The Daily Gopher - Citrus Bowl 2015: Missouri Beats Minnesota 33-17Your online home for Minnesota Golden Gophers football, basketball and hockey.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49211/daily-gopher-fave.png2015-01-15T20:28:02-06:00http://www.thedailygopher.com/rss/stream/71856722015-01-15T20:28:02-06:002015-01-15T20:28:02-06:00Brick By Brick - "New Year's Day"<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/WsfSbaFWbyE" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>The final Brick By Brick episode of the 2014-2015 football season is here. As you'd expect from the title of the video, it's focused on the lead up to the bowl, the game itself, and the emotions of the players following the loss to Missouri.</p>
<br /><p>Coach Kill is right when he says this years group of seniors helped the program achieve some milestones that haven't been reached in a very long time. HATS OFF to you seniors (and Maxx)! We'll miss you.</p></p></div>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/1/15/7554701/brick-by-brick-new-years-dayGoAUpher2015-01-01T17:19:51-06:002015-01-01T17:19:51-06:00Just Because The Gophers Lost, Doesn't Mean There Weren't Highlights<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pBwRhbCCWcc" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>The best moments from today's Citrus Bowl (via @GopherSports).</p></p></div>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/1/1/7479125/just-because-the-gophers-lost-doesnt-mean-there-werent-highlightsGoAUpher2015-01-01T16:10:00-06:002015-01-01T16:10:00-06:00Missouri Pulls Away from Gophers in Citrus Bowl
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<figcaption>Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>In a highly entertaining game, the Gophers came up short.</p> <p>Our Golden Gophers ended the 2014 season by playing a game in 2015 against the SEC East Champs from Missouri. It was a highly entertaining game, the Gophers had several opportunities to grow their early lead but in the end it was a few special team's mistakes and Missouri's rushing attack wore down the Gopher defense as they cruised to a 33-17 Citrus Bowl win.</p>
<p>One of the tools the Gophers utilized throughout the season was strong special teams play to aid a strong defense and adequate offense. This formula did not play out today as the Gophers made a few key special teams mistakes that allowed Missouri to regain momentum and lead to Tiger points.</p>
<p>The first quarter was largely dominated by Minnesota. The Gopher secondary intercepted Missouri quarterback, <span>Maty Mauk</span> on each of their first two possessions. Following the second turnover the Gophers drove 80 yards and Roderick Williams ran 20 yards for a touchdown and an early 7-0 Gopher lead. Missouri's third possession was a three-and-out. The quarter eventually ended with 23 offensive yards for Mizzou, 2 picks and a seven point hole.</p>
<p>But early in the second quarter with Missouri pinned deep and lining up in punt formation on 4th and 3, a well executed fake punt resulted in a 19 yard gain and a huge momentum shift. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rockmnation.com/">Tigers</a> scored 10 points in the second quarter, holding Minnesota to just 36 yards and zero points to take a 7-10 lead into the half. The Gophers were content to sit on the ball to end the half with the understanding that we would be receiving the ball to start the third quarter.</p>
<p>But Gary Pinkle had other plans and Missouri executed an onside kick to open the third quarter with possession of the ball. This possession ended in a FG and just a six point lead that the Gophers quickly erased. Starting at the 25 the Gophers rushed for one yard, completed a nice pass to <span>KJ Maye</span> for 20 and then <span>Maxx Williams</span> made the offensive highlight of the game for the Gophers. On our own 46, <span>Mitch Leidner</span> completed a pass to Williams who then streaked down the sideline hurdling not one but two Missouri defenders on his way to the endzone and a Gopher lead 14-13.</p>
<p>Momentum appeared to be back in the Gopher's favor with the lead and holding Missouri to a three-and-out on their next possession. But special teams problems came back into play as <span>Marcus Jones</span> tried to field the punt off the bounce in traffic and Missouri ends up controlling the ball. This lead to a Maty Mauk 18-yard run four plays later and a Tiger lead 19-14. The Gophers managed a FG on their next possession, still in the third quarter, but 17 points and down two was the closest they would get.</p>
<p>Missouri dominated the fourth quarter with a running attack that wore down the Gophers and the Tigers ran away with this game in the end. Individual runs of 78 yards and 69 by Russell Hansrough and <span>Marcus Murphy</span> respectively essentially put this one away.</p>
<p>The final was 33-17 and an end to what was a great Gopher season. This game entertaining and frustrating. The silver lining was that Mitch Leidner looked rather good completing 21 of 31 passes, no picks, a touchdown and 258 yards. Missouri shut down <span>David Cobb</span> and the ground game after the first quarter and Leidner did a nice job of keeping the offense moving at times through the air. This is the Mitch we need to see for the rest of 2015.</p>
<p>Missouri won this game and deserved the Citrus Bowl trophy. The Gophers are continuing to build this program and 2015 should be another fine season and we should all be very excited. Thanks to the Gopher seniors who did their part to build this program to this point. Good game and a great season.</p>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/1/1/7478677/missouri-tigers-pull-away-from-minnesota-gophers-in-citrus-bowlGopherNation2015-01-01T15:13:00-06:002015-01-01T15:13:00-06:00Gophers Make Too Many Mistakes In Loss To Mizzou
