If we lose to Illinois, and it appears the season and Claeys might be in big trouble....I have an idea for Claeys. He should get a restraining-order slapped on himself. That would be the most hilarious thing in the history of college football. It would be on every TV news show. Not only have 7 (or more) players been banned from home games....but now Claeys is banned too. He can only coach the away games. He should confront the girl....not be mean to her....but just do enough so she slaps an RO on him.

Claeys can't be a master motivator. That's not his image. He has to be a lovable underdog type. Imagine his image plastered on every news show. And he should act like he was surprised by it all. No one's gonna think he's a thug. He's just sticking up for his players. It would be the most hilarious thing ever.

And this would change him from a no-name to a big-name. Once it all got cleared-up, maybe I'd want him for a 2nd year....to see if he could take advantage of his newfound fame. Now granted, this plan might backfire. But there is big potential. What do you think??

What is the extension going to look like? How many years? How many millions? What's the buy out? (Not that we need one).

Sunday Night OT with Tracy Claeys 10-23-2016


**Quotes are not verbatim**


General thoughts about the game…

To get back to .500 in the conference and 2-2 was important. We always say we have to win in October to have a chance to be in it in November, and to mean something. We want to have an opportunity in November. Also, if you lose a game at home you have to get a couple on the road, so we have to do that to get back to where we want to be.

Losing our edge after going up 21-3 in the first quarter…

Part of it is playing against teams with certain records, we came out great and thought “since they haven’t won a Big Ten game they’ll give in”. So we started missing a few tackles in the 2nd quarter, missed a few blocks, and dropped some balls. We lost our edge a bit. They came back and put some points on it, and we weren’t able to get any in the 2nd quarter which would’ve helped. In the 2nd half they made it a game, we threw a pick six, and that gave them some life. Every time we’ve gotten in that situation our kids have made the plays we needed to make to give us a chance to win. For our defense to keep them to only 3, and then the good return on the kickoff, we did a good job getting down there and putting us in a position to win. It may have been closer than it should’ve been, but that’s football, sometimes it takes all 60 minutes to win.

Talking about Rodney Smith a lot each week now…

He had the big return for a touchdown after Mitch’s interception. In the return game he had a big day, he caught a big ball in the 1st quarter for us. A lot of what we do is built around him and Shannon. Our return game did well all game long except for the one muffed punt.

Special teams were all over this game, three phase game…

No question. You take out the missed field goal early, we told him to go through his same routine and it’s the next play mentality. He did a good job, they tried to ice him, and he put it though. We had some injuries on the offensive line in the 2nd half, which made it tough. Offensively we have to be better in short yardage situations. Defensively we had a little trouble stopping the run. When the other team moves the chains yard by yard at a time, it makes it a bit uneasy for you. It’s all a learning experience and it’s always better to learn when you win.

Third downs coming from the couple down success…

Yeah, and the missed tackles. The first guy misses the tackle, and you think you have them in 2nd and 3rd and long, then all of the sudden it is 3rd and 2, which is a total different ball game. The odds are then against you. We got a little sloppy, and hopefully we’ll learn from that. I was happy with how we prepared, hopefully we prepare the same, and come out early against Illinois.


Final drive strategy…

I told Coach Johnson, let’s move the chains. For us we try to get to the 30 yard line. I would like for it to be a bit closer, but that’s where we want to get to. Rodney was able to bust one on 3rd and short, which gets it to a short distance. Then the next play was to get it to the middle of the field. We’ve done a pretty good job in those situations, and having opportunities to win games.

How do you think the young guys played this week…

Tyler Johnson had a big catch, he played well. On the defensive side, our young guys continue to improve and make big plays for us. That’s why I get excited. Our older guys are playing well, and the younger guys are starting to as well. We’re going to fill a lot of holes next year with guys that have played, and played well. The future is pretty bright for us.

