National Funding Holiday Bowl: Minnesota vs. Washington State
(7 p.m., ESPN, Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, Calif.)
Both defenses are solid, but quarterback Luke Falk gives Washington State a major advantage over Minnesota, which simply hasn't seen the improvement it needed from veteran signal-caller Mitch Leidner. The Gophers hang around for a half before Falk and his wide receivers start stretching the field. Washington State 37, Minnesota 24.
I have to agree with this. Liedner has regressed the last three years. It's a joke he is getting compared to Randle El for rushing TD's. Everyone else does the work and he get the credit.
It's just stupid coaching that we don't have another QB ready to play when he throws all his ducks and interceptions.

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Chicago Brother Rice junior Nick Marozas picked up an offer today.

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For those of you headed to the game soon or planning on watching it, here's a pregame read! I preview top players, matchups, and give a prediction.

https://minnesota.rivals.com/news/njit-preview-1

Link: Gophers in the Pros: Week 13

Purdue's new football coach signed for $20m for 6 years.
Asst. coaches pool money = $3.5 m. per year.

Hmmmm............?????

True to his long-standing reputation as having a trick play or two (infamous BSU vs Okl bowl game decade ago), the Huskies opened up against WSU in the Apple Cup with a flea flicker for huge gain. Leach said afterwards they were caught off-guard. Later in the game, another trick play was called and one of the brilliant announcers called-out Peterson for too many. Ok, let's get to 11-1 and worry about that. We have been burned in recent years by fake punts, Mizzo was big play in Citrus Bowl. Am I the only one that has surprised by TC's lack of calling for anything ever to shake a game up? Fake FG, fake punt, flea-flicker, etc. He ran the great half-back pass last year against IA, and it seems like nothing since. Play to win with house money, and a bowl game against WSU is just that. How much riskier is it than two runs on 3rd and 1 and 4th and 1 into 8 man boxes?

This guy gets it:

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Mafe tells me that he's still working out when his official visit will be, but Minnesota thinks they'll get him for a visit next weekend. Mafe is wanting to make a decision sooner rather than later, so you would hope that he'd finally pull the trigger next weekend, and I think he will.

Rutgers has also come on him strong recently and they're trying to set up an official visit with him as well.

10 U officials got free access to MSFA suites at Vikings stadium

Don't really need to get into the politics of who else attended games in the suites,
but as far as the Athletic Department attendees...Minnesota will be hosting the Final Four along with 1st and 2nd Round games to work out the kinks in the years leading up to the Final Four. I would think they would be invited to see an event at the venue prior to the actual event. But I guess that makes too much sense. The naysayers will always have a field day on what should be a non issue.

Coaches, ADs or anyone else is open game for the media.

Here we go...

Oregon state. W 24-17

Indiana State W 31-13

Colorado state W 21-20

@Penn State L 17-28

iowa L 20-24

@maryland L 31-17

Rutgers W 35-31

@illinois W 27-20 OT

Purdue W 38 - 24

@nebraska L 13 - 27

Northwestern L 17 - 27

@wisconsin L 20 - 31

6-6. Bowl game = W

What have y'all ?

to support the revenue sports, instead of supporting the non-revenue sports at the expense of the revenue sports.

Here is your chance to 'get acquainted' with the BORs.

https://regents.umn.edu/about-board/meet-regents

Jamel Harbison, of North Carolina, once considered a prize recruit (3*/4*) and potential big playmaker at WR for MN, didn't live up to those expectations and transferred to Mars Hill University (D2) in N.C. in 2014 and was converted to running back. This year, in his senior season, he rushed for 1095 yards and 10 TDs. Mars Hill, which plays in the South Atlantic Conference, finished with a 5-6 record.

Last week I posted on here that PJ Fleck would be named this week to be Purdue's new head coach. You could take it to the bank.
Well......I was wrong. I felt VERY strong that I could trust the source. Obviously it didn't work out that way. I did say that if I WAS wrong I would come on here and apologize.
My apologies!!

2018 Creston (Iowa) tackle Trevor Downing picked up an offer from Minnesota tonight. He also holds offers from Iowa and Iowa State.

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There were some ups and downs this year but you gotta be a badger fan to not get goose bumps watching this...

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Jimmie Terry's a name I mentioned in the weekend updates thread and this evening he got an offer. He was a Louisville commit out of high school but just has Southern Miss and East Carolina offers now. He's a big boy at 6'3", 330.

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never mind

Minnesota is headed to the Holiday Bowl in San Diego!

Not to beat a dead horse, but since I have been inside all weekend taking care of my better half and her sickness, I had a chance to watch more football then I have watched in probably 10 years.
Here is what I observed:

1. Every coach was wearing head sets, both in College and NFL.

2. Lakes and everyone else. Pull your heads out of your backside. NOT wearing headsets =ignorance

3.Not coaching when coming off the field = Ignorance

4.Zero Emotion = Danger.

He said today that he'll have to sit down with Coyle to figure it out and that he might not have time to do that until Signing Day. He sounded certain that it wouldn't be done by the bowl game.

