Go Gophers Rah
Section 238 Row 21
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Over the weekend, I watched the 2008 Gophers victory over Illinois.
In my opinion, that was the best Gophers performance with Brewster at the helm. As I watched it, I had the following observations:
Now, there are just a few areas of concern:
I know this is a bit of rambling about a game played 10 months ago. My point is that we played a heck of a game and I don't see any reason whatsoever why we can't play games as well or better in 2009. I feel more optimistic about this season after re-watching that game.
Go Gophers!
In my opinion, that was the best Gophers performance with Brewster at the helm. As I watched it, I had the following observations:
- With the exception of WVS, all of the players who had a big impact on the win are returning.
- The 2 players who almost cost us the game (Ralph Spry - who had a fumble that shouldn't have occured) and Joel Monroe (who missed a PAT that kept Illinois within 1 score of winning) are both gone.
- While Jack Simmons had more receptions than Tow-Arnett, TA played a clutch game and I have no doubt that he can perform as well as Simmons.
- Simoni Lawrence was the defensive player of the game in my book. He was a beast.
- Kyle Theret had an outstanding game - the commentators noted that he was the on-field commander of the defense and were complimentary about his football IQ.
- Other than QB scrambles, we ran 27 times and passed 27 - it was a very balanced attack.
- While we did win the turnover battle and the kick/punt return yards were good - those did not win us the game. Solid and smart football (especially in the trenches) won us that game.
- While we will be ruturning 18 starters on offense and defense our opponents will all have less experience (Illinois-for instance- is returning 14).
Now, there are just a few areas of concern:
- Willie VanDeSteeg had 3 sacks and forced a fumble - he had a pretty good game; will we get similar production from our DE's?
- Justin Kucek had an outstanding game. He had good yardage on his punts and pinned them inside the 20 on several occations. Plus, he threw for a 1st down on a fake punt. I really think that (aside from the 2005 Wisconsin game), Kucek was underapreciated and that our punting game will be noticably worse this year.
- Our defense stopped Illinois on 3 rushing attempts from the 1-yard line. Two of those tackles were by Hightower and Steve Davis. However, I think it was the scheme and agressiveness rather than the particular players, so I'm not overly concerned by the loss of Hightower and Davis (who really didn't have an impact in the game).
I know this is a bit of rambling about a game played 10 months ago. My point is that we played a heck of a game and I don't see any reason whatsoever why we can't play games as well or better in 2009. I feel more optimistic about this season after re-watching that game.
Go Gophers!