MTSU

[gopherkid12]

Uh oh... this quarterback for MTSU looks like he could give us some trouble if we don't come prepared. his names dwight dasher and he is compared to Michael Vick by many people. I'm not saying anything on an outcome of the game but he looks like one of those players that naturall make MN teams look silly. here's his highlight video from last year.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxdLkvGwUcM

[Breakin' The Plane]

I'm not a college fantasy football player, but from what I've read, Dasher is one of the Top 10 picks. I'm looking at a mock draft from Athlon, and he's the 4th player chosen. A real weapon.

[josh087]

He will give us trouble. Dasher is a legit playmaker and is experienced. This will be a very difficult game for the Gophers, and we will be fortunate if it results in a win.

[Stargenes]

They will be good competition but Cosgrove and Lee will have a very good gameplan to slow him down and cut down his options. Last years defense would have had more trouble with him but this years defense is well equipped to run down QBs like him. But he is definitely a true dual threat QB. The Gophers thrive in night games; we will play well.

[RedPoo]

Whatever happens, it'll definitely be a good test of the athleticism of the defense. I think we'll have a really good idea what this team is about after the first game.

[eker0016]

I'm glad our 'backers will (hopefully) be quicker this year. This is the kind of guy that would run for a record setting yardage against us in years past. Let's hope Cosgrove and Lee will be ready...

[eker0016]

I hope we get a respectful, knowledgeable MTSU poster in here to tell us before the game about the strengths and weaknesses of both of their units. If you are that poster and read this -- please feel free to chime in!

[nsmike]

I actually think that having to face Dasher in the first game, is better than later in the year, because the defense will be fresh from chasing Gray in preseason camp. Quarterbacks like Dasher are tough for the scout team to emulate.

[Go Gophers Rah]

Personally, I think people are making too much of MTSU as a way of hedging. I know MTSU won 10 games last year, but here is a list of the teams they beat (with the CollegeFootballNews rating and the W/L record of each opponent in paranthesees):

Memphis W 31-14 (2-10 #108)
at Maryland W 32-31 (2-10 #91)
at North Texas W 37-21 (2-10 #117)
Western Kentucky W 62-24 (0-12 #120)
at Florida Atlantic W 27-20 (5-7 #103)
FIU W 48-21 (3-9 #113)
Louisiana-Lafayette W 34-17 (6-6 #97)
Arkansas State W 38-14 (4-8 #107)
at Louisiana-Monroe W 38-19 (6-6 #99)
Southern Miss (bowl) W 42-32 (6-7 #79)

So, to summarize, MTSU beat 9 of the 30 worst teams in college football and their signature win came in a bowl against a Southern Miss team, that themselves only beat 2 teams with (barely) winning records. In their 3 losses, MTSU averaged 9 points of offense per game and lost by a 3+ touchdown margin per game.

This is not meant as a dis to MTSU team. They are a very good Sun Belt conference team. That said, the Sun Belt conference is 8-104 against BCS division teams over the past 5 years (yes, I know one of those was against us).

Spin it anyway you want, but IMO a loss in this game would tell me that we are not much better (if at all) than in 2007 when we lost to Sun Belt champions Florida Atlantic.

I would agree with those that call this game a bellweather game. I think its possible for us to go down to Murfreesboro and win by 35+ points. On the other hand, we could go down there and lose a close game. I just don't think I know enough about our team yet to feel confident in either outcome. I will say that we are due at some point to have an offensive break-through (a la last year's Michigan State game) against an inferior team for a really lop-sided score - but that might have to wait 9 days after the MTSU game to happen.

Go Gophers!

[RodentRampage]

Good point. We need to respect MTSU, but not quake in our shoes. If the 2009 Gophers had played that schedule, we'd have the same record.

[Go4]

He will give us trouble. Dasher is a legit playmaker and is experienced. This will be a very difficult game for the Gophers, and we will be fortunate if it results in a win.

you are kidding right? you are talking about middle tn state right? we better come out of this with a win, i don't care how athletic their qb is. Our starting QB is a four year starter in the Big fricking Ten for gosh sakes. We better have the result a win, no matter if this is the second coming of Vick or not. That doesn't mean we dont respect them, but come on we cant honestly be setting the bar this low.

[wels0081]

I don't know what everybody is so afraid of.

It's like like MTSU is NDSU or something.

[RodentRampage]

I don't know what everybody is so afraid of.

It's like like MTSU is NDSU or something.

2007 is so three years ago.

[Stargenes]

Its called first game jitters I suppose so we cautiously and quietly expect a victory. It is my understanding that MTSU had a Juco transfer playing QB most of the Spring that is more of a conventional Pro Style QB. Not sure but Dasher was likely injured. So defensive preparation will be interesting. The offense will likely be very conservation for the Gophers and may open up a slight bit by mid game; But I expect to see a lot of ball control offense and a significant dominance of time of possession. Expect people to complain that we look like Wisconsin and Iowas, while we stack up Ws.

[scools12]

Personally, I think people are making too much of MTSU as a way of hedging.

So, to summarize, MTSU beat 9 of the 30 worst teams in college football and their signature win came in a bowl against a Southern Miss team, that themselves only beat 2 teams with (barely) winning records. In their 3 losses, MTSU averaged 9 points of offense per game and lost by a 3+ touchdown margin per game.

Spin it anyway you want, but IMO a loss in this game would tell me that we are not much better (if at all) than in 2007 when we lost to Sun Belt champions Florida Atlantic.






you are exactly correct. MTSU played the 115 rank scheduled out of 120 schools last year. this is just a way to make the Gopher prosepcts for the year better if they win and a loss can be summed up as they played on a the road against a team that won 10 games last year.

either way the outcome can be favorable for the Gophers.

[RodentRampage]

This is a great opportunity for the Gophers to show that they are a lot better than the magazines picked us.

[WAGopher]

MTSU will put points on the board and I'm guessing at least 14. Our offense better be able to stay on the field and score, or it's going to be a closer game than it should.

[josh087]

you are kidding right? you are talking about middle tn state right? we better come out of this with a win, i don't care how athletic their qb is. Our starting QB is a four year starter in the Big fricking Ten for gosh sakes. We better have the result a win, no matter if this is the second coming of Vick or not. That doesn't mean we dont respect them, but come on we cant honestly be setting the bar this low.


