Link: Illinois preview

Illinois has a new head coach in Brad Underwood who won an impressive 89 games with Stephen F. Austin in three years before going to Oklahoma State, where he went to the NCAA Tournament and then left after a year for Illinois. Illinois is a good, not great team that's better defensively than they are offensively. Power forward LeRon Black is definitely the best player. He's a strong, explosive power forward that scores on all three levels. Illinois has struggled rebounding as Black is an average rebounder, center Michael Finke doesn't rebound well and he's more of a stretch 5 whose production comes away from the basket, and there are no solid bigs on the bench. Illinois' backcourt has struggled shooting the ball, but there are three young and talented scoring perimeter players on the bench in Trent Frazier, Kipper Nichols, and Aaron Jordan. The Illini have a deep bench with nine players playing at least 16 minutes per game.

Link: Billingsley hears from Minnesota often

Zack Annexstad:


Strengths:

· Coaching/QB development: Shows the ability to read coverages and knows where he wants to go with the football. Quick decision maker
· Accurate on underneath throws
· Impressive footwork for a high schooler. Steps up in the pocket when necessary, keeps eyes downfield as he shifts in pocket or rolls out
· Quick delivery with zip on underneath throws; throws well on the run

Weaknesses:

· Arm strength down the field. A lot of his deep throws were a step or two underthrown with a lack of zip down the field. Didn’t hurt him in high school, will at the D1 level
· Throws off his back foot when forced to throw quickly in face of pressure
· Good, not great runner

Annexstad is a heck of a PWO get for the Gophers. He absolutely has the talent/skills to be a Division-I scholarship player somewhere. Annexstad shows an impressive understanding of the mental aspect of playing quarterback for a senior in high school; knows where he wants to go with the ball and has the ability to understand coverages. Keeps eyes downfield and moves in pocket well when forced to extend play.

The one knack on him is his arm strength down the field. He doesn’t have the same zip on his deep ball throws like Viramontes does, for example. A lot of his fades were a step behind, which will hurt at the next level. He’s definitely a pocket passer, not a runner like Vic (Viramontes) is.

Vic appears to be the starter for the next few years, but it absolutely wouldn’t surprise me if Zack is a starter down the road.

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Watch the Rose Bowl now on ESPN News.

6 coaches explaining all the gap control, edge setting, read progressions, etc.

So much knowledge. It is great to watch them rewind the play and then explain what is going on.

From @MFarrell:



Click on the picture to expand it.

First want to mention that we had our best semester since they’ve been tracking it in the late ‘90s. We had nine guys with at least a 3.0, so I’m really proud of them. Very proud of our guys for getting it done in the classroom.

Illinois is really, really difficult to prep for. They play defense differently than any other team that will play us.

Nate Mason has been day-to-day. He did some things yesterday and will do more today. Dupree McBrayer is full go.

Illinois’ defense denies everything. Their big thing is no ball reversals. They’re tough, well-coached, well-schooled.

Never want Isaiah Washington to think he can’t shoot. It’s about taking better shots. Don’t care if he takes 20 shots if they’re good shots. In terms of analytics, I he takes some of the tougher shots: contested shots, long twos. Several of them last game were late in the shot clock, but he’s still taking a high degree of tough shots. He’s improved defensively and rebounding the ball. It will take time, but last game was a step in the right direction. Dupree went through something similar his freshman year. Isaiah is a better shooter than he’s shown but he still needs to take better shots.

Not even a little concerned about the team’s RPI with 16 games left. Advanced statistics rankings like Kenpom are more relevant. There’s value in understanding your offensive and defensive efficiency ratings and those sorts of things.

Not worried about the Big Ten’s perception. Happy where the team’s at with a 12-3 record with a very difficult schedule. This was the toughest non-conference schedule since he’s been here.

We need to defend the three-point line and understand that needs to be a part of our identity. You can’t win if you can’t get stops and rebounds.

