Unofficial Game Thread

[JoeDirt]

A new season, Runnin down their throats, and the announcers suck! And its 2010!!

[GoldenGo4Fan]

Hoese!!!

[Gopherocious]

Love it! Way to pound the rock!

[JoeDirt]

a great start. love going for it on 4th also!

[The 12th Man]

They just held the bejesus out of our nose. Luckily the QB didn't get the yards.

[pharmacygopher]

They just held the bejesus out of our nose. Luckily the QB didn't get the yards.


He got held and THEN tackled by the OL. Don't know how they missed it! Glad he was just short.

[freshtrout]

Not a sellout that's for sure - lot of empty seats..

[JoeDirt]

love the runnin' but I'm excited to see how webber does throwin'. so far it's shaky

[The 12th Man]

love the runnin' but I'm excited to see how webber does throwin'. so far it's shaky

Not so hot. Hopefully he turns it around.

[FireCosgroveGuy]

Weber is some kind of horrific.

[JoeDirt]

I hope that 3rd down penalty doesn't become a trend.......again! that just kills us.

[FireCosgroveGuy]

This may be the worst broadcast ever combined with the worst QB ever. These guys are awful.

[JoeDirt]

MT's QB can't weigh more than 150 lbs. Let's break him in half!

[FireCosgroveGuy]

MT's QB can't weigh more than 150 lbs. Let's break him in half!

Its weird, the DL isn't really even trying to rush the passer. I guess they are trying to stop the WR screens and whatnot but they are all standing around when the ball is snapped.

[JoeDirt]

This may be the worst broadcast ever combined with the worst QB ever. These guys are awful.

Probably the worst announcers I have EVER heard on a network telecast......horrible!

[FireCosgroveGuy]

Probably the worst announcers I have EVER heard on a network telecast......horrible!

How many times can you call #23 #22? Unless they are a mile away its not that hard to see that they are different numbers.

OMG, he got it right!

[The 12th Man]

Its weird, the DL isn't really even trying to rush the passer. I guess they are trying to stop the WR screens and whatnot but they are all standing around when the ball is snapped.

Spying the QB.

[RaiderATO]

Its weird, the DL isn't really even trying to rush the passer. I guess they are trying to stop the WR screens and whatnot but they are all standing around when the ball is snapped.
This happens often against our offense. If the DL or LBs get too far up the field, our QB will tuck the ball and run.

It's only effective with an agile QB and a system that forces as many players as possible to play outside of the box.

[FireCosgroveGuy]

Spying the QB.

Maybe but they don't all spy. It seems like they have all been caught standing around looking at the sideline at times against the hurry up.

[The 12th Man]

Maybe but they don't all spy. It seems like they have all been caught standing around looking at the sideline at times against the hurry up.

The MTSU guy said it better than I did. The idea is the same. Mobile QB who has a green light to take off.

[JoeDirt]

nice stiff arm by eskridge. big difference in the caliber of athletes overall between us and them

[JoeDirt]

I really want the best for Webber, but he just seems off. It's early though

[GoldenGo4Fan]

Hoese, again!!!

[FireCosgroveGuy]

TD again. At this rate we'll be getting all the good FB recruits ;-)

I'd like to see them throw it more just to see what Weber looks like over a full game. So far one good pass, the rest of the drop backs are garbage.

[JoeDirt]

What's the announcers name? he said he played for the Vikings.

[The 12th Man]

I hope Weber turns it around. I really, really, really do. The run game looks fantastic right now, but against Big Ten teams they will need a few of those play action passes completed. Here's hoping he can shake the rust off for the rest of the game and finish strong.

[Studwell55]

I think Weber set his feet on one throw so far. That near-sack was all on him.

[FireCosgroveGuy]

Watch the fake!

[The 12th Man]

Good run by Kirkwood. Doesn't have the speed yet to break away, but good run.

[JoeDirt]

I'm very excited about Kirkwood, He will only get better.

[The 12th Man]

It will be interesting to see how we handle short yardage situations in the next game. Hoese will definitely be keyed by the defense. It will be CRITICAL for Weber to hit the play action pass.

[The 12th Man]

They only rushed four on that. Ed Olson got punked.

[Studwell55]

The right side of our o-line is crushing.

The left side of our o-line is freaking awful.

Advantage: Wills.

[JoeDirt]

Olson will learn more from this game than all his previous football years combined.

[Gophers09]

love to see dts chasing the ball like kirksey just did even though it was a bad play.

[lakesbison]

lots of NDSU fans chattting and cheering for gophs on online watch site

http://alpha2zulu.webstarts.com/a2z_channel_1.html


GO GOPHS

[Gopher_Ace]

Is Cooper quite a bit slower this season?