I wish I were kidding. Middle Tennessee State will be favored to win this game - and it is on the road for the Gophers. MTSU will at least receive votes in the top 25 preseason poll, and might even sneak into the rankings. How many votes will the Gophers get in the top 25? The answer will be zero.

IMO, anytime you win a road game as an underdog you feel fortunate to come away with a victory. That's what we will be facing September 2nd.

We don't set the bar. Vegas does, and the bar will indictate that MTSU should win this game.

[Go Gophers Rah]

All of this reminds me of the week prior to the BGSU game in 2008. They had just beaten a ranked Pitt team and had a couple of votes in the AP poll. We were on the road and the game was shaping up to be their entre into the national spotlight. We went out there and won soundly leaving everyone to wonder if it was much to do about nothing.

Also, last year there was a lot of hand-wringing over Syracuse prior to the season's start. Greg Paulus was going to have a cinderella year and the new coach would have the Orange defense playing top-notch. Granted, it took an overtime affair, but in retrospect that Syracuse team was nothing to fear.

Again, this is not meant to disrespect MTSU. I think they will end up winning or 2nd place in their conference at the end of the year. I just have some lingering belief that the level of talent, athletecism and depth of any Big Ten team is a great equalizer.

Teams in the Big Ten have won 87.5% of the games thay have played against non-BCS opponents over the past 5 years. If this were Indiana versus MTSU, I would be saying the same thing and predicting a Hoosiers victory. Obviously the Gophers can be beaten by non-BCS opponents (Ohio in 2000, Toledo in 2001 and BGSU, FAU & NoDakState in 2007), we should still be confident enough to see those losses as aberations.

[denguegopher]

I'm not saying anything on an outcome of the game but he looks like one of those players that naturall make MN teams look silly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxdLkvGwUcM

Bingo, I got that sinking feeling watching that reel. I know its a highlight film, and that MTSU played a weak schedule last year, but I have been watching the Gophers since 1972 and I have never seen us stop/control a QB like that. I predict that this guy will have a "career day" against us. My hope is that our offense can control that ball and clock, and that they turn the ball over. This game has trouble written all over it.

[kmf2h]

I hope we get a respectful, knowledgeable MTSU poster in here to tell us before the game about the strengths and weaknesses of both of their units. If you are that poster and read this -- please feel free to chime in!

I'll fill that role. I'm the Editor-in-Chief over at BlueRaiderZone (feel free to stop by), so I'll be glad to answer any questions.

First of all, Dasher wasn't injured in the Spring. There was no question that he was the starter heading into 2010, so instead of risking injury, the staff let the backups duel it out. Low and behold, three of them left the team for whatever reason. Our No. 2 on the depth chart is the JUCO transfer, but he's just as mobile as Dasher is and has a more accurate arm. Our staff is doing all they can to save him a year of eligibility, so we went out and got another JUCO qb to serve as the No. 2 guy in 2010.

Now, on to strengths and weaknesses.

Offensive strengths - Dwight Dasher, three-headed monster at running back. Watch out for Phillip Tanner. He's our 5th-year running back who led the team in 2008, but was hurt early last year. Our O-line also returns a majority of the starters, including a few all-conference types.

Offensive weakness - Experience at the WR position. We graduated our leading receivers in yards and TD's from last year, but we've still got some very capable guys. They just haven't played all that much. We also have two stout JUCO guys.

Defensive strength - Defensive Line and schemes. Our d-line has been questionable because of injuries, but those reports are no good. Both guys who were supposedly hurt are healthy and will be playing on Sep. 2. Additionally, our DC is keeping the same scheme in place from last year which caused nightmares for a lot of folks. It's very blitz-heavy and brings pressure from all over the place.

Defensive weakness - Secondary depth. A WR-turned CB and JUCO corner will probably see the field in our game.

[eker0016]

Thanks for the great post. I hope the Gophers have had enough time to prepare for Dasher -- our defense should feature younger, faster guys this year. Many are unproven or lightly tested, but we have high hopes for a lot of them. Our offense is a real question mark after last year -- we looked a lot better the year before the now departed OC Jedd Fisch came in and screwed things up -- we are hoping that simplifying the offense (and maybe the emergence of a freshman RB or two...probably not in the MTSU game though) and a focus on the running game can bring our offense back up to snuff.

Out of curiosity, what do folks on the blueraiderzone generally think of the game against the Gophers? I may stop by for a visit, but I thought you'd have the best read on the feeling about this game.

Thanks again. I hope you stop by closer to game time and give us another update!

[AhliBobwa]

Dasher is a great player. There is no denying that. MTSU has some major conference quality skill players. The Gophers will have to show up.

However, I watched MTSU play multiple games last year. You know what stuck out to me? They have small, slow linemen on both sides of the ball. We will have a significant advantage in the trenches, and true football fans know THAT is where games are usually won or lost.

Also, as Stargenes noted, we have a very fast defense. Being as it´s the first game, I predict that MTSU scores an offensive TD early, while the Gophers are still adjusting up to competing at game speed (which happens for every team, remember Iowa against No. Iowa last year?)

However, this will be the game that shows the haters that our O-line has improved, and that our Defensive front 7 is just plain nasty. Gophers win by two scores, and Dasher has a severe headache from come friday morning from all the hits he took.

Suddenly, I want to make the trip to Tennessee...

[diehard]

kmf2h- can you make a recommendation on the way for us to get good seats for the game? The MTSU website refers me to ticketmaster. I haven't checked with the U yet, but usually they get poor seating from the home school. Also where would be a good place to set up a tailgate? Thanx in advance.

Any Gopher fans with good info is especially appreciated as well.

[Stargenes]

Bingo, I got that sinking feeling watching that reel. I know its a highlight film, and that MTSU played a weak schedule last year, but I have been watching the Gophers since 1972 and I have never seen us stop/control a QB like that. I predict that this guy will have a "career day" against us. My hope is that our offense can control that ball and clock, and that they turn the ball over. This game has trouble written all over it.

Oh yeah with little faith. Southern Mississippi's defense sucked! Dasher is fast, but he is not that damn fast. He will have to adjust to how fast we close on him compared to what he is use to in that conference competition. He telepaths his throws as well; we should get some pics on him unless we have a bunch of breakdowns and guys are wide open. And I do not expect that to happen with a Cosgrove and Lee Defense. The above highlights actually made me more confident that we will secure a win.