Claeys opened up by saying they are very excited to be playing in the Holiday Bowl and facing Washington State. He said that it is a great reward for the season that they have had.

As for a preview of Washington State, Claeys noted that head coach Mike Leach has an offensive philosophy that he believes in and that what is different is that this year they have been playing better defense. The coaches have one more week to recruit before the dead period, so the scouting of Washington State will start next weekend.

Looking back upon the season, Claeys said he thought this was his best team coming back, and still believes that. He said that they made up some ground on teams that are atop the Big Ten, and that for the first time they had a chance to win every game they played. He said that as frustrating as it is for the fans, it’s just as frustrating for players and coaches. He credited the players for their effort and hard work, and he would rather have fans be disappointed than not care.

The seniors still have an opportunity to win 9 games this year, and we are playing a ton of freshmen and sophomore that get an extra 15 practices.

With Penn State winning the Big Ten Championship, Gaard mentioned that we went toe-to-toe with them in Happy Valley. Claeys said that in that game the “stars didn’t align” and there were some plays they didn’t make at the end of the game, but that we did have an opportunity to win it. Both teams in the Big Ten Championship were two of our road losses this year.

Emmit Carpenter took home Big Ten Kicker of the Year honors, Claeys said that he worked awfully hard, and that the decision in the spring to move Emmit to kicker and Ryan (Santoso) to punter allowed them to work very hard on their specific role.

Claeys wanted to get more of his kids on the defense to make some of the teams, but that we have to win a few more games in order for more kids to get looks. When asked in particular, he said that Demarius Travis was the one that he was disappointed in not being higher, called him “an awfully good football player.”

As for the offense, Jonah Pirsig, Drew Wolitarsky, and Rodney Smith were honored with Big Ten awards. He credited them for their hard work, and said that not having Brandon Lingen made it difficult on the offense, and he thinks that he would’ve been one of the best tight ends in the conference.

The key for Rodney Smith taking off this year was his hard work in the offseason and in practice. Claeys said he talked to Rodney and offered to take him off punt and kickoff return, but that Rodney wanted to play. He said that it goes back to Rodney loves playing football, and that this year they have more kids that love football.

Of the 15 extra bowl practices they are allowed, Claeys said they will probably only use 13 of them so that they have time to recruit, as well as keeping the team fresh and ready to go for the bowl game.

For the extra practices, Claeys mentioned that they are trying to get younger guys back into our offense and not as much being scout team anymore. Also little things like finishing plays and catching balls. Defensively, they will spend a lot of time on coverage since Washington State coach Mike Leach loves to throw the ball.

The Gophers and Washington State have had a similar opponent in Washington State this year, so Claeys said they will watch those games and compare. Additionally, Washington State plays late night games, so not many people get to watch them play.

The captains for next year are Rodney Smith, Johnathon Celestin, and Brandon Lingen. Claeys mentioned their consistency down after down that set the example for every other player. We also have the option to add one or more two if another player steps up. Calling the passing of the torch tradition at the banquet “a very big deal that we take very seriously.”

On dealing with the spread attack of Mike Leach, Coach Claeys said it is hard getting a good look in practice because you have to have enough receivers to duplicate what he does, and the ball comes out very quick. The quarterback is very disciplined on his reads, and knows where/when to go with the ball. He also said that yards after catch is going to be extremely key to playing well defensively.

Has had scary good offenses. Wonder if he can keep it rolling

Close your eyes, and go back to an October day in 2015.
Minnesota is at OSU, and is tied at zero midway through the 2nd quarter. The forever mercurial Mitch L. passes from his end zone, pass is picked for an OSU TD. Except that TWO flags fly for targeting.
After a long delay, and the play going to BIG headquarters in Chicago for review, its determined that the two refs erred, and Mitch's chin that required stitches is a mirage.
Now imagine that it had been OSU passing from its own end zone and Minnesota having the pick 6... Think the targeting call would have been reversed? Not with $ millions at stake for the conference in National Championship possibilities for OSU.
I can't stand the Michigan coach, but they got jobbed on the 4th down review at OSU.
Think Penn St. has a beef? They beat OSU, win the BIG, and OSU gets to play [ with an identical record as PSU ] for the Natty.
Who do you think runs the BIG. sports fans?

The BIG championship game.
JJ it's alright to challenge the other team, and run a no huddle offense, and throw the ball down field. But you have to have a QB that doesn't throw 4 interceptions in one half. And it's alright to play another QB if your starter isn't working out. And quit blaming the WR's for not running the right routes. Isn't it your job to teach them?
TC there's a reason you have headphones other than to keep your tonsils warm. It's called communicating with the other coaches and know what's going on. And it's alright to show some emotions once in awhile and fire up the troops.
And all the coaches, it's alright to make the proper adjustments at half time to expose the other teams weakness.
After watching this game, it's obvious we need some work in most areas.
Wow great game PS to come back from being down 28-7. Whisky only scored 3 points in the second half. But that's 3 more than we scored against them in the second half. I wonder why?