[lakesbison]

Gotta hold to a FG then score and keep pressure on MTSU

[FireCosgroveGuy]

Defense looks slow and weak on this drive.

[The 12th Man]

That drive is what a spread offense is meant to do. Hopefully we will see some adjustments.

[The 12th Man]

Maybe play robber any time you see wildcat. Should be easy to identify. Our DBs should be able to cover the WRs in man, so having one guy roaming might make a difference. Might be worth a shot.

[JoeDirt]

Perfect response to a TD, Stoudermire is fun to watch

[freshtrout]

Let's not start getting ahead of ourselves here folks...

[JoeDirt]

WTF!

[The 12th Man]

Wow. I am losing some faith in Weber.

[Brew_recruit]

Weber...........

[FireCosgroveGuy]

Wow. I am losing some faith in Weber.

Just now? It has been going on for 3 years. He is permanently damaged goods.

[PeanutButterTubbyTime]

Gray better be getting those shoes tied up.

[FireCosgroveGuy]

What the HELL was Bennett doing? He had no one on him and he was just ramming into his OL. LOOK UP!!!

He could have cut that inside for a good gain.

[The 12th Man]

Just now? It has been going on for 3 years. He is permanently damaged goods.

I can't help it. I just keep hoping...

[Doc1001]

they can run block but cant pass protect at all--just like last year.

[FireCosgroveGuy]

Who is the backup kicker?

[The 12th Man]

Ellestad might want to aim a bit right next time.

[JoeDirt]

Those are game losing misses.

[FireCosgroveGuy]

Terrible tackling by what looks to be some very undersized LBs.

[The 12th Man]

Ruh roh.

[FireCosgroveGuy]

Wilhite got destroyed on that 3rd down run. Run 10 yards off the ball. Pathetic.

[LaXGoph]

Note to Bennett, stop looking at your feet when you run. Did you just see that shovel pass play? There have been several where the hole is there but he isn't seeing it. Pretty good half though

[JoeDirt]

Their quarterback has never played a division one game until tonight and he's WAY outclassing Webber.

[hailtothegophers]

it's all downhill from that missed field goal



sigh

[FireCosgroveGuy]

Their quarterback has never played a division one game until tonight and he's WAY outclassing Webber.

An RB or TE with a basic arm can outclass Weber. He sucks.

[loki]

So far not very good......

[FireCosgroveGuy]

Weber will never survive the Big Ten season unless they refuse to pull him. He has happy feet and can't pull the trigger. Its pretty obvious that he is not there mentally. Put Alipate in and see what he can do.

[FireCosgroveGuy]

Has the D even blitzed once?? Its the stupid gutless D that I was complaining about earlier. You can't have 4 DL just standing there trying to read the QB. By the time they read it, the QB has the ball out of his hands.

[tato2001]

Running game: solid. Nice to see runs for distance from several players.

O-Line: HORRENDOUS pass-protection

D: HORRENDOUS tackling.

(note the use of 'horrendous' to offset 'tremendous')

[Maroon]

Weber will never survive the Big Ten season unless they refuse to pull him. He has happy feet and can't pull the trigger. Its pretty obvious that he is not there mentally. Put Alipate in and see what he can do.

It's incomprehensible to me that Weber can continue to be this utterly inept.

Gray needs to start in the second half and for the rest of the year. What could possibly be the point in playing Weber anymore?

[cncmin]

It's incomprehensible to me that Weber can continue to be this utterly inept.

Gray needs to start in the second half and for the rest of the year. What could possibly be the point in playing Weber anymore?

None. There is no point in playing Weber unless Brewster wants his ticket out of Minnesota on a FIRED platter.

[FireCosgroveGuy]

It's incomprehensible to me that Weber can continue to be this utterly inept.

Gray needs to start in the second half and for the rest of the year. What could possibly be the point in playing Weber anymore?

Some insane loyalty to a player that hasn't gotten it done in 3 years.

[Studwell55]

Has the D even blitzed once?? Its the stupid gutless D that I was complaining about earlier. You can't have 4 DL just standing there trying to read the QB. By the time they read it, the QB has the ball out of his hands.

A couple times.

They're just out of control right now. People aren't in position and are running into each other. Calm the bleep down guys. Spacing...position...forcing...wrapping up. This isn't an orgy.

[cncmin]

A couple times.

They're just out of control right now. People aren't in position and are running into each other. Calm the bleep down guys. Spacing...position...forcing...wrapping up. This isn't an orgy.

No, they're getting outcoached and totally embarrassed by MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE. What happens when they play a team like INDIANA or NORTHWESTERN, much less say Ohio State. A loss by 70 this year wouldn't be very surprising. Even if they happen to somehow miraculously pull out a win in this second half, they won't win 3 more the rest of the way, at least not unless Weber doesn't play another down this season.