[CP Gopher]

Damn you people! Now you've got me doing research...and it's only June 28!

[kmf2h]

We don't exactly have a massive stadium. There aren't too many bad seats, but I'm fairly certain the visiting tickets put visitors in corner of an endzone. Honestly, I couldn't tell you for certain as I've never sat in the visitor seats. :confused:

As far as Dasher not being up to par with the Big 10, I really hope your DC takes that stance. Dash came out of the New Orleans Bowl not once. Not twice, but three separate times with what looked to be game-ending injuries. The third one in particular looked really gruesome. He still torched Southern.

As far as our lineman go, we recruit smaller, quicker lineman (not sure where you get that they're slow to be quite honest). It works for our system. There's no reason to have these big uglies who can block like there's no tomorrow. Our O-line is perfectly built for the type of system we run and they're likely going to have their best year in Stockstill's tenure.

Obviously I'm picking an MTSU victory, however it's not out of the realm of possibility for their to be a close game. To say the Gophers have this one by two scores is a bit silly, though.

[kmf2h]

kmf2h- can you make a recommendation on the way for us to get good seats for the game? The MTSU website refers me to ticketmaster. I haven't checked with the U yet, but usually they get poor seating from the home school. Also where would be a good place to set up a tailgate? Thanx in advance.

Any Gopher fans with good info is especially appreciated as well.

We've actually got a board set up just for visitors. Come on down for some good 'ol Southern hospitality. Our members generally tailgate together and we're pretty friendly to visiting fans. If you're interested, check out some threads over HERE (http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=349&f=4052).

This would probably be your best bet for finding out where to get seats, too.

[maxwellsmart]

Personally, I think people are making too much of MTSU as a way of hedging. I know MTSU won 10 games last year, but here is a list of the teams they beat (with the CollegeFootballNews rating and the W/L record of each opponent in paranthesees):

Memphis W 31-14 (2-10 #108)
at Maryland W 32-31 (2-10 #91)
at North Texas W 37-21 (2-10 #117)
Western Kentucky W 62-24 (0-12 #120)
at Florida Atlantic W 27-20 (5-7 #103)
FIU W 48-21 (3-9 #113)
Louisiana-Lafayette W 34-17 (6-6 #97)
Arkansas State W 38-14 (4-8 #107)
at Louisiana-Monroe W 38-19 (6-6 #99)
Southern Miss (bowl) W 42-32 (6-7 #79)

So, to summarize, MTSU beat 9 of the 30 worst teams in college football and their signature win came in a bowl against a Southern Miss team, that themselves only beat 2 teams with (barely) winning records. In their 3 losses, MTSU averaged 9 points of offense per game and lost by a 3+ touchdown margin per game.

This is not meant as a dis to MTSU team. They are a very good Sun Belt conference team. That said, the Sun Belt conference is 8-104 against BCS division teams over the past 5 years (yes, I know one of those was against us).

Spin it anyway you want, but IMO a loss in this game would tell me that we are not much better (if at all) than in 2007 when we lost to Sun Belt champions Florida Atlantic.

I would agree with those that call this game a bellweather game. I think its possible for us to go down to Murfreesboro and win by 35+ points. On the other hand, we could go down there and lose a close game. I just don't think I know enough about our team yet to feel confident in either outcome. I will say that we are due at some point to have an offensive break-through (a la last year's Michigan State game) against an inferior team for a really lop-sided score - but that might have to wait 9 days after the MTSU game to happen.

Go Gophers!

Just a very small, perhaps unimportant bone to pick here. Football ratings are okay guidelines I guess, but being rated 110 doesn't mean you're really 110, especially if you play in a minor conference. Good solid football teams of this variety and of the FCS variety are severely underrated all the time.

[denguegopher]

Dasher is fast, but he is not that damn fast. He will have to adjust to how fast we close on him compared to what he is use to in that conference competition. He telepaths his throws as well; we should get some pics on him unless we have a bunch of breakdowns and guys are wide open. And I do not expect that to happen with a Cosgrove and Lee Defense. The above highlights actually made me more confident that we will secure a win.
I hope that you are correct. I also noticed that he stared down his receivers, but they were still wide open, suggesting weak defenses. I still foresee that this guy will give us big trouble. I see that a former Gopher and Badger assistant is in Murfreesboro http://www.goblueraiders.com/coach.cfm/name/john-palermo/id/593

[kmf2h]

Palermo's a great guy. i enjoyed talking to him when he first got hired and supposedly he's already made a tremendous difference with the D-line.

In addition to him, we're breaking in new Defensive Coordinator Randall McCray, who spent the past few seasons with Wisconsin. I'm hoping his past experiences against the Gophers (not to start a fight, but he's 4-0 against Minnesota in his coaching career) will help us out in planning for this game.

[Stargenes]

Palermo's a great guy. i enjoyed talking to him when he first got hired and supposedly he's already made a tremendous difference with the D-line.

In addition to him, we're breaking in new Defensive Coordinator Randall McCray, who spent the past few seasons with Wisconsin. I'm hoping his past experiences against the Gophers (not to start a fight, but he's 4-0 against Minnesota in his coaching career) will help us out in planning for this game.

Sounds like this may be somewhat of a chest match. I am starting to really like the fact that we open up with a good opponent that will require gameday adjustments and strategy. Both teams will benefit from same in the conference schedule.

[jovs]

They lose to MTSU and a 4-8 or 3-9 finish is a distinct possibility.

[Stargenes]

They lose to MTSU and a 4-8 or 3-9 finish is a distinct possibility.

I know you can give us something more than that; anything is possible dude. I'm sure you heard that before.

[Sean Lumpkin]

Stargenes, I've read your posts and you seem, more than any one else, to be very high on Watkins. I like him as a player and do think that he will start the first two games because of Theret's suspension and Royston's leg. Royston is still not able to run and who knows when he will be ready. He's missing the conditioning and 7 on 7's that the other players are currently participating in. With that in mind, I believe that Collado could be one of the starting safeties for the first two games. Also, do not forget about C Lewis. The person Whom I think could very well end up being the best safety is James Manuel. From what I've heard, he looks like an absolute stud and is impressing everyone so far. Brock Vareen looks like he will be a player, too. I saw Carter this morning and he has gotten a lot bigger. However, I think this year could be tough, because I do not think our offense will keep pace with the defense, but next year, with a more polished M. Gray, more talented O-line and better Rb's this team will be one of the best we've had in many years. I predict that Vareen and Carter; Manuel and Watkins will eventually become the best secondary group, as a whole, that we've ever had at the U. The same for the LB's, Tinsley, Rallis, Cooper and Beal. Bank on it!