10 and 8 are pretty good averages for Reggie Lynch. Don’t think those numbers are a byproduct of being tired. Everyone’s under an extreme amount of pressure to perform. We’re not asking Murphy to average 17 and 13. Just want five guys on the court who can be a threat. Doesn’t look at the numbers as much. Hurt makes an impact passing the ball, cutting, and running the floor. When bench players are put in, they need to play the right way and we’re starting to see that more.

Wouldn't be surprised if he ends up in Indy.

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American Athletic
Record: 3-3

Wins: Temple, South Florida, Navy

Losses: SMU, Houston, Memphis

Upcoming games: Auburn vs. UCF

ACC
Record: 4-5

Wins: Duke, Florida State, Wake Forest, N.C. State

Losses: Boston College, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Louisville, Miami (Fla.)

Upcoming games: No. 1 Clemson vs. No. 4 Alabama

Big Ten
Record: 7-0

Wins: Iowa, Purdue, Michigan State, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin

Upcoming games: Michigan vs. South Carolina

Big 12
Record: 5-2

Wins: Kansas State, Iowa State, Texas, Oklahoma State, TCU

Losses: Texas Tech, West Virginia

Upcoming games: No. 2 Oklahoma vs. No. 3 Georgia

Conference USA
Record: 4-5

Wins: Florida Atlantic, Louisiana Tech, Marshall, Middle Tennessee

Losses: North Texas, Temple, Western Kentucky, UAB, Southern Miss

MAC
Record: 1-4

Wins: Ohio

Losses: Akron, Central Michigan, Toledo, Northern Illinois

Mountain West
Record: 3-3

Wins: Boise State, Wyoming, Fresno State

Losses: Colorado State, San Diego State, Utah State

Pac-12
Record: 1-8

Wins: Utah

Losses: Oregon, UCLA, Arizona, Stanford, Washington State, Arizona State, USC, Washington

SEC
Record: 1-3

Wins: Mississippi State

Losses: Missouri, Texas A&M, Kentucky

Upcoming games: Michigan vs. South Carolina, Auburn vs. UCF, Notre Dame vs. LSU, No. 2 Oklahoma vs. No. 3 Georgia, No. 1 Clemson vs. No. 4 Alabama

Sun Belt
Record: 4-1

Wins: Georgia State, Troy, Appalachian State, New Mexico State

Losses: Arkansas State

Independents
Record: 1-0

Wins: Army

Upcoming games: Notre Dame vs. LSU

https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...mal-1-8-big-ten-meanwhile-unbeaten/993206001/

FYI on a slow day........Illinois has fired offensive coordinator Garrick McGee and defensive backs coach Paul Williams.

Ok, we know who our freshmen are now. Here is something to do this long holiday weekend...

Give me the starting 11 on D and O. Any true freshmen or redshirt freshmen in your 22 ?

Link: Predictions on remaining five-stars, Big Ten, and more

I missed this from a week ago:




@MFarrell

or did this site just shit the bed... Forums are all mixed up, I click an alert and says it doesn't exist, etc.
No filters on my screen,

Anyone else getting this issue?

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THREE GOPHERS HEADED TO COLLEGE GRIDIRON SHOWCASE



Jan. 2, 2018

Three Gophers – defensive back Adekunle Ayinde, running back Kobe McCrary and tight end Nate Wozniak– are schedule to partake in the College Gridiron Showcase in the Dallas-Fort-Worth area from Jan. 6-10.

The College Gridiron Showcase provides exposure and education for top college senior football players from around the country. The players are selected by a panel of football experts and will be evaluated by professional scouts. The players will receive professional coaching, mentoring, life coaching and seminars that will benefit them as they move forward in their professional lives in or out of football.

Ayinde, who started his career as a walk-on, played in 41 games as a Gopher and made 117 tackles and seven tackles for loss. He also notched two career interceptions and broke up 14 passes. Ayinde had to play both safety and corner last season as the Gophers battled depth issues in the secondary. Ayinde finished last season with 51 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups and one interception.

McCrary spent two years at Minnesota after competing in junior college. As a Gopher, he rushed 133 times for 738 yards (5.5 average) and 11 touchdowns. He also caught six passes for 44 yards. As a senior, McCrary rushed 94 times for 496 yards and his eight scores led the team.