[The 12th Man]

When a team is in the gun, it is very difficult to get to him. The spread offense is designed to punish teams who try to blitz because the defense has to cover the entire field. There is a dump or a quick checkdown built into every play. I am a big fan of the spread for these reasons. It makes things very difficult on the defense.

If you are going to blitz, you need to be very sound in man coverage. I said earlier that our DBs should be able to cover in man, but I am questioning that right now. Unfortunately, the spread will shred a soft zone. The DBs need to step up. Those were fantastic throws into tight windows, which means the DBs were close but not quite there. We now know that Kilgore can make the throws, so they better do a better job of covering.

And, ball control on offense doesn't mean a thing unless you score. Come on, Ellestad!

[Studwell55]

Ball control on offense doesn't mean a thing unless you score.

We have a winner.

[The 12th Man]

No, they're getting outcoached and totally embarrassed by MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE. What happens when they play a team like INDIANA or NORTHWESTERN, much less say Ohio State. A loss by 70 this year wouldn't be very surprising. Even if they happen to somehow miraculously pull out a win in this second half, they won't win 3 more the rest of the way, at least not unless Weber doesn't play another down this season.

First half of the first game. I beg of you to not turn this into a coaching discussion right now. MTSU outplayed us in the 2nd quarter. Let's finish the game before we say the team got outcoached. If they don't adjust, I will agree with you.

Although, maybe he told Ellestad to miss the kicks. If that is the case, it is just bad coaching.

[Great Plains Gopher]

Gray should have been put in in the second half of the Illinois game last year and never looked back. By this time, he'd be better than Weber and able to scramble if needed (now watch Weber get 4 TD passes in the second half and trash my statement!).

[drunkenMNgopher]

First half of the first game. I beg of you to not turn this into a coaching discussion right now. MTSU outplayed us in the 2nd quarter. Let's finish the game before we say the team got outcoached. If they don't adjust, I will agree with you.

Although, maybe he told Ellestad to miss the kicks. If that is the case, it is just bad coaching.

IF BREW DOESN'T MAKE ADJUSTMENTS, HE WILL, AND DESERVES TO BE GONE! Mason didn't know how to do this and Brew in his 3 years hasn't shown me much of anything either! LAME!

[Tubtastic]

While the run game does look improved (how couldn't it) the passing game is picking up where it left off last year. Please please please show me something in the second half A-Web! I really thought he'd be solid this year. Not so much so far.

Bennet - keep your head up;
A-Web - sling a strong pass (the lob to the wide open McKnight should have been a bullet);
O-line - keep up the run blocking and figure out how to create a pocket in pass blocking;
O playcalling - how about a screen or option -- something to nuetralize the blitzes;
D-line - need some pressure

Overall everyone needs to tighten it up and take care of business. BTW - Kirkwood is already our best back.

[Tully55]

I agree how bad Weber is looking. Have to admit, though,his one completion had a very nice touch to it. Makes me think it is more poor execution of the O-Line at fault. Olson got beat sooooooo bad on the one sack.

[The 12th Man]

Big series here.

[GoldenHerbs]

Man that was a brutal 2nd qtr. Im impressed with the running game but it comes against a tiny defense. Stoudemire had some nice kick returns. Now for the negative, our D looks totally lost, they cant tackle, cant cover, cant pressure the QB, man I knew losing all those starters would hurt but that was just pathetic. Get it together in the 2nd half.

[JoeDirt]

I have a bad feeling. Webber makes me very nervous. the defense will improve, they're very young. But Webber is a seasoned vet and he is all over the place. I don't know what to think about Adam, I'm leaning towards a change needs to happen before this season is lost. MG could get 6 quarters against beatable teams to get ready for the rest of the season. As a captain, Webber could show an incredible act of Teamism by accepting a lesser role.

[cncmin]

I agree how bad Weber is looking. Have to admit, though,his one completion had a very nice touch to it. Makes me think it is more poor execution of the O-Line at fault. Olson got beat sooooooo bad on the one sack.

He had more than one completion, but you're right, only one completion of the four was actually a good pass. The throw to McKnight deep was a duck (though admittedly it could have been much worse), and McKnight made a great adjustment.

[drunkenMNgopher]

BRUTAL!!!!!! TACKLE SOMEBODY!!!!

[60's Guy]

I really would like for Weber to be successful but come on....you wouldn't accept his decisions from a junior high quarterback.

Being able to run that dominate but yet not control the game and scoreboard seems pretty hard to do but Brewster is accomplishing it. Seems impossible.

WE just look so unprofessional....inept...disorganized...stupid. Very sad.

[Studwell55]

LOL.

Say what you will about Collada. The kid can tackle!! Always could

[tato2001]

Tackling is AWFUL

[The 12th Man]

Penalties again.

