediction

David Cobb rushes for just under 100 yards.

The Outcome

Spot on if you consider 44 yards on 15 carries to be just under 100 yards. And lets not pay attention to the part where I assumed a rushing touchdown. It wasn't in bold font so it wasn't part of the prediction.

The Prediction

Mitch Leidner and Chris Streveler alternate series.

The Outcome

I honestly thought the "Leidner will start" talk was a smokescreen and that at best he'd be seeing limited action. Well I was wrong. And while I know the backup QB is always the most popular player when the starter struggles, I can't lie and say I wouldn't have appreciated seeing what Chris Streveler could have done a little earlier.

Hopes

The Hope

Peter Mortell goes #PUNTERSTACHE and pins TCU inside their 20 at least 3 times.

The Reality

A very solid outing for Peter on a day when he was called on far too often. Only 1 punt downed inside the 20, but it was a beautiful display of teamwork between Peter and his cover team. If only that BS penalty hadn't moved the ball from the 1 foot line to the 15 yard and 1 foot line. Overall Peter averaged 46.6 yards per punt (8 punts) with a long of 56.

The Hope

Berkley Edwards has at least 2 explosive plays that get the Gophers big yards.

The Reality

3 rushes, 6 yards, no receptions, and I don't think he was targeted in the passing game. I'm also pretty sure all three rushes were runs up the middle. I'm looking at you Limegrover, and I'm not pleased.

The Hope

NO ONE GETS HURT.

The Reality

Sigh...well, if we weren't going to have a QB controversy based solely on performance we're probably looking at one because of injury. The minions are aware.

The Hope

DID I MENTION NO ONE GETS HURT?

The Reality

I guess Jobu doesn't like bourbon. Time to stock transition the whiskey fortress to rum.

The Hope

No Minnesota turnovers.

The Reality

via media.giphy.com

The Hope

Gophers keep the interception parade going.

The Reality

Well, sort of when we're talking about the defense. But I think the Gophers misunderstood which side of the ball was supposed to walk in the parade.

The Hope

TCU fans join Minnesota fans in chanting Better Dead Than Red.

The Reality

Gnomes ruling? It counts.

Win or lose, we can all hate Iowa and bask in their misfortunes on the football field. SCHADENFREUDE!