[AhliBobwa]

As far as our lineman go, we recruit smaller, quicker lineman (not sure where you get that they're slow to be quite honest). It works for our system. There's no reason to have these big uglies who can block like there's no tomorrow. Our O-line is perfectly built for the type of system we run and they're likely going to have their best year in Stockstill's tenure.

Obviously I'm picking an MTSU victory, however it's not out of the realm of possibility for their to be a close game. To say the Gophers have this one by two scores is a bit silly, though.

Yeah, I didn´t mean to say that they were particularly slow. They are incredibly small and should get pushed around by our linemen, who are much bigger, (and on defense, faster).

And I believe it will be a hard fought game. But again, as the game grinds into the second half the Gophers superior size (on both lines) and athleticism across the whole Defense will take control of the game. I´m not predicting a blow out. But it is certainly not silly to think the Gophers will win by 10+ points. I´d be surprised by any other outcome.

[Rosemountian]

Dasher is legit, he will be an NFL player someday (probably not a QB). I am not sure if the MTSU front 7 is capable of playing with a Big Ten team. The gopher linebackers will be faster than any that MTSU

On one side, the team is in the Sun Belt with easy non-conference, so 10 wins is not as great as it sounds.
On the other side, How many teams have won 10 games in a season the past 10 years? You have to respect them regardless of who you play. There is a chance that we come out and dominate them, there is also a chance of them doing the same to us. Especially with so many unknowns on this gopher team. One thing I do know, if the gophers come out and dominate MTSU, they are much improved. MTSU is good enough where the gopher could not fluke their way into a blowout win.


When is the last time the gophers won by 20+?

[dpodoll68]

When is the last time the gophers won by 20+?

9/20/08 Florida Atlantic 37-3

9/06/08 Bowling Green 42-17

[kmf2h]

I still think you guys are relying on your conference too much. Big 10 speed, strength, etc. I know the perception is that athletes in the Big 10 are better than the Sun Belt, and that's likely true for a majority of the teams. Stockstill is no slouch when it comes to recruiting, though. He's very good and smart about it. He goes after a particular type of guy that fits his system and it's done wonders.

As far as speed goes, we had one of the fastest (if not THE fastest) guys in the country last year as a true freshman. On top of that, we've got one of the fastest incoming guys in D-1 this year (4.31). We might be small, but we're fast and disciplined. Our defense will be even more disciplined this year thanks to Palermo and McCray.

Also, the speed of the Gopher defense might not be as efficient as you guys are thinking. We run an extremely fast-paced no huddle spread. We literally wear the other teams out by the second half (look at USM in the Bowl game) and we just eat away bit-by-bit until the D slips and we go for a big gain. That's the formula and it worked pretty well last season.

[Stargenes]

Stargenes, I've read your posts and you seem, more than any one else, to be very high on Watkins. I like him as a player and do think that he will start the first two games because of Theret's suspension and Royston's leg. Royston is still not able to run and who knows when he will be ready. He's missing the conditioning and 7 on 7's that the other players are currently participating in. With that in mind, I believe that Collado could be one of the starting safeties for the first two games. Also, do not forget about C Lewis. The person Whom I think could very well end up being the best safety is James Manuel. From what I've heard, he looks like an absolute stud and is impressing everyone so far. Brock Vareen looks like he will be a player, too. I saw Carter this morning and he has gotten a lot bigger. However, I think this year could be tough, because I do not think our offense will keep pace with the defense, but next year, with a more polished M. Gray, more talented O-line and better Rb's this team will be one of the best we've had in many years. I predict that Vareen and Carter; Manuel and Watkins will eventually become the best secondary group, as a whole, that we've ever had at the U. The same for the LB's, Tinsley, Rallis, Cooper and Beal. Bank on it!

Its not that I am higher on Watkins than others but it may appear that I am though. I just watch too much Youtube and I get nightmares looking at Terrelle Pryor, Javid Best and others highlights showing Theret get destroyed and I just hope Watkins saves us from the same thing happenning this year. However, I must admit, there are a lot of Theret followers out there and he has done fairly well in his career at The U. But be careful what you ask for. I also like Manuel, Vareen and Bouie. Just would like to try and red-shirt as many Frosh as possible. And Collado is definitely versatile. We'll see how things work out this year, but the future definitely looks bright.

[RodentRampage]

We'll see. Until then, I hope you don't mind if we don't quake in our boots. I don't think our defense will be worn down, we've faced fast paced offenses before. I don't think we'll be looking ahead to South Dakota, so MTSU will have our full attention. None of us are treating this game like a gimme, we just reasonable confident that we will do well. It's a good place to be, you need to respect an opponent enough that you take the game seriously, but not shake in your boots at playing them.

[Stargenes]

I still think you guys are relying on your conference too much. Big 10 speed, strength, etc. I know the perception is that athletes in the Big 10 are better than the Sun Belt, and that's likely true for a majority of the teams. Stockstill is no slouch when it comes to recruiting, though. He's very good and smart about it. He goes after a particular type of guy that fits his system and it's done wonders.

As far as speed goes, we had one of the fastest (if not THE fastest) guys in the country last year as a true freshman. On top of that, we've got one of the fastest incoming guys in D-1 this year (4.31). We might be small, but we're fast and disciplined. Our defense will be even more disciplined this year thanks to Palermo and McCray.

Also, the speed of the Gopher defense might not be as efficient as you guys are thinking. We run an extremely fast-paced no huddle spread. We literally wear the other teams out by the second half (look at USM in the Bowl game) and we just eat away bit-by-bit until the D slips and we go for a big gain. That's the formula and it worked pretty well last season.

Definitely sounds like an effective game plan. Northwestern runs a similar spread but tends to be a bit more controlled. Your spread looks mor like what CMU ran (fast pace). Cosgrove and Lee will have a definite task on hand to slow you down. The Offense will have to sustain drives to keep the D fresh or Dasher will cut loose I see. Going to love this game; should be very competitive.