[you'vegottabekiddin]

THIS IS GOLDEN GOPHER FOOTBALL!!! LOL

[drunkenMNgopher]

They make their FG's, we don't. Garbage.

[MRJ]

Anybody ready for Brewster's canned post-game speech about "playing their guts out" yet?

[The 12th Man]

The bad news: #51 looked like a JV player trying to make that tackle.
The good news: After that play, where we still had a player in position to make a tackle 1v1, they were shut down. Good adjustments on the first series.

It looks like they are playing man and sending guys from different areas. We are rolling a safety over to the WR and sending the CB on a blitz. Maybe they saw that sending LBs opened up holes across the middle for crossing routes, so they are bringing pressure from somewhere else. Whatever it was, it worked on the first series. Let's hope it continues to work.

[howeda7]

Not a good feeling right now. A young QB who's confidence is rising by the second against our young defense and an offense that still looks pretty inept outside of their sheer size advantage,.

[drunkenMNgopher]

MTSU defense is now gonna make Weber beat them. I would do the same thing.. Weber usually fails at this. Offense needs to get a TD. Badly.

[The 12th Man]

Bad, bad, bad.

[The 12th Man]

Lucky...

[The 12th Man]

On the bright side, this drive gives the defense time to catch its breath.

[tato2001]

Well...

at least Bennett looks to be back in form.

[drunkenMNgopher]

TERRIBLE

[drunkenMNgopher]

Weber looks awful. O-line looks awful. We can't score. Defense looks lost and can't tackle. If we win, we'll be very lucky after this performance.

[Brew_recruit]

do any of WR's have hands?

[The 12th Man]

I am officially hoping for a QB change. With what they are asking right now, it is tough to think it could get any worse with someone else.

[MRJ]

The really sad part? Most of these plays aren't even all that difficult. Yet, our guys find ways to not make plays, even when they aren't difficult to make.

[CP Gopher]

Give #5 an extended chance. I've said it for two years. Weber's a great kid, but it's time for a change.

[cncmin]

More garbage coaching. So, not only does The Fool put out the inept QB to start the 2nd half, but after Bennett single-handedly rushes them onto the MTSU side of the field, what does The Fool do? Yes, he replaces Bennett not with the other RB who has shown an ability to run the ball today (Kirkwood), but with Eskridge, who looks slow and hasn't had more than one average run, yet. Drive stalled (including more garbage passes from the inept QB), even after a gift offsides penalty. Terrible.

No wonder TCF Stadium doesn't sell out. Who wants to watch this garbage? Somehow, we'll have to have gained 10,000 new diehard fans this year from last. Want the odds on that? 0%.

[Foster]

"Well Golly Gee we really played our hearts out tonight and MTSU is a great talented team. "
via Jim Wacker (AKA Tim Brewster)

[Slim Tubby]

To play this poorly as a member of the Big 10 is simply a damn disgrace. Truly, truly pathetic...

[Too Long in the Wasteland]

thanks for the video link. I'm in Hulett, WY (a.k.a. BFE). We just visited Devils Tower. Aside from the popup ads for the local walmart this works well. Too bad we suck. Their backup QB is schooling Weber

[Foster]

#4 for MTSU is a one man wrecking crew against us!

[drunkenMNgopher]

What are the chances of a 99 yard drive. Haha!

[cncmin]

thanks for the video link. I'm in Hulett, WY (a.k.a. BFE). We just visited Devils Tower. Aside from the popup ads for the local walmart this works well. Too bad we suck. Their backup QB is schooling Weber

You should have stayed at Devils Tower.

[Brew_recruit]

Give #5 an extended chance. I've said it for two years. Weber's a great kid, but it's time for a change.

you must of forgot the fumbles

[drunkenMNgopher]

A PASS FROM WEBER? COMPLETE? WTF?

[Studwell55]

They've had 9 people in the box all dang night.

[cncmin]

you must of forgot the fumbles

Is #5 the ONLY backup? Some fat drunken slug out of the stands could do no worse.

[The 12th Man]

Draws don't work if the defense doesn't respect the pass.

[cncmin]

They've had 9 people in the box all dang night.

Might as well have 11. We can't pass.

[Too Long in the Wasteland]

All there is at the Tower is camping (been there, done that this trip) and a lame-azz KOA. Gawd our playcalling blows. Amazing, Weber made a read AND an on-target throw on 3rd down

[drunkenMNgopher]

2 STRAIGHT 3rd DOWN CONVERSIONS FROM WEBER? WTF?

[JoeDirt]

A sun-belt team is workin' us, repeat A SUN-BELT TEAM IS WORKING US!

[FireCosgroveGuy]

Someone needs to tell these idiots that its OK to call a pass on 1st down. Even just a screen. Ram it up the middle. Congrats on being Brad Childress.

