BleedGopher
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per Barikmo:
Following years of mediocracy and getting perpetually beaten by their Big Ten foes, Minnesota Football fans have been thirsty for success. Although it seems longer, it was only three seasons ago that the Gophers handed the reigns of their program to local hero Mitch Leidner. The 6’3” quarterback was Minnesota’s best chance at real NFL talent since wide receiver Eric Decker got drafted in 2010. Coming into school, Leidner was expected to be a dual-threat quarterback who was as dangerous with his feet as he was with his arm. Unfortunately for Gopher fans, he turned out to be… something else.
Leidner’s career started off normal enough, but with little talent surrounding him, he had fairly pedestrian numbers his first two years as starter. Despite his forgettable stats, many NFL analysts projected Leidner being drafted in the first or second round of the draft going into his senior year. But Leidner was destined to prove them wrong, firing a grand total of 8 touchdown passes to go along with 12 interceptions in a disappointing final season, which was epitomized by a complete and utter meltdown in his regular-season finale against the Wisconsin Badgers. After going into halftime up 17-7 against the 6th ranked Badgers, Leidner fell apart, throwing 4 (yes, 4) second-half interceptions en route to a 31-17 loss. It was truly the most “Leidner” game that ever was.
But now, times are changing for Minnesota Football. The Gophers are the most old-school football team in the most old-school conference in college football; they run the ball on offense and stop the run on defense. Despite poor quarterback play, the Gophers managed nine wins last season on the back of their running game. During the 2016 season, Minnesota out-ran their opponents by an average of over 65 yards per game. And featuring what could be the best running back duo in the conference, new head coach PJ Fleck and his offense look to effectively run the ball again this year. Standout backs Shannon Brooks and Rodney Smith will continue to be the Gophers’ 1-2 punch, with Kobe McCrary looking to show his big-play ability whenever he gets his chances.
Outside of the backfield, wide receiver Rashad Still should expect more touches coming off a season plagued by a nagging shoulder injury. Although he did not manage a touchdown reception, Still was second on team in receiving yards and led the team in yards per catch at a whopping 19.4. For better or worse, Still will have a new quarterback throwing to him, likely to be sophomore Demry Croft. Croft plays similarly to Leidner’s style, but is hopefully a better decision-maker. Croft is very quick on his feet, and should give the Gophers a better chance at effectively utilizing the option, which would help open up the outside of the field for Still and other receivers.
For Minnesota Football, the worst is in the rearview, at least on paper. With a lot of returning talent and a new quarterback who looks ready to win, the Gophers could very well make some noise in the Big Ten this year and maybe even years to come.
http://www.isportsweb.com/2017/05/23/minnesota-football-expect-post-mitch-leidner-era/
Go Gophers!!
Following years of mediocracy and getting perpetually beaten by their Big Ten foes, Minnesota Football fans have been thirsty for success. Although it seems longer, it was only three seasons ago that the Gophers handed the reigns of their program to local hero Mitch Leidner. The 6’3” quarterback was Minnesota’s best chance at real NFL talent since wide receiver Eric Decker got drafted in 2010. Coming into school, Leidner was expected to be a dual-threat quarterback who was as dangerous with his feet as he was with his arm. Unfortunately for Gopher fans, he turned out to be… something else.
Leidner’s career started off normal enough, but with little talent surrounding him, he had fairly pedestrian numbers his first two years as starter. Despite his forgettable stats, many NFL analysts projected Leidner being drafted in the first or second round of the draft going into his senior year. But Leidner was destined to prove them wrong, firing a grand total of 8 touchdown passes to go along with 12 interceptions in a disappointing final season, which was epitomized by a complete and utter meltdown in his regular-season finale against the Wisconsin Badgers. After going into halftime up 17-7 against the 6th ranked Badgers, Leidner fell apart, throwing 4 (yes, 4) second-half interceptions en route to a 31-17 loss. It was truly the most “Leidner” game that ever was.
But now, times are changing for Minnesota Football. The Gophers are the most old-school football team in the most old-school conference in college football; they run the ball on offense and stop the run on defense. Despite poor quarterback play, the Gophers managed nine wins last season on the back of their running game. During the 2016 season, Minnesota out-ran their opponents by an average of over 65 yards per game. And featuring what could be the best running back duo in the conference, new head coach PJ Fleck and his offense look to effectively run the ball again this year. Standout backs Shannon Brooks and Rodney Smith will continue to be the Gophers’ 1-2 punch, with Kobe McCrary looking to show his big-play ability whenever he gets his chances.
Outside of the backfield, wide receiver Rashad Still should expect more touches coming off a season plagued by a nagging shoulder injury. Although he did not manage a touchdown reception, Still was second on team in receiving yards and led the team in yards per catch at a whopping 19.4. For better or worse, Still will have a new quarterback throwing to him, likely to be sophomore Demry Croft. Croft plays similarly to Leidner’s style, but is hopefully a better decision-maker. Croft is very quick on his feet, and should give the Gophers a better chance at effectively utilizing the option, which would help open up the outside of the field for Still and other receivers.
For Minnesota Football, the worst is in the rearview, at least on paper. With a lot of returning talent and a new quarterback who looks ready to win, the Gophers could very well make some noise in the Big Ten this year and maybe even years to come.
http://www.isportsweb.com/2017/05/23/minnesota-football-expect-post-mitch-leidner-era/
Go Gophers!!