[Stargenes]

Stargenes, I've read your posts and you seem, more than any one else, to be very high on Watkins. it!

Here is a good reason why:

Dear GI, Which players do you see making the biggest strides in the weight room between last season and the up coming season. --stlgopher

ZJ: I am sure we are just a couple of months away from hearing all the players and coaches saying they are impressed with how much bigger, faster and stronger everyone is since the end of the last season. I have been hearing that since the late 90's. Although it is pretty much true, the same can and will be said on every other college campus across the country.

Although I am not allowed to workout with the Gopher football team, I have been impressed with two individuals who redshirted last year. Both of these players came in as recruits that were going to need to add muscle to their frame to contribute at the major college leve. Kendall Gregory-McGhee came to the U as an undersized 214 pound potential defensive end. KGM now passes the eye ball test. The last time the rosters were updated on GopherSports.com he was listed at 241 pounds. I am just guessing now but I would bet by the time the season starts he will be in the 260 range.

The other redshirt freshman that has obviously bought into Coach Hill training program is Kenny Watkins. The safety from Detroit came in at 185 pounds and was listed at 187 pounds during the last roster update. However, Watkins now looks like a physical specimen and appears to be a solid 200-205 pounds.
As far as returning players, one player that definitely needed to add size to his frame was Keanon Cooper. To be an every down linebacker Cooper desperately needs to get to at least 225 pounds. Currently Cooper is the biggest he has been and it is rumored he is now just over 220 pounds.

Also, keep your eye out for a new and improved Michael Carter. Last year, as a true freshman Carter played at 145 pounds, yes that is correct 145 pounds. From what I have heard Carter is a solid 180 pounds heading into summer workouts. Gaining 35 pounds might not be believable but that is what I am hearing and I was also told that includes 5% body fat.

There are definitely a lot more that have gotten bigger, faster and stronger, but those four definitely caught my attention.

[Sportsfan24]

Palermo's a great guy. i enjoyed talking to him when he first got hired and supposedly he's already made a tremendous difference with the D-line.

In addition to him, we're breaking in new Defensive Coordinator Randall McCray, who spent the past few seasons with Wisconsin. I'm hoping his past experiences against the Gophers (not to start a fight, but he's 4-0 against Minnesota in his coaching career) will help us out in planning for this game.

(In a whispering voice) shhh, I don't want anyone else to hear this. This is just between you and I. Most guys don't go from the Big Ten at a nationally ranked football program to..... the Sunbelt. If they do, there is a reason why. What reason do you think it is?

The other coaches that left Wisonsin in recent memory were Jim Hueber and Brian Murphy (left the same time as Palermo), they landed in the NFL with the Vikings and Kerry Cooks who landed with the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. I'm not saying I'm just saying.........:confused:

[Stargenes]

(In a whispering voice) shhh, I don't want anyone else to hear this. This is just between you and I. Most guys don't go from the Big Ten at a nationally ranked football program to..... the Sunbelt. If they do, there is a reason why. What reason do you think it is?

The other coaches that left Wisonsin in recent memory were Jim Hueber and Brian Murphy (left the same time as Palermo), they landed in the NFL with the Vikings and Kerry Cooks who landed with the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. I'm not saying I'm just saying.........:confused:

Ouch! It's True; It's True! It may just be a pit stop to keep his skills sharp. And that would make him more motivated to prove he is just as good. Uhhhhhh, can't think of anything else.

[eker0016]

Yeah, I didn´t mean to say that they were particularly slow. They are incredibly small and should get pushed around by our linemen, who are much bigger, (and on defense, faster).


Since I couldn't find an updated depth chart for 2010, I took the 2009 Rivals Depth Chart and updated with the 2010 weights from goblueraiders.com, subtracting seniors and placing the second string in as the starter if a senior graduated/other starter gone due to attrition.

OT Mike Williams - 260
OG Evon Lettsome - 260
C Chris Hawkins - 285
OG Brandon McLeroy 0 305
OT Mark Fisher - 272

DE Jamari Lattimore - 231
DT Dwight Smith - 272
NT Sacoby Carter - 284
DE Emmanuel Perez - 236

Compare that with our offensive and defensive lines: (note -- these are my guesses to who starts the season, not necessarily who remains the starters. I think the term "starter" is especially meaningless for our DE's where we have depth and rotate quite frequently).

OT Dom Alford - 336
OG Chris Bunders - 332
C DJ Burris - 290
OG Matt Carufel - 302
OT Jeff Wills - 365
Dark Horse - Ed Olson (OG) - 288, Brooks Michel (OT) - 295, Jimmy Gjere (OL) - 300

DE DL Wilhite - 233
DT Brandon Kirksey - 295
NT Jewhan Edwards - 333
DE Ra'Shede Hageman - 272
Dark Horses/rotation guys Matt Garin (DE) - 220, Kendall Gregory-Mcghee (DE) - 241, Anthony Jacobs (DE/DT) - 289

Looks like we have a serious, serious size advantage here...especially when pitting our offensive line against their defensive line. I like that we have some depth so that we can rotate guys in if they are getting tired against a fast paced offense. I would not be surprised at all to see us play a very grinding style of offense (at least in the first) half where we simply push the ball down the field rather than trying to get fancy and ask Adam Weber and our inexperienced WR's to do too much. I'm getting really excited.

[kmf2h]

So what's better? Position coach in the Big 10 or coordinator at a non-AQ school? He moved to a lower conference, but he got a promotion . . . Doesn't bother me.

Also, the size advantage might be a big deal if we were trying to run it down your throats. Since we aren't, and our QB won't take one single snap under center, it's not as much of an advantage as it looks on paper. We were "outmatched" by Maryland the past two years, too.

[Stargenes]

So what's better? Position coach in the Big 10 or coordinator at a non-AQ school? He moved to a lower conference, but he got a promotion . . . Doesn't bother me.

Also, the size advantage might be a big deal if we were trying to run it down your throats. Since we aren't, and our QB won't take one single snap under center, it's not as much of an advantage as it looks on paper. We were "outmatched" by Maryland the past two years, too.

Like Deon Sanders would say, Both. Our position coaches are coordinators and assistant head coaches; an option your guy apparently did not have. Not sure why; do you know?