OMG, as I type this, they go to Gray on 1st down.

[The 12th Man]

Ok, ok, ok...

[CP Gopher]

My opinion hasn't changed...even with this drive.

[drunkenMNgopher]

GRAY! WELCOME TO THE GAME PASS PROTECTION!

[The 12th Man]

Crazy what balance will do for you in playcalling.

[Too Long in the Wasteland]

Keep feeding it to Bennett! He's on my Fantasy team!!!

[[censored]]

Just got in from work and found the link for the online stream of the game and I'm treated with this drive from the 1. Excellent.

Let's go Gophers!

[cncmin]

Bennett's the only guy on the team who showed up to play today. Well, maybe Stoudamire.

[Monty519]

Someone needs to tell these idiots that its OK to call a pass on 1st down. Even just a screen. Ram it up the middle. Congrats on being Brad Childress.

OMG, as I type this, they go to Gray on 1st down.

Problem is, Weber's been missing today up until this drive. Good to see him wake up and hit a few, cause really, if he's just hitting most of his stuff and we run the way we're running, it's gonna be hard to stop this offense.

Biggest part of this drive is it lets the defense sit on the sidelines and regroup, they seemed to be a little frazzled. Hopefully we can punch this in and regain some control of this game.

[Studwell55]

Bennett's the only guy on the team who showed up to play today. Well, maybe Stoudamire.

Game ball (so far) goes to Jeff Wills.**

**No jinx!

[CP Gopher]

you must of forgot the fumbles

Oh that's right....he fumbled a couple times after moving us up and down the field. That's not nearly as good as the stagnant results from #8. With Grey, I feel we at least have a CHANCE to light things up.

[The 12th Man]

Not a big fan of that play call.

[Too Long in the Wasteland]

That was a horrible pass. Well, at least we're in Ellestad's range

[drunkenMNgopher]

WE MADE A FIELD GOAL FINALLY!!!!!!!

[The 12th Man]

If I said it once, I've said it a thousand times: Ellestad is lights out from inside 20 yards.

[tato2001]

Haven't fixed the red zone problem I see...

[Replacement Gopher]

What kind of a call was that on 3rd and goal?

[FireCosgroveGuy]

If I said it once, I've said it a thousand times: Ellestad is lights out from inside 20 yards.

I've heard he can't miss inside 10.

[Monty519]

Just loft it up there Weber, let the big fella go get it. He tried to hard to aim it to him. Good to see Ellstad finally hit one, that first miss probably shifted the entire momentum of this game.

[RaiderATO]

I think MT has been wearing these iRenew bracelets tonight.

[Monty519]

Key to this drive....TACKLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Missed tackles are killing us.

[cncmin]

Just loft it up there Weber, let the big fella go get it. He tried to hard to aim it to him. Good to see Ellstad finally hit one, that first miss probably shifted the entire momentum of this game.

You're asking way too much of #8. 9 of 10 QBs over the Junior High level could have at least hit the a 6'5" receiver's hands on a lob pass.

[drunkenMNgopher]

129 yards passing for Weber. HUGE!

[The 12th Man]

That's the way to stop the wildcat!

[Monty519]

That was a nice catch, for real. I like MTSU's offensive weapons, I'm not too torn up about our defense's performance thus far, except the poor tackling. The offense on the other hand.....

Great stop on 3rd down, that was big.

[drunkenMNgopher]

NICE STOP GOPHERS!!!

[Gophers09]

huge from edwards! dont know why only six in the box vs wc but...

[drunkenMNgopher]

Let's build off that last drive and punch it in the endzone!

[FireCosgroveGuy]

Is Hageman even playing?

[The 12th Man]

Not a good rap.

[Too Long in the Wasteland]

OMFG, that was the lamest PSA for one of the schools playing I've ever seen. Next MTSU is gonna run a spot where you learn how to drive an 18 wheeler

[Monty519]

This is when pounding the rock is supposed to really take over. I wanna see push like that first down play EVERY play. Just take this game by the throat.

[drunkenMNgopher]

We have over 200 yards rushing folks!

[Studwell55]

You can learn to rap at MTSU.

Did the Hendersons know that?

[The 12th Man]

Haha

[re3886]

Keep pounding it, then pop a quick pass. Keep some balance.

[FireCosgroveGuy]

We have over 200 yards rushing folks!

I would hope so, their DL is, what, 250 max?

Barf.

Points come out of the passing game. You can run it a lot and still get stuffed when it counts.

[Breakin' The Plane]

Pretty obvious that they aren't changing the gameplan based on no Dasher. Run the ball, control the clock. Special teams and not finishing drives are killing the Gophers tonight.

[drunkenMNgopher]

Holding. Damnit!