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<figcaption>David Manning-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Gophers had their chances, but in the end they couldn't take advantage. </p> <p>The bowl game problems continue. There have been many exciting moments for Minnesota fans but even more moments that make you shake your head and grumble. Truly an odd game for me. I'm not sure that I'm capable of giving a great summary of this game without some time to breathe.</p>
<p>I must try however, so here are my quick thoughts:</p>
<p>- As I'm typing, the Gophers just missed another tackle and gave up a huge run on a series when they had to have a stop. There were just too many moments today when the defense didn't quite get it done. Especially in the run game.</p>
<p>- What's frustrating about that is that early in the game the defense was dominating. Also frustrating is that it's not like the defense was getting rolled all the time as things turned (though they've been getting rolled plenty). They were often in the right place at the right time and would simply fail to make the play or fail to make the play soon enough.</p>
<p>- Special teams, usually the strong point for the Gophers, has been a nightmare overall. Peter Mortell wasn't punting well (though it never ended up hurting the Gophers badly). Missouri was able to convert a FAT GUY fake punt direct snap and an onside kick to open the 2nd half.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Poor tackling and stupid mistakes. That is the difference in this game</p>
— Matt O'Connell (@MattOConnellGI) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattOConnellGI/status/550756822043226112">January 1, 2015</a>
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<p>- What Matt said.</p>
<p>- The Gophers played fast and loose with fumbles on offense much of the game, and twice it hurt them badly.</p>
<p>- It's not all bad though. On the whole, Mitch was fantastic. As of the time I type this he is completing 70% of his passes.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-cards="hidden" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/jdmill">@jdmill</a> We suck at bowls. but if we have to choose sucking in bowls or sucking in reg season I take sucking in bowls.</p>
— Andy York (@yorka1982) <a href="https://twitter.com/yorka1982/status/550758062798434304">January 1, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
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<p>- Well, if forced to choose I agree with Andy. Still hate sucking at bowls though.</p>
<p>- There will be a lot to talk about after this one. This was a completely winnable game, but Minnesota found about every way possible to lose.</p>
<p>- Going to end on a high note because I there were some truly great moments today and I don't want them to be forgotten. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/1/1/7478497/maxx-williams-hurdles-defender-touchdown-sportscenter-top-10">Especially this one</a>. Heart you Maxx!</p>
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<p>Seriously. GOOD LORD MAXX! <a href="https://t.co/1Vkiiv1XLK">https://t.co/1Vkiiv1XLK</a></p>
— Chris H. (@GoAUpher) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoAUpher/status/550741870608142336">January 1, 2015</a>
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<p>No matter what...</p>
<h3>GO GOPHERS!<br>
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https://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/1/1/7478633/citrus-bowl-final-score-missouri-tigers-33-minnesota-gophers-17GoAUpher2015-01-01T14:32:22-06:002015-01-01T14:32:22-06:00END OF 3RD: Gophers Trail By Two<img src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xo8DAJlLVSGAvuQvrnigIb29FdQ=/410x410/cdn.vox-cdn.com/fan_shot_images/368438/B6SoqSmCcAAxo_D.jpg" />
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>LETS GO GOPHERS!</p></p></div>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/1/1/7478593/end-of-3rd-gophers-trail-by-twoGoAUpher2015-01-01T14:18:58-06:002015-01-01T14:18:58-06:00Derrick Wells Suffers Concussion - Out For Rest Of Game<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/JoeCStrib/status/550746484753199104">Derrick Wells Suffers Concussion - Out For Rest Of&nbsp;Game</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>Tough blow for Wells, as he was having a huge game. We hope Derrick recovers and doesn't suffer any long term issues! HATES OFF to a great Gopher senior!</p></p></div>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/1/1/7478537/derrick-wells-suffers-concussion-out-for-rest-of-gameGoAUpher2015-01-01T14:10:59-06:002015-01-01T14:10:59-06:00Maxx Williams Is A Human Highlight Reel!
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<p>MAXX IS AMAZING!</p> <p>Maxx Williams is probably going to the NFL. And if he does, Minnesota Gophers fans are going to miss him terribly. Why? Because of plays like this!</p>
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<h4>SportsCenter Top 10 worthy? SportsCenter Top 10 worthy!</h4>
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<h4>Absolutely insane!</h4>
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<h3>HATS OFF TO MAXX!</h3>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/1/1/7478497/maxx-williams-hurdles-defender-touchdown-sportscenter-top-10GoAUpher2015-01-01T13:32:34-06:002015-01-01T13:32:34-06:00HALFTIME: Missouri Leads Minnesota 10-7
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<p>The first quarter belonged to Minnesota, the second quarter belonged to Missouri.</p> <p>Gophers are down 3 to Missouri at the half. Let's take a quick peek at the stats:</p>
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<p><b>MINNESOTA:</b></p>
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<p><b>MISSOURI:</b></p>
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<p>Minnesota gets the ball to start the 2nd half.</p>
<h3>GO GOPHERS!</h3>
https://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/1/1/7478395/citrus-bowl-halftime-minnesota-losing-10-7-missouriGoAUpher