Yardbarker: Minnesota Golden Gophers

Where Has That Been?

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:06:00 -0500

That looked more like the offense we expected all season. Once again, the Illini marched down the field immediately to take the lead. And when Juice Williams went down with an ankle injury on a fumble later in the first quarter, redshirt freshman Jacob Charest lived up to expectations. He kept the Illini moving down the field, and added a TD pass. And the defense...Terry Hawthorne, welcome to Big Ten football. The freshman from East St. Louis followed up his performance last week with a beaut...

Minnesota's Michael Carter Arrested

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0500

There seems to be a trend starting at the University of Minnesota. The Gophers get a win on Saturday, and then one of their freshman players goes out and gets nailed for underage drinking. Back in September it was freshman linebacker Gary Tinsley who got a bit out of hand while celebrating a win over Northwestern, and now it’s freshman cornerback Michael Carter. Carter was out with a friend

Box Scorin': Minus Decker, Gophers' passing game will go on

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:04:05 -0500

Weird, wild and prolific stats from Saturday's action. • Playing without All-American receiver Eric Decker and with local fans calling for athletic freshman MarQuies Gray to take over the offense, Minnesota quarterback Adam Weber passed for 416 yards and five touchdowns in the Gophers' 42-34 win over Michigan State. Five different Gophers had multiple catches in Decker's stead, and three, Duane Bennett, Da'Jon McKnight and Nick Tow-Arnett, went over 80 yards receiving fo...

Minnesota's offense was decimated when star receiver Decker was sidelined

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:59:09 -0500

When Minnesota star receiver Eric Decker went out in the first quarter with an injury, the Golden Gophers' offense disappeared against the Buckeyes.

No 19 Ohio State Buckeyes v Minnesota Golden Gophers

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:23:31 -0500

#19 Ohio State v Minnesota

Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio

Homecoming

Kickoff: 12noon

TV: ESPN

The defense can’t win every game and we found out that reality the hard way on Saturday. The Buckeye offense is not improving but instead regressing from even a few weeks ago. Purdue absolutely was the better team on the field and deserved to win. The final score wasn’t even that close. Now another bad Big Ten team is gong to try to kick the Buckeye horse while it’s down. The Minnesota Golden Gophers come to town for what should have been an easy win but now turns out to be a season determining game.

OSU “O”

Its official, the offense is bad. The coaching is bad, the line play is bad, the quarterback play is bad, and the running play is bad. Nothing went well for the offense last weekend. Penalties, turnovers and uninspired play seem to be the theme. The Minnesota defense will try to use the same schemes Purdue used to get to Terrelle Pryor. Faith in the OSU offensive line is at an all time low and it's hard to imagine that the Gophers won't have their way with them. Gopher tackles Lee Campbell and Nate Triplett will see a lot of time in the backfield if the Buckeye line play doesn't improve.

OSU “D”

The defense, ranked 9th in the country, has been spectacular all year but laid an egg Saturday. Unfortunately the offense was too inept to bail them out. This week the defense better be prepared for the spectacular receiving skills of Gopher star Eric Decker. Decker is averaging 104.4 yards per game and has five touchdowns on the season so far. Quarterback Adam Weber is solid and averages 189.3 yards per game. The Gopher offense is good enough to keep the game close and if the Buckeye offense turns the ball over like they did last week, Minnesota will have every opportunity to win the game.

Summary

A loss will certainly erase the Buckeye hopes of winning a fifth consecutive Big Ten title and making a trip to the Rose Bowl in over a decade. The solution to the offensive woes escapes the coaching staff and this reporter. It's hard to believe a team with so many highly recruited athletes is such a complete bust. Even though spirits and faith have hit rock bottom, the Buckeyes will be in the safety of the Horseshoe and will be playing for a homecoming crowd. The Bucks should still be able to stumble their way to a victory.

Prediction: OSU 17 – Minnesota 14

Why OSU will win:

On paper, the Buckeyes are vastly superior in every aspect except wide receiver. With a homecoming crowd behind the OSU, the Bucks should be able to keep their Big Ten title dreams alive.

Why OSU will lose:

The line will let the offense down destroying any kind of running scheme and forcing Pryor to regress even further with poor ball handling and bad decision making.

Bold prediction for the game:

The Buckeyes will turn the ball over more times than the Gophers and still win the game.

Crazy stat of the game:

The Buckeyes have won six straight against the Gophers.

Gopher wide receiver Eric Decker averages 15.6 yards per catch.

Gopher players to watch:

Junior QB #8 Adam Weber

Senior WR #7 Eric Decker

Senior DT #77 Lee Campbell

Senior DT #70 Nate Triplett

Minnesota apologizes for mascot mocking prayer

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:11:49 -0500

The University of Minnesota is apologizing after its Goldy Gopher mascot poked fun at a Penn State football player who was praying before last week's game. A video made before Saturday's game at State College shows Penn State defensive end Jerome Hayes kneeling in prayer in the end zone. Goldy Gopher kneels in front of Hayes, according to the video posted on YouTube. When Hayes stands up, so does Goldy. The mascot tries to make some contact, but Hayes ignores him and trots back to the...

Grading The Penn State Offense Against Minnesota

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:00:22 -0500

More photos » by Carolyn Kaster - AP 2 days ago: Penn State running back Evan Royster (22) runs for a gain after taking the hand off from quarterback Daryll Clark (17) as Minnesota tackle Brandon Kirksey (96) dives during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Penn State won 20-0. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Browse more photos » Though 20 points...