[FireCosgroveGuy]

We have over 200 yards rushing folks!

This is a good example.

5 yards on 1st down, holding on 2nd (with a short gain), and you are SOL without a passing game.

Explosive plays ARE 100% REQUIRED!

[The 12th Man]

Second freaking time he ran into the lineman!

[Monty519]

They've definitely cut the penalties down, I don't even recall hardly any in this game so far. Pretty sure that was the first hold.

[cncmin]

OK, the shovel pass actually looks like the only pass Weber can make. Yet, it's the only play Bennett can't run. Try a different RB on that play?

[The 12th Man]

Big play!

[Monty519]

NICE catch McKnight!

[drunkenMNgopher]

WOW! 1st down!

[Breakin' The Plane]

Great catch by McKnight

[Breakin' The Plane]

Gotta get 7 here fellas. Need it.

[The 12th Man]

Dude, Wills is a load.

[re3886]

Got to keep rolling...Look at Kirkwood keep the feet moving! Way to drive the pile.

[FireCosgroveGuy]

POINTS COME OUT OF THE PASSING GAME! OK, I don't want to sound like Jaws, but come on.............go deep once already.

[drunkenMNgopher]

Kirkwood is proving he IS the #2 back. Impressive.

[Too Long in the Wasteland]

These announcers make Dave Lee look like Keith Jackson

[Monty519]

Pound it down their throat. Then hit them with a PA to McKnight, like in the scrimmage. You can tell we're wearing them out.

[drunkenMNgopher]

Our running game is making MTSU suck wind!

[Breakin' The Plane]

You've dominated the line of scrimmage boys, need to win this damn game.

[The 12th Man]

That run just got them in range to miss another field goal.

[FireCosgroveGuy]

Cannot just keep running it into a 4th down FG attempt. Stupid. WHERE IS THE SCREEN PASS???????????

[The 12th Man]

Big day for Hoese!

[drunkenMNgopher]

1st DOWN!

[Breakin' The Plane]

Nobody's smiling more than Terry Hoese at this point.

[drunkenMNgopher]

Good run! 1st and GOAL! GET IN THE ENDZONE!

[Monty519]

FINISH the drive. Defense must be real fresh lol

[Breakin' The Plane]

Let Hoese finish this off.

[Monty519]

Hoese for a 3rd?

[drunkenMNgopher]

TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!!!

[The 12th Man]

HOESE!!!

[Monty519]

Awesome, I love this, Hoese with 3 TDs, just a great moment.

[Breakin' The Plane]

Hell Yeah. That's what GSL is made of!

[re3886]

YES!!! #3 for the man.

[drunkenMNgopher]

Hoese for Heisman!!!!

[cncmin]

they've been running Bennett well off-tackle this game, or so it seems. I'm not sure why they go up the middle on short downs. Hoese has done a great job this game. Now it's up to the Defense for a big stop to get out of the middle of Tennessee with a win. Let's see what kind of D they play - if prevent or deep-range cover, won't be surprising - true Gopher trait.

[Monty519]

Come on defense, finish this one off!

[Studwell55]

Is Terry Hoese wearing a headset???

[Monty519]

FUMBLE!!!!!!!!!! YES!!!

[drunkenMNgopher]

GOPHERS BALL!!!!

[The 12th Man]

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[drunkenMNgopher]

PUNCH THIS IN!!!!!!

[Monty519]

Crap, he might have been down.

[jjsinmn]

We played pretty well for the first game. There needs to be improvements made in the D and the passing game but I am liking what I have seen in this game so far

[Too Long in the Wasteland]

we finally get a break from the football gods. Although this looks like its gonna be overturned. I guess it depends if the redneck in the replay booth is still PO'd about how the civil war turned out

[60's Guy]

These announcers make Dave Lee look like Keith Jackson


LOL They are bad! I totally agree! But that is not accurate. Dave Lee is still pathetic.

[Monty519]

Inconclusive, I agree with the call.

Now let's punch this in.

[Breakin' The Plane]

Good break, finish this.

[FireCosgroveGuy]

Dude was down - jesus, the Gophs have had every single call. His crapper was clearly on the ground.

[The 12th Man]

Big game for Bennett

[drunkenMNgopher]

WHOOOOO!!!!!!!

[Breakin' The Plane]

Great run. Keep punishing them on the ground.

[Monty519]

Man...if we had a guy who could really break runs...that was a TD Bennett coulda had right there.

That said, it's great to see us gashing dudes, even if they are small. We couldn't even gash SDSU last year.

[Too Long in the Wasteland]

Brewster looks like he got his shirt from that overstock sale they have in front of Coffman every spring. I have more than my share of maroon gear, but that mfer is dorky. Keep pounding the rock Bennett! Down to the 6. Almost in FG range!!!

