DanielHouse
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The results of the Gophers’ three non-conference games produced positive outcomes. The question is: how the team will apply this success when Big Ten play begins Sept. 30 against Maryland?
Is this type of play sustainable? It’s a question everyone can start to answer after Minnesota’s first three conference games.
However, during the non-conference games, it was clear to see the execution and disciplined nature of the team. Sure, the level of competition warrants skepticism. Nonetheless, Minnesota showed an ability to win games against opponents they should handle. The last time the Gophers beat two consecutive opponents by 30 or more points was in 2005.
Convincingly winning non-conference games is one thing; beating Big Ten rivals is another. We’ll eventually find out what the Gophers are made of, but they’ve shown impressive growth in a few key areas during their first three games.
Preventing turnovers and penalties
The Gophers have executed their gameplan and limited costly mistakes. It’s been a formula for P.J. Fleck’s past teams. Minnesota currently ranks 26th nationally in penalties per game. They are averaging just 4.3 per matchup, which sits fourth among Big Ten schools. The disciplined nature of this team has allowed them to sustain drives and produce third-down stops. More importantly, they have limited their total mistakes. Minnesota currently ranks 20th nationally in turnover margin and has committed just two giveaways in three games. It’s clear to see the players are coached to focus on the details of their respective positions. They haven’t made catastrophic mistakes offensively and are averaging two takeaways per game on defense. Winning the turnover battle with a +1.3 margin has placed the offense in more favorable situations. If this trend can continue, it will keep the Gophers within striking distance in many games.
More on 1500ESPN: http://www.1500espn.com/gophers-2/2017/09/learned-gophers-non-conference-performance/
Is this type of play sustainable? It’s a question everyone can start to answer after Minnesota’s first three conference games.
However, during the non-conference games, it was clear to see the execution and disciplined nature of the team. Sure, the level of competition warrants skepticism. Nonetheless, Minnesota showed an ability to win games against opponents they should handle. The last time the Gophers beat two consecutive opponents by 30 or more points was in 2005.
Convincingly winning non-conference games is one thing; beating Big Ten rivals is another. We’ll eventually find out what the Gophers are made of, but they’ve shown impressive growth in a few key areas during their first three games.
Preventing turnovers and penalties
The Gophers have executed their gameplan and limited costly mistakes. It’s been a formula for P.J. Fleck’s past teams. Minnesota currently ranks 26th nationally in penalties per game. They are averaging just 4.3 per matchup, which sits fourth among Big Ten schools. The disciplined nature of this team has allowed them to sustain drives and produce third-down stops. More importantly, they have limited their total mistakes. Minnesota currently ranks 20th nationally in turnover margin and has committed just two giveaways in three games. It’s clear to see the players are coached to focus on the details of their respective positions. They haven’t made catastrophic mistakes offensively and are averaging two takeaways per game on defense. Winning the turnover battle with a +1.3 margin has placed the offense in more favorable situations. If this trend can continue, it will keep the Gophers within striking distance in many games.
More on 1500ESPN: http://www.1500espn.com/gophers-2/2017/09/learned-gophers-non-conference-performance/