What adjustments need to be made to get the defense back on track…

Defense now a days, 9 of those were not on the defense. The muffed punt, we stop them to a field goal. The interception for a touchdown isn’t on us. We gave up 23 a game, and we were missing some guys, which we need to get back. Had it not been for the one 90 yard drive, I would’ve said that we played pretty well. We have things to work on, more the missed tackles than anything. We’ve held people under 30 points for the most part, if you do that you have an opportunity to win each week. It’s not like we are playing bad.

Jonah (Pirsig)’s status…

He’s progressing well. We’ll get to Tuesday, and see how he is. This week may be a stretch, but definitely next week for sure. He’s feeling good, but it’ll probably be another week. The good thing is Donnell Greene comes in and has played a bit, so we’re starting to build some depth there, which is good. Jonah has traveled and I told him to be Donnell’s coach. Every now and then I’ll take a couple upperclassmen that can help on the sidelines, so that’s why Jonah has been coming along.

What would you say is the first thing that offense must fix before next week…

Short yardage. We have to get better in the short yardage. We have to use better cadence as well, to keep them off balance. We have to be better on 3rd and short, especially after doing well on 1st and 2nd downs. That was the biggest thing that stood out. When we threw the interception that was a short yardage played that we rubbed each other off. So we need to spend more time on that stuff in practice.

Does offensive line take it personal if they do not get it on short yardages…

Especially in fourth quarter, that’s when you try to do some of those things. Not all of it is the kids fault, since they did move around a bit on the d-line. But it is body on a body, and our backs are good enough to get the yard as long as we don’t let anyone through.

What to expect from Illinois…

Lovie Smith is a very successful NFL coach. Like anybody in their first year, it has been up and down. They handled Rutgers pretty good, so we’ll have a battle on our hands. They try to have a solid running game, and play good defense like us. They have had some quarterback injuries so I’m not exactly sure what to expect there, it’ll be a big challenge on the road, and we’ll have to make sure we’re prepared and ready to go.

Gophers led 5-2 in the third period. Lose 6-5 to scsu in OT.

I don't have a dog in this fight, but holy hell, Trump got taken to the woodshed. That wasn't a debate, it was a public beating. Clinton kept baiting Trump over and over and he took it every time.

And then his dumb ass called her a 'Nasty woman' AND said he might not accept the election results if he wins. And his comment about potentially not accepting the election results drew criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike, plus it became the headline in just about every newspaper.

Roger Ailes quit as Trump's advisor over the weekend. Ailes reportedly said that Trump 'refused to prepare for the debate'.

I just...so Trump only prepared for the 2nd debate? The guy, by the reports from HIS OWN CAMP, refused to prepare for the 1st or 3rd debates.

I just...we may never again see a presidential candidate enter multiple debates entirely unprepared.

This whole election has been a farce from the rigged primaries to the ugly finish.

They get Michigan next...
They still have Ohio State on the schedule

This sounds crazy to say (due to their great recent success) but with Michigan and Ohio State building national powers, will MSU survive this next year and behond?

Penn State hasn't arrived yet but big win last night...

Will Harbaugh take all the in-state and some top Ohio talent?

Does MSU rebound to anything close to where they were previously next year and beyond? Will they just fight for 3rd or 4th in their division going forward?

Our defense simply isn't the same without Hardin

3rd down they just go after Shenault with ease
3rd down for us Leidner stares at Wolitarsky every time

4th and 1 lateral run by Leidner to allow penetration?
4th and 1 run behind Chad Fanning?
Leidner with the sneak is unstoppable...what happened to it?

Not a good game at all

That idiot announcer said Lynn hit the quarterback with his helmet. Either I'm blind or that sure looked like a shoulder pad to me and he didn't hit him in the head. That ref looked at it about a hundred times. I don't think he saw enough to overrule the decision. If that was targeting, we have turned into a bunch of wimps. Typical home game where it looks like we're playing someplace else. Good forbid we get any home cooking.You can tell the difference by a mile when we're on the road.