[Breakin' The Plane]

Thank god I'm a homer and drafted Jon Hoese on my fantasy team.

[drunkenMNgopher]

GOPHERS WIN!!!!!!!

[60's Guy]

We played pretty well for the first game. There needs to be improvements made in the D and the passing game but I am liking what I have seen in this game so far

Sorry, you my friend are delusional. A Sun Belt team without 70% of their offense and we looked clueless.

[FireCosgroveGuy]

Would this be a win against Dasher? It has to get a lot better than that.

[The 12th Man]

Good game. One bad quarter, one missed tackle, and nothing else given up. Weber needs some work, but he settled in nicely in the second half. Decent start.

[Monty519]

Really, not our best work, but honestly, outside of a 5 minute period in the 2nd quarter when things got a little out of control, we controlled this game. I think this game was all about really establishing that we wanna run. As the year goes on, we'll see some expansion on the offense, I'm sure.

[Gold Vision]

Sorry, you my friend are delusional. A Sun Belt team without 70% of their offense and we looked clueless.

Go back to the 60's. Tough win.

[GoldenGo4Fan]

Gophers win and that is they bottom line. Wasn't always pretty. We covered the spread too. 1-0

[[censored]]

The grind it out running style of this team is not going to produce blowouts. The plan worked. On the last drive, MTSU was worn out and the Gophers controlled the clock.

Good start for the Gophers! I'm pumped. They could have easily scored again, but Brewster did the smart and classy thing by kneeling the ball.

I didn't see the whole game, but I really liked what I did see.

:clap:

[Too Long in the Wasteland]

If you're looking for pretty W's this year you're going to be sorely disappointed. Don't look gifts in the mouth. Guys nutted up (Weber included) when they had to. That said, they better get a bunch of problems fixed in the next 16 days or they're gonna get worked by USC.

[JoeDirt]

see you guys in minneapolis in ten days! going for 2-0!

[FireCosgroveGuy]

Really, not our best work, but honestly, outside of a 5 minute period in the 2nd quarter when things got a little out of control, we controlled this game. I think this game was all about really establishing that we wanna run. As the year goes on, we'll see some expansion on the offense, I'm sure.

Well, they could say that, outside of the 14 early points, they did well, too.

Its still disappointing IMO. Good Big Ten teams shouldn't have to struggle with Middle TEN state. I don't care how good they are for a crap conference team.

[[censored]]

Well, they could say that, outside of the 14 early points, they did well, too.

Its still disappointing IMO. Good Big Ten teams shouldn't have to struggle with Middle TEN state. I don't care how good they are for a crap conference team.

Yeah, and men shouldn't have to deal with how crazy women can be. This isn't an ideal world we live in. So don't carry on and whine about how things should be, etc. Be encouraged by the progress that was shown tonight. The Gophers showed an identity. They showed a purpose. They had a plan and they executed. Sure improvements can be made across the board, but don't disparage the work that's been done. Learn to appreciate the fact that this team and program seems to have a direction now, and support it. Or else fall by the wayside and never be happy while you continue whine about how things should be.

[RaiderATO]

Good game.

Bummed about the ending. I would have loved for us to have had that chance to tie it up.

[FireCosgroveGuy]

;251846']Yeah, and men shouldn't have to deal with how crazy women can be. This isn't an ideal world we live in. So don't carry on and whine about how things should be, etc. Be encouraged by the progress that was shown tonight. The Gophers showed an identity. They showed a purpose. They had a plan and they executed. Sure improvements can be made across the board, but don't disparage the work that's been done. Learn to appreciate the fact that this team and program seems to have a direction now, and support it. Or else fall by the wayside and never be happy while you continue whine about how things should be.

I can't really agree that progress was shown. It was a mediocre team (being kind) that they should have flat out WHIPPED.

Spare me the homerism.

[Monty519]

Well, they could say that, outside of the 14 early points, they did well, too.

Its still disappointing IMO. Good Big Ten teams shouldn't have to struggle with Middle TEN state. I don't care how good they are for a crap conference team.

Not entirely. When you control the ball for 45 minutes, you are controlling the game. And guess what? Good BT teams struggle all the time with lesser NC opponents, like Iowa last year needing a last second FG block to beat UNI AT HOME.

Like I said before, we didn't get the explosive plays we should have had considering how we were dominating their line. That's the kind of stuff that'll need to get patched up.

[ruralgopher]

I can't really agree that progress was shown. It was a mediocre team (being kind) that they should have flat out WHIPPED.

Spare me the homerism.

Spare us the cynacism.

[[censored]]

I can't really agree that progress was shown. It was a mediocre team (being kind) that they should have flat out WHIPPED.

Spare me the homerism.