Quarterback

No new updates on Ta'amu quite yet. Remember, Jay Johnson and Ole Miss watched him throw this week, and Minnesota is still determining if they want him. As I posted in the other thread, there are some on the Minnesota staff that are interested in Malik Zaire, and I'm sure contact has been made with him (his girlfriend plays basketball here). Ultimately, it will be Claeys' call if they really pursue Zaire. There was a report from the Notre Dame Scout site that his top four are Florida, Michigan State, Purdue, and Wisconsin, and a report from a Michigan writer that Notre Dame blocked his ability to transfer to Michigan State. Regardless of the reports, I have to think Zaire has some interest in coming here if his girlfriend is here.

Running Back

Caleb Huntley (Hudl) had Brian Anderson in to visit him this week, and Huntley says he's visiting next weekend. That's big news, and I'm thinking he'll be a Gopher at the end of that visit, especially since there's still some ambiguity with Jakyle Holmes (Hudl). I've been saying Minnesota leads for Holmes, which I still believe, but there's still no commitment nor official visit set up. That being said, I would still guess Holmes is a part of the class coming Signing Day.

Tight End

Jake Paulson is still the top high school tight end target, and the Gophers are still trying to work their way into Sal Cannella's (Hudl) recruitment. I still think there's some interest in former Michigan decommit Chase Lasater at fullback, but as far as I know, Reeves didn't visit him this week. Auburn did, however. Glen Lake's (Mich.) Duke Angers (Hudl) is another tight end that's heard from Reeves recently, but I'm not really expecting much to come from it.

Wide Receiver
Hawes picked up an East Carolina offer yesterday to go along with the Cincinnati offer he picked up earlier in the week. I'm not worried about ECU. Anderson visited Hawes on Wednesday and he told me it went well. "We just talked about his expectations and tips for my transition from high school to college."

If Anderson's visits are any indication, it looks like Minnesota wants a JUCO receiver in this class. Georgia Military College receiver Isaac Zico (Hudl) tells me that he may be visiting next weekend. Zico had a very good season and there are a handful of other power five programs that visited him this weekend. West Virginia and Western Kentucky are his top two right now, and he's visiting WKU in two weekends. Zico is a March grad, so the staff has some time to decide if they want him, unlike Leonard (see below).

Anderson watched East Mississippi CC receiver Raphael Leonard (Hudl) practice on Wednesday, and here's what he told me: "I talked to Anderson afterwards, and he just said we'll be in touch. They're a school I'm pretty interested in and we've talked about visiting Minnesota before." Leonard's an early enrollee, so Minnesota would have to make a decision on him real soon here. He's a three for two JUCO.

Kam White (Hudl) tells me he's visiting in January, but didn't have a date picked out or know if it would be towards the beginning or the end of the month. This is an excellent development as the several times I reached out to him this fall he told me he wasn't really hearing from Minnesota. He also said he's planning to visit Ole Miss.

Dakota Macomb (Mich.) wide receiver Jaylen Hall (Hudl) tells me he's been hearing from Rob Reeves recently and that Reeves visited Tuesday. Hall's on an official visit to Eastern Michigan this weekend.

Offensive Line

Like I said after the Gaynor decommitment, it's possible Minnesota tries to add a JUCO lineman. Miller visited Tyler JC's Jimmie Terry (Hudl), a Louisville commit out of high school, and Boise State commit and Mesa CC tackle Isiah Moore (Hudl) this week. Hoping to get more from them soon.

Lee Grimes has also been in touch with UTSA commit Brian Thomas (Hudl).

Defensive Line

I've been saying that Minnesota wants a JUCO defensive end in this class, and maybe that will be Brandon Berry (Hudl). Berry told me throughout the fall that he hadn't been hearing from Minnesota, but today told me that Phelps visited him this week, so maybe Minnesota makes a push for him here with things winding down. He's a beast of a pass rusher that had 12.5 sacks in just six games this season for Highland CC.

Davie Western (Fla.) defensive end Kevin Oliver (Hudl) is a has heard off and on from Reeves and is a name to monitor.

Hoping to get you guys an update on recently offered Mississippi State commit Aaron Odom this weekend.

Linebackers

In my last article with Bryson Jackson, he said Minnesota was his favorite and that he'd decide after his season. I still expect him to be a Gopher, and I think he may pull the trigger on Monday. Claeys, who's been texting him quite a bit recently, Sherels, and maybe Poore will do an in-home visit with Jackson on Monday. Jackson's had Indiana and Iowa State talk to him quite a bit, and Indiana for sure and maybe ISU visited him this week. He says he'll "for sure" take an official visit to one of those schools if they offer.

Defensive Backs

Minnesota has been working on Bellevue (Mich.) safety Jordan Ulmer (Hudl), who just decommitted from Iowa State, for a while. He's visiting Missouri this weekend then "probably" Minnesota the following weekend.

Indiana commit Bryant Fitzgerald was a top target early in the recruiting process, then contact from Minnesota stopped. He's still not a top target, but Minnesota's keeping tabs on him with Indiana's coaching situation.

In the coaches on the road thread, I posted that Sawvel was going to visit Chris Bell, but that ended up not happening. Also, I'm not expecting Emanuel Dabney, who Johnson visited this week, to be a major target moving forward.