Wozniak, who at 6-10 was the tallest skill player in college football last season, played in 43 games for the Gophers during his career. He hauled in 28 catches for 314 yards in his career and helped block for talented running backs like McCrary, Rodney Smith, Shannon Brooks and David Cobb. He made seven catches for 104 yards, which included a career long 50-yard reception, last season as a senior.

The event, which is in its fourth installment, will host a Minnesota representative for the second straight year, as former Gopher receiver Drew Wolitarksy participated in the College Gridiron Showcase in 2016.

USA Hockey announced its roster for the upcoming Winter Olympics during the second intermission of the 2018 Winter Classic on Monday in New York, and among those who made the men's team is Wild prospect Jordan Greenway. The Boston University junior has seven goals and 17 points in 19 games with BU this season.

Also-
Parise expected to rejoin lineup for Tue. game

I think it is one of the best 5 comedies ever made. I watch it probably 2 times a year (typically around this time of course). Chevy Chase is unreal. The supporting case is perfect.

Agree or disagree ? Top 5 ?

Was a nice thought? I know the game's not over but Michigan seems determined to lose!

Link: Rivals250 lineman talks recruitment, recent Gopher interest

Well, we're about a week away from Xmas, so thought I would start my annual thread. I encourage all to post what they have been drinking as it helps me pick future beverages, if I can find them as selection can be a bit limited at times around here.

So here goes...
Started with a Pilsner tonight, Steam Whistle pilsner. Dry, crisp pilsner, probably better on a hot day, but still not bad. Made in Toronto. Averages just under 3 at 2.79 and a Style average of 58, middle of the road

Link: Peterson high on Minnesota

Nominations for the prestigious The Gopher Report (TGR) Poster of the Year (POY) award have now closed. Heartfelt nominations of the many worthy posters stretched over 3+ pages (including a few thread-bends), but the list of nominees had to be trimmed to just 10 finalists for voting, to fit in the Poll Post form.

Please vote for your selection to be honored as POY. Remember, posters can see who you voted for, and votes can be changed, for whatever compensation is agreeable to the involved parties! The winner will be announced after 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 31st. The esteemed winner will be entitled to all the honors, rights, and privileges conferred upon them through winning this award, throughout the entire 2018 calendar year. (No cash value.)

May the best poster win!

***Special note: Clearly, @Littlefinger would have won the 2017 POY by unanimous consent, but since he had access to the TGR levers of awesome power during a portion of the year, the POY Rules Committee regrettably had no choice but to rule him ineligible for 2017. However, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions during the year, the Rules Committee has agreed to name @Littlefinger "The Wisest Fool of TGR" for 2017! The honors, rights, and privileges conferred upon him through winning this award, are similar to POY. (And also have no cash value.)

Recruits have signed and they don't have to bring southern kids to sub zero now!

We're on to 2019 and can bring them in when the Robins sing!!!

Love the early signing period!!!!

Getting a bit antsy for a recruiting fix. Who do we think will be the next one to jump in the boat.

My guess FWIW is Bachmeier since QB's usually commit early, then the class starts falling quickly into place. I know we have a QB commit already but I feel like Hank is Fleck's key to this class.

Trevor Oppedal:


Strengths:

· Run blocking. Solid pad level and leverage in run blocking. Controls defender and keeps feet moving until finishing defender
· Athleticism to pull. Able to adjust to moving targets; quick feet in his pulls
· Size (6’7”, 275 pounds)

Weaknesses:

· No pass blocking highlights in his film
· Strength. Wins right now due to his natural size, but will need to add strength

Oppedal has the size for a D1 player and showed some good things in the run game. Actually, some of his more impressive highlights came on the defensive line, but I see him as an offensive lineman in college. He showed the ability to pull and finishes defenders. There weren’t any pass blocking highlights in his film, which is a bit concerning considering he played in a spread system. Oppedal may move inside to guard later in his career where that might suit his strengths better.

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