Will Brooks play this year?


PJ is on the record saying the plan is to play Brooks in 4 games, but he is intentionally keeping the plan of which 4 games a secret.
 


I think he'll play the next 4 after OSU. 4 winnable games.
 

He also stated that Brooks needs to be 100% and medically cleared to play. Has there been news on that front? Any indication that he's been practicing?
 


He also stated that Brooks needs to be 100% and medically cleared to play. Has there been news on that front? Any indication that he's been practicing?

I thought before the Maryland game they said he was just starting to take contact in practice which was a step towards getting cleared.
 


Anybody know this: Does a bowl game count as one of the four games? Or can a guy play four in the regular season + bowl?

JTG
 

Anybody know this: Does a bowl game count as one of the four games? Or can a guy play four in the regular season + bowl?

JTG

It's 3 games plus bowl.

I'd assume he would save for a bowl game if we are eligible.
 



1st, he has to be cleared, then get enough practice time in to be ready to play.

Then, I say play him in weeks #9, #10 and #11. If they have already qualified for a bowl game, sit him against Wisconsin and save him for the bowl. if they need a win over Wisconsin to qualify for a bowl, then play Brooks against WI. (because it could be the last game of the season).
 


1st, he has to be cleared, then get enough practice time in to be ready to play.

Then, I say play him in weeks #9, #10 and #11. If they have already qualified for a bowl game, sit him against Wisconsin and save him for the bowl. if they need a win over Wisconsin to qualify for a bowl, then play Brooks against WI. (because it could be the last game of the season).

SON, please consider this as building on your suggestions rather than arguing. Brooks should be part of a Go-Pher-It offense when used. An OL of Faalele (400), Dunlop (370) - also an RS concern, Weyler ("undersized" at 300 but a specialist), Andries (315), and Greene (320). Then Schlueter, Olson, Dovich or York at the slot. This lineup should be able to spring Brooks free as well as protect a gimpy Zack to give us a potent, balanced attack. Running Seth at Wildcat behind this line should be very concerning for all our opponents.

Two final thoughts. First, add Spann-Ford to the mix for his 4 games. Not sure if he is the best slot blocker but at 6-7, 260 he sure would be an interesting blocker turned target for safety valve, screen or underneath passes. Otherwise at WR. Second, use this Go-Pher-It package against Nebby, Purdue, NW, and Wisc. Nebby because road wins are tough in B1G, we will need many points and ball control, and they are our ultimate competitor along with Iowa and Wisc for West Div champs. Also the recruiting wars. Finally, continuing the very - very bad yr of Scott Frost. Wisc for a chance at the Axe (good chance at a major trophy in how long?), and to ruin their season hopes for a real change. They maybe more vulnerable to an upset this yr. PJ needs to teach his young team the Nekton mentality by example as well as speech.
 
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Fleck addresses this today. Said Brooks is getting close and they'll be having him do more this week. Not saying when he'll be back but the plan is still to play 4. Said he will not burn his redshirt, Brooks knows that and its public.
 



His surgery was when? March? Unless he’s a freakish healer I’m not sure about bringing him back until a bowl game and even then he may not be 100%. Always a judgment call.
 


No matter what one of them has to be against Wisky! Need to get that axe!
 

(Channel your inner Jim Mora here)

"Bowl Game?! Bowl Game?!, don't talk about a bowl game......we're just try'in to win a game here!
 

(Channel your inner Jim Mora here)

"Bowl Game?! Bowl Game?!, don't talk about a bowl game......we're just try'in to win a game here!

Thank you. Especially considering it's Minnesota and they have no gimmie's on the schedule, wait until they get 6 wins. Then we can talk Bowl game.
 

I've said it elsewhere, I'll say it again here. This season they should do everything possible to GET TO a Bowl game. Whatever RS'ing players can contribute, play them in the four games most likely to make that happen, even if it means they can't play in the Bowl (still could make the trip). Next season, they can concern themselves more about WINNING a Bowl game. Saving guys like Bryce Williams for three games they need them then the Bowl game next year, for example.

Now if they clinch a Bowl after those guys have played in 3 games (wishful thinking, I grant), then they can save the last game for the Bowl.

Obviously, the key part of this is that the players have to be ready to meaningfully contribute and be equal to or an improvement over another option. Don't play them just to play them...
 

With Smith coming back next year Brooks if healthy should come back more than 4 games. Come back play well. We finally have a QB that can hit RB wheel route and check down throw to the backs. Brooks knows how to execute the chip block, and get open for a dump off pass. Only hope beat Ohio State is control clock with short passes concert first downs. With immobility of QB the short crosses and quick outs to running backs are key. If Brooks can get cleared I would play him this game. He only taiack that gives Gophers shot to win. Coaches hob is to prove Brooks healthy and develop him for pros. Brooks would really help this game. Not likely to happen though.

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If ( a big if), we can get Shannon healthy/cleared and ready to go, in my opinion you play him the stretch of Indiana, @ILL, Purdue and NW. We absolutely need our best product on the field during that stretch. Getting to a bowl game is essential this year and that stretch (along w NEB the week prior) will determine that fate. Roll him out there and do everything we can do to get bowl eligible.... at that point we have 3+ weeks of practice to figure out how to win that game, but none of that matters if we don't take care of business.
 




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