How did you do against Maryland and what kins of record did they end up with each year you beat them?

[kmf2h]

He was actually spoken very highly of leaving Wisconsin. I'm not sure of the circumstances of leaving, but he's big on family and our HC is big on coaches being able to bring their kids to the stadium for practice and such. I know Wisconsin wasn't, so that could be one issue. I'm not gonna fault the guy for it, but you can if you'd like.

And Maryland has been 9-15 over the past two seasons. Two of those 15 losses were against us. Likewise, Minnesota seems to be 13-11 in the regular season over the past two years. Not too far removed from one another.

[i'm batman]

Like Deon Sanders would say, Both. Our position coaches are coordinators and assistant head coaches; an option your guy apparently did not have. Not sure why; do you know?

How did you do against Maryland and what kins of record did they end up with each year you beat them?

You have to be Bailz.:cool02:

[i'm batman]

He was actually spoken very highly of leaving Wisconsin. I'm not sure of the circumstances of leaving, but he's big on family and our HC is big on coaches being able to bring their kids to the stadium for practice and such. I know Wisconsin wasn't, so that could be one issue. I'm not gonna fault the guy for it, but you can if you'd like.

And Maryland has been 9-15 over the past two seasons. Two of those 15 losses were against us. Likewise, Minnesota seems to be 13-11 in the regular season over the past two years. Not too far removed from one another.

I agree with Kmf. leaving the Big Ten for a coordinator position at a good team in a non-AQ conference is not necessarily a step down.

[RodentRampage]

Good thing he's big on family, because people up here hate families. :rolleyes: I've always considered statements like being big on families to be rather meaningless fluff. Not letting people bring their families to practice has nothing to do with hating families, it's more a matter of treating practice like something top secret. Whether it actually makes sense to keep practices so secretive is another matter. If coaches at MTSU thought it really mattered, I doubt they would say "This is going to hurt our team, but family is so important, they can come even though it puts our team at risk".

[Sportsfan24]

So what's better? Position coach in the Big 10 or coordinator at a non-AQ school? He moved to a lower conference, but he got a promotion . . . Doesn't bother me.

Also, the size advantage might be a big deal if we were trying to run it down your throats. Since we aren't, and our QB won't take one single snap under center, it's not as much of an advantage as it looks on paper. We were "outmatched" by Maryland the past two years, too.

Randall McCray has already answered your question. He was a D-coord at Murry State, Illinois State along with stops at Toledo and Rice. He then took a Asst coaching position at Wisconsin. I would think he could have done better than to go backwards.

Double Ditto with Palermo, I'm sure after beating Auburn in a major bowl game 5-years ago if someone would have told him he would be coaching at Middle Tennesee 5 years later (also as a d-line coach) he would have punched them.:D

[Ogee Oglethorpe]

If there's any reason for optimism in this game it appears on the surface to me to be the MTSU defense.

In glancing at their schedule from last year, they did not completely shut down ANYBODY. Even if you want to argue that SOME of the teams on that schedule were in the neighborhood of respectable, they never gave up less than 14 points. To put it in perspective, they gave up an average of OVER 21 points per game in the games that they WON.

Not to disparage the Sunbelt Conference but if you're touting yourself as a "10-win team", you should be able to put the clamps down on the likes of 0-12 Western Kentucky or 2-10 North Texas?

I also like the fact that this will be the first game, plenty of preparation time. No doubt, the Blue Raiders will feel compelled to throw a few gadget plays at the Rodents and THAT, if anything, could swing the needle in favor of MTSU.

Bottom line; if the Rodents can rack up more than 150 yards on the ground, they should win this game. If Minny can't run the ball against these guys, they don't deserve to win this one.

[AhliBobwa]

He was actually spoken very highly of leaving Wisconsin. I'm not sure of the circumstances of leaving, but he's big on family and our HC is big on coaches being able to bring their kids to the stadium for practice and such. I know Wisconsin wasn't, so that could be one issue. I'm not gonna fault the guy for it, but you can if you'd like.

And Maryland has been 9-15 over the past two seasons. Two of those 15 losses were against us. Likewise, Minnesota seems to be 13-11 in the regular season over the past two years. Not too far removed from one another.

9-15 in the pitiful ACC ain´t anywhere near 13-11 in the Big Ten. The Big Ten is college football´s greatest conference, and is never worse than 2nd in the overall pecking order. By far the deepest conference in America with 11 (soon to be 12) teams that can beat anyone on any given day.

Again should be a good game. But the Gophers are much bigger and faster in the in the front 7. I stated before that MTSU has major conference caliber talent and speee at the skill positions. I just believe games are ultimately won and lost in the trenches.

I just can´t believe that our improved O-line won´t be able to run the all down the throats of MTSU and control the game from that standpoint. But if we can´t then you blue raiders deserve to win.

[GopherGod]

Randall McCray has already answered your question. He was a D-coord at Murry State, Illinois State along with stops at Toledo and Rice. He then took a Asst coaching position at Wisconsin. I would think he could have done better than to go backwards.

Double Ditto with Palermo, I'm sure after beating Auburn in a major bowl game 5-years ago if someone would have told him he would be coaching at Middle Tennesee 5 years later (also as a d-line coach) he would have punched them.:D

Well according to this logic then what does it say about Cosgrove who was volunteering at a high school two years ago after getting canned from a better job and is now a co-coordinator. You could also add in Coach Davis who was at one time at USC. Both went from more prestigious jobs to less.

[GhostofBronko]

Randall McCray has already answered your question. He was a D-coord at Murry State, Illinois State along with stops at Toledo and Rice. He then took a Asst coaching position at Wisconsin. I would think he could have done better than to go backwards.

Jeez, the asshattery is getting thick on this topic. There is nothing "backwards" about moving from a Coordinator position at 1-AA to a position coach at a 1-A BCS school to a Coordinator position at a 1-A non-BCS school.


Double Ditto with Palermo, I'm sure after beating Auburn in a major bowl game 5-years ago if someone would have told him he would be coaching at Middle Tennesee 5 years later (also as a d-line coach) he would have punched them.:D

Palermo beat Auburn? Were you the guy who wrote Brewsters W/L record a couple years back? Regardless, Palermo was a Coordinator, not position coach, so your example doesn't even make sense.