Alright, if there is a game that we can't lose its this one...

Which, as a lifetime Gopher fan, scares the shit out of me!

But, I am going to be hopeful.

We are going to play conservative. Rutgers is going to play as if they have nothing to lose.

Halftime :

Gophers 17
Rutgers 14

The 2nd half is better as we make a few big plays on O and D.

We run for a total of 275 yards and we force 2 turnovers.

Final:

Gophers 31
Rutgers 21

What say y'all?

They are fun to watch. So many yards were gained yesterday that were due to cuts, spin moves, jukes made by them when the D had them ready for a loss or no gain.

I was disappointed with almost all other aspects of the team yesterday, but those 2 are the light in the darkness for sure.

Eric Staal signing is looking brilliant so far. 3 goals through 4 games and that line has looked great with Parisse and Coyle. D is a work in progress right now. Toronto had way too many good looks last night and if they get better bounces off the pipe, they would have won. Dubs didn't look great, seemed to struggle locating the puck at times

David Gibbs and Texas Tech holding Oklahoma to 65 with a minute to go

Gopher Wrestling got two commits this week as Jakob Bergeland of Centennial and Daniel Kerkvliet of Simley announced their future with the Gophers. Bergeland is a Senior and was a Class AAA State Champ last year at 132 #s and projects at 141/149 in college.

2019 recruit Daniel Kerkvliet is only a Sophomore, so this is a very early commit. But, it's also a HUGE COMMIT as Kerkvleit has been exploding lately and is on a big trend upwards. He won the Class AA 170-pound title last year as a freshman. By the time he graduates, he will likely be the #1 ranked 195 lb. wrestler and one of the top wrestlers in his class!

This is just a huge get!!!

Here are articles on both from The Guillotine:

College Recruiting: state champion Kerkvliet to Minnesota

The Guillotine
Oct. 19, 2016

Daniel Kerkvliet of Simley announced on Twitter a verbal commitment to attend the University of Minnesota and wrestle for the Gophers following his high school career. Kerkvliet is a sophomore this year.

Daniel Kerkvliet‏
@DgKerkjr Oct 19

I am excited to announce that I am going to be continuing my wrestling career after high school at the university of Minnesota.

Kerkvliet is a three-time state entrant. He won the Class AA 170-pound title in 2016 as a freshman. He competed at 152 pounds as an eighth-grader and 120 pounds as a seventh-grader.

Kerkvliet placed third in Fargo this past summer at the USA Wrestling Cadet Freestyle National Championships. Most recently He placed fourth at the prestigious Super 32 Open Tournament.

Kerkvliet is projected to wrestle at 197 pounds for the Gophers.

Daniel Kerkvliet of Simley. Photo by Mary Christen.

The Guillotine Wrestler Files
Daniel Kerkvliet, Simley
2016 USA Wrestling Nationals FS Cadet 195 3rd
2016 Northern Plains Regional FS Cadet 195 1st
2016 MN HS State Tournament 2A 9th 170 1st 47-2
2015 MN Christmas Tournament 2A 9th 170 4th
2015 MN HS State Tournament 2A 8th 152 DNP 28-16
2014 MN HS State Tournament 2A 7th 120 DNP 21-16


College Recruiting: state champion Bergeland to Minnesota

The Guillotine
Oct.19, 2016

Jakob Bergeland of Centennial announced on twitter his commitment to wrestling for Minnesota following his upcoming senior season.

Login to view embedded media
Bergeland is a two-time state place winner. He won the Class AAA 132-pound title in 2016 as a junior. He placed fourth at 113 pounds as a freshman.

Most recently Bergeland placed second at the prestigious Super 32 Open Tournament.

Bergeland is projected to wrestle at 141 or 149 pounds for the Gophers.


Jakob Bergeland of Centennial. Photo by Mark Beshey.