I'm not a homer, buddy. I'm a Texas fan. However, I have been following the Gophers for the past few years and for the first time I can say that this team has an identity and a purpose.

As I stated before, this style of play will not produce "whippings" often, especially not in week one on the road.

[tato2001]

Well, I'm no homer, and I say this was a good win. We had the ball for over 40 minutes for god sakes. As another pointed out, a ball control win isn't gonna be a blowout. You just ain't gonna score often enough to put up more than 28 points or so. We got 24. Not bad.

That said, O-line and Defense REALLY need to pick it up a level. Ball control doesn't work if the defense gives up a TD in 45 seconds the times you inevitably get stuffed, sacked or throw an incompletion on 3rd down you .

[gopherbadgerman]

I am not a huge Gopher fan - but a win is a win - no style points needed. In the same breath a loss is a loss as well.

[[censored]]

And as another poster mentioned, controlling the ball for 45 minutes is EXACTLY what they wanted to do. They had a plan and they executed. End result: win.

[MHDGopherfan]

Overall impressions - I at least am encouraged by what I saw - we at least had a plan and tried to execute it, and pretty much did. Establish the run, and then keep running. Took the pressure off Weber to HAVE to make plays all the time, and when he did need to make a play, like on the third and long late in the game, he did.

It was clear on the last 2 drives that we had worn out their defense. When you start at your own 1 yard line and get points out of it, that is a great drive. Almost the same thing on the go ahead drive - the defense was just totally gassed. That was the game plan. Check.

Yes there is room for improvement but for a first game coming off a 6-7 season, on the road, I felt good about it.

[Tully55]

Defense---TACKLE...TACKLE...TACKLE...too many yards given up after 1st hit
Offense---protect your passer...Weber was horrible when rushed...not too bad in second half when given time

Bennett---good night but keep your head up...ran into blockers too many times
Kirkwood...excellent game...I'm expecting good things from him as time progresses

[[censored]]

Exactly. This style of offense is geared to wear down the opposing defense and keep your defense fresh.

The defense will definitely need to step up their game, but the great thing about this game is they didn't have to because the offense was able to dictate the action and control the clock.

The most important thing about running this offense though is turnovers. You take care of the ball and you can beat some pretty good teams with this strategy.

Like I said before, I'm very encouraged about this team's direction.

Good game, Gophers! Keep working!

:clap:

[Tully55]

little or no mention was the 0 turnovers and very few penalties much improved

[tato2001]

In my mind the best part about this victory was the no-panic methodical approach at the end. The team obviously got loosy-goosey in the second quarter, so it was good to see them (the offense at least) simply go out and execute without having to make a bunch of 'diving catches' so to speak.

[[censored]]

little or no mention was the 0 turnovers and very few penalties much improved

Excellent point. This will be crucial to the success of this ball control strategy.

[tato2001]

Well, they could say that, outside of the 14 early points, they did well, too.

Uh, yeah, not really. The Gophers dominated the 4th quarter as well. They scored the final 10 points of the game. So other than the first quarter, the first half of the second quarter, the end of the 3rd quarter, and the entire 4th quarter, yeah, I guess MTSU could say they outplayed us for 25% of the game.

[Mulligan]

I can't really agree that progress was shown. It was a mediocre team (being kind) that they should have flat out WHIPPED.

Spare me the homerism.

Why don't you spare us from yourself? Just go away if it's that painful.

[gophermartin]

...make me laugh.

We have an identity...we stopped them when we needed to.

And for the first time in a long time....the D knew what we doing and they couldn't stop it to run- out-the-clock! Awesome job O line and RB!

45 + minutes of possession ...wow. Wore them out.

Not sure what we forgot to do when they scored 14 points...but I am darn sure they tried to do it in the 2nd half....and we didn't let them do it. Nice adjustments Cosgrove or just better execution.

I wonder if the tone would be different if we would have scored at the end to make it 31-17?? Classy move Brew.

Loved the win.

They will whip SD next week.

GM

[mcrow]

I'm glad we won but this game didn't show us anything. Yes, they ran well but when facing a team so much smaller than you, you should steamroll them.

Passing game was garbage. Defense is going to get shredded against USC and most Big Ten teams.

The only positives here are the win and having success in the running game (though it might not mean much).

With if MTSU has Dasher, they probably win this game.

They had better come out next week an steamroll SD.

[Blue Raiders 615]

I know it's a little late, but I wanted to say good game. I've never seen a team run the ball like that and use that much clock. It was pretty obvious what Minnesota wanted to do. Pound the ball behind their big OL and control the clock. I wasn't that impressed with Weber. He didn't pass much, but when he did, he didn't look too accurate. Yall have a couple of nice RB's though. Kilgore did pretty good. He had some beautiful passes where he threaded the needle. Especially on one of the TD's.

Good game and good luck next week.