Penn State Freezes Minnesota 20-0

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:00:19 -0500

More photos » by Carolyn Kaster - AP about 7 hours ago: Penn State wide receiver Derek Moye (6) catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown as Minnesota cornerback Marcus Sherels (24) moves in on the play during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Browse more photos » It was a cold and wet day for mid October with several inches of snow on th...

Minnesota Preview - BSD Staff Predictions

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:30:29 -0500

More photos » by BATTAGLIA PAUL - AP Minnesota's only hope. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia, File) Browse more photos » RUTS says... Minnesota has great linebackers, but they aren't particularly great on the front line of their defense. That should give Penn State's beleaguered offensive line a bit of a respite. If they can pick up blitzes and keep Daryll Clark upright, Penn State's offense shoul...

Minnesota Preview By The Numbers

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:01:00 -0500

Penn State Value (Nat'l Rank) Value (Nat'l Rank) Minnesota Golden Gophers Advantage Rushing Offense (ypg) 188.7 (32) 162.7 (83) Rushing Defense (ypg) Passing Offense (ypg) 238.8 (39) 218.5 (62) Passing Defense (ypg) Push Pass Efficiency 139.6 (41) 125.0 (55) Pass Efficiency Defense Push Total Offense (ypg) 427.5 (23) 381.2 (77) Total Defense (ypg) Scoring Offense (ppg...

Gophers lose starting C for year with broken leg

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:40:14 -0500

Minnesota center Jeff Tow-Arnett is out for the season with a broken leg. Spokesman Andy Seeley says Tow-Arnett hurt his leg late in Saturday's loss to Wisconsin. Seeley says Tow-Arnett also suffered some damage to his knee and underwent surgery Tuesday. Tow-Arnett played most of last season with a torn ACL. The loss of the senior is a tough blow for an offensive line still trying to come together. The Gophers (3-2, 2-1) host Purdue on Saturday.

MINNESOTA’S KEVIN WHALEY FINISHED THE DRILL

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:18:53 -0500

Come take the stick from me, *&^@#*&^@#*&^@#*&^@# Minnesota linebacker “Hacksaw” Gary Tinsley, you earn the award for “Finishing the Drill, Resisting Arrest Exercise” for the week at the least for your outstanding performance after Saturday’s game with Northwestern. Is Tim Brewster recruiting speed? Hell yes he is: Scouts take notice: Tinsley ran from the scene [...]

Previewin': Minnesota

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 07:00:10 -0500

via www.cheeringfan.com Maize n' Brew mercilessly drifts through another preview. This week is going to be a bit preview heavy as we lead into the season. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Minnesota Gophers Previously: Illinois, Northwestern, Penn State, Iowa, Michigan State, Wisconsin Explanation and indemnifications found: here Last season was, no doubt, a great success for Tim [FIGHT PANTS WIN EXCEL] Brewster's Golden Gophers, going 7-6 with a bowl appea...

The Midwest Matchup: Kansas vs. Minnesota

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:39:45 -0500

The Kansas Jayhawks (7-5) and Minnesota Gophers (7-5) will ring in the New Year by facing off in the Insight Bowl at 5:30pm EST on New Year's Eve. The game is played in Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, AZ and will air on the NFL Network. Kansas will be making a bowl appearance for the second straight year, a first in school history. Last year they beat Virginia Tech 24-21 in the FedEx Orange Bowl to complete their 12-1 season. See more by following the link!

Metrodome Bathroom Sex Woman A Victim Of Foul Play?

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:55:44 -0500

Lois Feldman, the Iowa fan who was caught gettin' busy in a Metrodome bathroom, now says she was the victim of foul play. She claims someone may have spiked her drink before she engaged in some toilet stall sex. (Plus, new photo of Lois!)

Lois Feldman Pic Surfaces After Metrodome Bathroom Sex Scandal?

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 11:29:47 -0500

The website HAWKEYE LOUNGE posted a photo two days ago, which a poster claimed is Lois Feldman: We can't verify the veracity of the photo, but if it is indeed her, she's surprisingly attractive. In a Sarah Palin sort of way. Case you don't know by know, Ms. Feldman is the married woman who who apparently had sex in a Metrodome bathroom with someone she "didn't know" during the recent Iowa-Minnesota football game.

The Vikings Draft Just Got Boring, Gophers Got New Uni's

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 10:59:25 -0500

I didn't really break it down like I did last year. Well, I guess that's because second round projections aren't that interesting. Here are my two scenarios: 1) Vikings trade down to the late second or early third round to get an additional 4th round pick. They then use their first two picks on the offensive line (tackle, center, guard or tight end) or wide receiver. 2) Vikings keep the 47th overall pick and take Fred Davis from USC. Shane Co. was a huge bust last year and we real...

Minnesota Golden Gophers Football Preview and Predictions

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:29:38 -0500

Minnesota finished the season losing to Texas Tech in the Insight Bowl. Will they return to a bowl game this year? This Gopher's blogger gives you all the details on what games they will win and lose this season. Vote how many games you think they'll win.

Dominic Jones Attempts To Set Record For Most Consecutive Really Bad Decisions Made

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:49:00 -0500

Let's run down some of the amazing decisions Minnesota Golden Gophers cornerback Dominic Jones made during the last few days that have now put him in the elite company of Michael Vick, Michael Jackson, and Lindsay Lohan as people who might be capable of going a full 24 hours without making one correct decision in their lives. Anyway, here's a little breakdown of Jones' epic decision-making process leading to his being charged with criminal sexual misconduct...

2007 Football Recruiting Roundup: Minnesota Gophers (Big 10)

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:43:19 -0500

Take a look at the Minnesota Gophers 2007 recruits courtesy of Pre Pro Sports and make a few steals for your college fantasy football draft.