The Guillotine Wrestler Files
Jakob Bergeland, Centennial
2016 USA Wrestling Nationals FS Junior 132 DNP
2016 USA Wrestling Nationals GR Junior 132 DNP
2016 Northern Plains Regional FS Junior 138 5th
2016 MN/USA Wrestling State FS Junior 138 2nd
2016 USA Wrestling Nationals Folk Junior 132 5th
2016 MN HS State Tournament 3A 11th 132 1st 43-4
2015 Rumble on the Red 3A 11th 132 4th
2015 MN Christmas Tournament 3A 11th 132 2nd
2015 USA Wrestling Nationals FS Junior 120 DNP
2015 MN HS State Tournament 3A 10th 120 DNP 39-7
2015 Rumble on the Red 3A 10th 120 4th
2014 MN Christmas Tournament 3A 10th 126 2nd
2014 USA Wrestling Nationals FS Cadet 120 8th
2014 USA Wrestling Nationals GR Cadet 120 8th
2014 Northern Plains Regional FS Cadet 120 2nd
2014 MN/USA Wrestling State FS Cadet 120 2nd
2014 MN/USA Wrestling State FS Junior 120 3rd
2014 MN HS State Tournament 3A 9th 113 4th 42-5
2013 MN Christmas Tournament 3A 9th 120 5th

Too bad we couldn't recruit the son of ex twins pitcher Pat Mahomes. Tonight he was 52-88 for 734 yds as his Texas Tech team lost to Oklahoma 66-59. Each team had 854 yds setting an NCAA record. Mahomes personally had 800 total yds. Yes I know they don't play defense in the Big 12, but still.

We beat Maryland, Michigan State did not...... We dominated 3 quarters against Penn State before losing in OT at State College... Ohio State did not..............Stuff happens

DO you think that Houston's losses, especially today, has dimmed Tom Herman's star??

I thought the boys played a game today. Made a lot of ball plays. Left it all out on the field. Got the win for the state

Interim HC Brandon Eggum promoted Dustin Schlatter to Assistant Coach this year. Dustin was one hell of a great wrestler and was the only Gopher to win a Natty Championship as a Freshman. It's very likely he would have won more, but he had a bunch of injuries that seriously limited his results.

He was also a world class Freestyle wrestler and competed for the US Team between 2009-15. Dustin is an excellent addition to the new Gopher coaching staff!!

Here's the article on Dustin from Wrestling's website:


Get to Know Dustin Schlatter

The former national champ and international medalist steps into his first year as an assistant coach for the Gophers in 2016-17



Gophersports.com
Oct. 19, 2016

Much was expected from Dustin Schlatter when he joined his older brother, All-American C.P. Schlatter, at the University of Minnesota in 2005. A top-tier recruit out of Ohio, Schlatter expected to wrestle for the Gophers as a true freshman, something that not only reflected his abilities, but the confidence of the Minnesota staff in those abilities. It’s not ordinary to see a true freshman wearing the Gopher singlet.

“My career was anything but ordinary,” Schlatter observed.

His freshman year was certainly extraordinary, unlike any other in Gopher history. The Big Ten Freshman of the Year marched to a Big Ten title before laying siege to the 149-pound bracket at the NCAA tournament, finishing his rookie season as a 42-1 national champion. To this day, Schlatter is the program’s only freshman to win a national title.

“I loved the underdog role. I didn’t get a lot of respect initially and I thrived in that environment,” said Schlatter. “I expected that I would be a national champ. It was an exciting year where everything came together.”

He repeated as Big Ten champ in 2007 as part of his second straight one-loss season. Only against his own impossibly high standards could his 37-1, third-place, All-American season be viewed as a sophomore slump. His performance at NCAAs played a major part in the Gophers winning the program’s third national title that season.

“The individual title is something that you work for your whole life. It’s directly related to the work you put in and the time you spent wrestling,” said Schlatter. “With the team, it’s different because it can be shared with nine other guys and the staff. They’re both pretty special.”