[Sportsfan24]

Well according to this logic then what does it say about Cosgrove who was volunteering at a high school two years ago after getting canned from a better job and is now a co-coordinator. You could also add in Coach Davis who was at one time at USC. Both went from more prestigious jobs to less.

I'm only having some fun with our opposition. I personally know both coaches and they are very good at what they do. I'm well aware of what happened to and with Palermo. While he brought it (you shouldn't verbally abuse your future boss in public) on himself, nobody can question his ability and track record as a coach.

[Sportsfan24]

Jeez, the asshattery is getting thick on this topic. There is nothing "backwards" about moving from a Coordinator position at 1-AA to a position coach at a 1-A BCS school to a Coordinator position at a 1-A non-BCS school.



Palermo beat Auburn? Were you the guy who wrote Brewsters W/L record a couple years back? Regardless, Palermo was a Coordinator, not position coach, so your example doesn't even make sense.

I was only joking. I was just having some fun and friendly panter. He could have easily responded that in fact John Palermo landed with the Miami Hurricanes after he left Wisconsin before moving on to the NFL's Washington Redskins. And no he was not a D-coordinator with the Badgers (does that make sense now), he held the title Asst head coach and he coached the d-line.

John is well respected in the coaching ranks and if he wants I'm sure he could land a more prestigious job.

In the future never question my sports knowledge because I'M SPORTSFAN24 AND I KNOW ALL ABOUT SPORTS (see I'm joking again).:D

[Stargenes]

I was only joking. I was just having some fun and friendly panter. He could have easily responded that in fact John Palermo landed with the Miami Hurricanes after he left Wisconsin before moving on to the NFL's Washington Redskins. And no he was not a D-coordinator with the Badgers (does that make sense now), he held the title Asst head coach and he coached the d-line.

John is well respected in the coaching ranks and if he wants I'm sure he could land a more prestigious job.

In the future never question my sports knowledge because I'M SPORTSFAN24 AND I KNOW ALL ABOUT SPORTS (see I'm joking again).:D

They say a good comedian layers the jokes and slips some truth in there. Sportsfan24 really does know his stuff. But getting back to gameplanning, I still believe we have the upper hand on coaching. Don't believe me, ask Mark Dantonio. He endorsed Coach Brewster and his staff last year on Holloween. REALLY! No Joke.

[gophmeister]

They say a good comedian layers the jokes and slips some truth in there. Sportsfan24 really does know his stuff. But getting back to gameplanning, I still believe we have the upper hand on coaching. Don't believe me, ask Mark Dantonio. He endorsed Coach Brewster and his staff last year on Holloween. REALLY! No Joke.

Why didn't they stick with that formula? Why change everything week in week out when it was obvious to the casual fan that the offense was all screwy? We had two receivers run into each other in the Iowa game. I really want to believe in this staff, and to some extent I do, but man, some of the play calling last year stunk.

[AhliBobwa]

Why didn't they stick with that formula? Why change everything week in week out when it was obvious to the casual fan that the offense was all screwy? We had two receivers run into each other in the Iowa game. I really want to believe in this staff, and to some extent I do, but man, some of the play calling last year stunk.

Umm....yeah, that´s why we got a new coordinator to run a pared down simplified offense. Furthermore, Horton is a guy who has been very successful particularly in coaching up his QBs to overachieve.

I take it you missed the memo?

[eker0016]

Umm....yeah, that´s why we got a new coordinator to run a pared down simplified offense. Furthermore, Horton is a guy who has been very successful particularly in coaching up his QBs to overachieve.

I take it you missed the memo?

I think it is an indictment of Brewster that he hired Fisch, knowing he would install that kind of an offense. He knew better than most what would happen when you try to feed complicated NFL-level schemes to college players. We call that the Everett Withers experiment, and it ended in a smoldering pile of crap at the end of the 2007 season.

That said, I'm really glad he realized this (again) after this year and will simplify things with Horton.

[RodentRampage]

I think it is an indictment of Brewster that he hired Fisch, knowing he would install that kind of an offense. He knew better than most what would happen when you try to feed complicated NFL-level schemes to college players. We call that the Everett Withers experiment, and it ended in a smoldering pile of crap at the end of the 2007 season.

That said, I'm really glad he realized this (again) after this year and will simplify things with Horton.

He does bear responsibility for the hiring choices. If he doesn't last here, his too-radical changes in the offesne may be to blame. The spread was a major departure, the assumption seems to be that we could recruit into it. But if you're doing what is trendy, you're fighting with everyone to get the same pool of athletes.

[gophmeister]

I take it you missed the memo?

This explains why Fisch looked so different at the 'Signing Day' party.

Seriously though, I just question Brewster's judgement in hiring Fisch. I think if Brew were a more experienced and established head coach the Fisch experiment might have worked out. Hiring Horton isn't a slam dunk, but at the very least Brew went with someone proven.

[Stargenes]

I think it is an indictment of Brewster that he hired Fisch, knowing he would install that kind of an offense. He knew better than most what would happen when you try to feed complicated NFL-level schemes to college players. We call that the Everett Withers experiment, and it ended in a smoldering pile of crap at the end of the 2007 season.

That said, I'm really glad he realized this (again) after this year and will simplify things with Horton.

Do you not recall how many guys he went through before getting to Fisch? No indictment on Brewster for trying to get it done. I love the fact that he recognizes problems and moves right away. I think we have it right now and the Staff will move this Program forward.

[gophmeister]

He does bear responsibility for the hiring choices. If he doesn't last here, his too-radical changes in the offesne may be to blame. The spread was a major departure, the assumption seems to be that we could recruit into it. But if you're doing what is trendy, you're fighting with everyone to get the same pool of athletes.

Very true.

When the switch to a pro-style offense was made, I immediately thought it had to do with recruiting at some level. Most of these kids want to get to the NFL and what better way to do so than by proving yourself in program that tries to mimic what's being done in the pros.

[gophmeister]

Do you not recall how many guys he went through before getting to Fisch? No indictment on Brewster for trying to get it done. I love the fact that he recognizes problems and moves right away. I think we have it right now and the Staff will move this Program forward.

Brew really wanted to bring in a big name. Unfortunately big names tend to already have well-paying jobs with security and potential. I wish he would have hired Horton last year instead of this year. Horton's solid, he's someone you can be sure won't let the offense embarass itself. I doubt Adam will get sacked 11 times by the Illini this fall or that we'll throw a fade in the endzone to a 5'10" receiver. If I ever see Fisch in person, I may kick him in the nuts.

[eker0016]

Do you not recall how many guys he went through before getting to Fisch? No indictment on Brewster for trying to get it done. I love the fact that he recognizes problems and moves right away. I think we have it right now and the Staff will move this Program forward.

I do remember. It was the legendary kill shot. I like your enthusiasm, Stargenes, but I have to fault Brewster on this one. Even if your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices don't accept your offer, I think he would have been much better served going for a guy who would be able to teach an offense and call appropriate plays, rather than a guy who may be a genius with the X's and O's (as we were told Fisch is, and he may very well be. I think the main reason he took Fisch was because of his NFL ties (big recruiting pitch) when he almost should have avoided him because of it.

[dpodoll68]

If I ever see Fisch in person, I may kick him in the nuts.

QFT


I think the main reason he took Fisch was because of his NFL ties (big recruiting pitch) when he almost should have avoided him because of it.

Also QFT

[RodentRampage]

Attempting to get a bunch of college students to run an NFL offense is like going to your local diner and expecting the cooks to prepare meals as if it is a 5-star gourmet restuarant. Those 5-star meals may be fantastic, but only when done right. The local diner would make them into inedible glop. But the local diner probably has a lot of items on the menu that they know how to make quite well.

Fisch had the X's and O's that he wanted to run, but the player just weren't able to implement it. I'm optimistic that the offense tailored to the players abilities will surprise a lot of people. It's better to have lesser number of simple plays that you know how to run well than a giant playbook of complex plays that you can't run well. Give me a good chicken fried steak rather then a bad attempt at haute cuisine.

[Sean Lumpkin]

Brew really wanted to bring in a big name. Unfortunately big names tend to already have well-paying jobs with security and potential. I wish he would have hired Horton last year instead of this year. Horton's solid, he's someone you can be sure won't let the offense embarass itself. I doubt Adam will get sacked 11 times by the Illini this fall or that we'll throw a fade in the endzone to a 5'10" receiver. If I ever see Fisch in person, I may kick him in the nuts.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/fishers-nuts :eek:

[dpodoll68]

http://www.yelp.com/biz/fishers-nuts :eek:

Broken link is broken.

[tds2n]

Since I couldn't find an updated depth chart for 2010, I took the 2009 Rivals Depth Chart and updated with the 2010 weights from goblueraiders.com, subtracting seniors and placing the second string in as the starter if a senior graduated/other starter gone due to attrition.

OT Mike Williams - 260
OG Evon Lettsome - 260
C Chris Hawkins - 285
OG Brandon McLeroy 0 305
OT Mark Fisher - 272

DE Jamari Lattimore - 231
DT Dwight Smith - 272
NT Sacoby Carter - 284
DE Emmanuel Perez - 236

Compare that with our offensive and defensive lines: (note -- these are my guesses to who starts the season, not necessarily who remains the starters. I think the term "starter" is especially meaningless for our DE's where we have depth and rotate quite frequently).

OT Dom Alford - 336
OG Chris Bunders - 332
C DJ Burris - 290
OG Matt Carufel - 302
OT Jeff Wills - 365
Dark Horse - Ed Olson (OG) - 288, Brooks Michel (OT) - 295, Jimmy Gjere (OL) - 300

DE DL Wilhite - 233
DT Brandon Kirksey - 295
NT Jewhan Edwards - 333
DE Ra'Shede Hageman - 272
Dark Horses/rotation guys Matt Garin (DE) - 220, Kendall Gregory-Mcghee (DE) - 241, Anthony Jacobs (DE/DT) - 289

Looks like we have a serious, serious size advantage here...especially when pitting our offensive line against their defensive line. I like that we have some depth so that we can rotate guys in if they are getting tired against a fast paced offense. I would not be surprised at all to see us play a very grinding style of offense (at least in the first) half where we simply push the ball down the field rather than trying to get fancy and ask Adam Weber and our inexperienced WR's to do too much. I'm getting really excited.

I wouldn't look too much into the size advantage. MTSU is built to play every game as a shoot out. They recruit smaller guys that can rush the QB.
The only team that was affective in running the ball on them was really, Miss state. That's only because Dasher was benched for missing a team meeting, then when he came late in the second half - he thew i think 3 or 4 picks in hail mary attempts late in the game.

Mainly, I'm just saying : beware the appearance of the match up. if MT goes up by 14, then there will be pressure to throw the ball. This is a defense that last year lead the NCAA in tackles for loss, and i believe they were in the top 5 for sacks.

[TrojanFan42]

Hello All. I figured I'd give you guys a little Troy Trojan perspective. Troy has won the Sunbelt four years in a row and Middle could actually have a pretty decent team this year, so I'm eagar to follow the blue raiders and see what they can do. My thoughts on the game are a mixed bag. They had a high turnover ratio last year and could have a hard time matching that record again, as they lose some top players in turnovers. Dasher seems to cave in and fold up shop when facing a d-line that has any kind of talent. Dwight Dasher's a tough kid, though he's only 5'9" and while I have limited football knowledge, it would seem that he would have trouble with the bigger taller defenses because of this. I think they may have peaked too early. On the other hand, this team could be really special. They have a great coach and some pretty decent talent. Though a Big Ten team with a senior quarterback shouldn't lose to a Sunbelt team. It should be a really good game for both teams.

Here you can get a glimpse on how to shut down Dwight Dasher:
http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b172/PuertoricanTpt05/?action=view&current=DwightDasherShowCANCELLED.mp4

[GophersInIowa]

I think the main reason he took Fisch was because of his NFL ties (big recruiting pitch) when he almost should have avoided him because of it.

Fisch just didn't have much college experience and that's what made it tough in my opinion. Horton has been at both levels and hopefully understands the difference.

[Rosemountian]

Fisch's biggest problems were these:

1) Had never worked at the college level, so he did not know how in depth of schemes college guys could handle.
2) Had never called plays before.....I personally think his play calling was pretty decent, but he was LATE getting them in. Making it tougher on the QB and the whole offense.
3) Lack of consistent play by the OL and QB.