Injuries chopped down Schlatter in his later years with the Gophers. Knee issues, concussions and more limited Schlatter’s chances to compete for Minnesota, though he did fight through those issues to earn a third All-American finish at the 2008 NCAA Championships. Though he wasn’t at his best, Schlatter knew his teammates were counting on him.

“It’s never easy to compete at a high level when you’re banged up. It’s very mentally draining to try to heal your body and recover but, at the same time, try to peak and still train and get better as a wrestler,” Schlatter detailed. With that said, “the thing that drew me to Minnesota was the brotherhood, the connection everyone shares here. For me, it was more important to be able to step out there and wrestle for the guys on the team than anything else.”

Minnesota’s record books reflect Schlatter’s dominance at the college level. His 16-month-long, 65-match winning streak spanning his freshman and sophomore seasons is the second-longest in program history. His .919 winning percentage, built on a 114-10 career record, is the fourth-highest for any Gopher all-time. He’s part of a select group of Gophers to have won individual conference and national titles, as well as team conference and national titles.

Schlatter also has a host of accolades from wrestling senior-level freestyle internationally, starting with his appearance for Team USA at the 2009 World Championships, a team he competed with during his redshirt season at Minnesota. His resume on the international stage includes multiple international medals and top-three finishes at national tournaments spanning from 2009 to 2015. In one of his most-recent competition, the 2015 Pan American Championships, Schlatter won the 70kg gold medal by outscoring his opponents, 41-0.

Schlatter had served as a graduate assistant and administrative assistant with the program until last season, when he was the team’s volunteer assistant coach. Schlatter was promoted to assistant coach for the 2016-17 season.

“It’s not often that guys win a national title their true freshman year. It was a different career path, as far as wrestling, than most people go through,” said Schlatter. “I learned a lot about myself, but also about training, wrestling, competing, the mental aspect of it, to wrestle through all these injuries and setbacks. It really changed my perspective and taught me a lot. There are a lot of valuable lessons I learned in my career that I can share with the team.”

Hell of a game.

What's happening?

College football is so unpredictable outside of Bama.

We are so close to 7-0, yet also so bad in too many instances and almost lost to Rutgers. Now PSU is giving the Buckeyes all they can handle. None of this makes any sense!

Who would have thought Coach Johnson would be so Vanilla.

I haven't seen any improvement in our offensive schemes. I'm totally disappointed.

I was the first to rip on Limegrover but I must apologize Matt... u weren't that bad.

Not having Hardin makes us a different team on defense...

Dantonio didn't forget how to coach

These thoughts are related. Clearly Dantonio is missing pieces he has had in previous years. Sawvel looks smarter when he has two corners he trusts.

I thought Penn State was mediocre at best...looks like they are better than I thought

Pregame reads

• Behind Enemy Lines: Rutgers
• Rutgers vs. Minnesota: Who has the edge?
• Claeys talks Leidner's health, recruiting philosophy, and more
• Sawvel talks Rutgers, Coughlin, and film review
• Johnson talks Rhoda, OL play, Rutgers, and film review
• Smith talks Rutgers, Connelly/Greene, growing up with Celestin
• Wednesday notebook: Game week presses on from Scarlet Nation
• Video: Chris Ash post-practice from Scarlet Nation
• Rutgers will look to defense in matchup against Minnesota

Mitch Leidner will start. Cody Poock may start, as well.

Claudin Cherelus is the only official visitor. There are a handful of unofficial PWO-type visitors, including Woodbury's Jake West and Jeremiah Coddon.

Very light crowd 12 minutes before kickoff.

Gophers are wearing maroon lids, maroon jerseys, and gold pants.

That was a terrible Penn State team we just lost to...

Winning on the road is hard but they are not good...

Link: Coughlin and Johnson impress in Eden Prairie victory

The Eden Prairie Eagles' defense dominated again on Friday night. Right in the middle of it were two defensive linemen that have Minnesota's interest.