Lots of talent on D and the 3-4 is supposed to take advantage of that by getting some of our best players...the linebackers...on the field. So far the players seem to be missing tackles because of bad maybe new angles and gap assignments. I wonder if the D's struggles Saturday is nothing more than growing pains from playing a new system.

I'm happy to be 3-0, but man, today's uniform combo of gold tops with maroon pants and helmets (not my favorite to start with), were made ridiculously sloppy looking with all the white t-shirts hanging out, white undersleeves, and white "leggings"/long underwear. C'mon coaching staff, get the team to at least look like champions. If the players need to wear all the additional undergarments, at least have them all wear matching ones, and in gold or maroon, not white. Who knows, maybe looking good will rub off on playing better.

They are awesome!

Gophers 2017 OL commit Corey Gaynor plays with a mean streak. I mean he just bullies people. Check out this film from his first few games this season.

Link: Postgame presser: Claeys talks defense, Weyler, and more

Green and I have an interview set up later today. From what I've heard, the visit went very well but I wouldn't expect a commitment in the near future. Remember, Green told us Minnesota is his leader, so the Gophers are definitely in a good spot with him.

I wasn't able to get a hold of Landrews last night, so I'm able to provide much clarity on his situation, other than that he told two sides different things and that he's still figuring things out. The Mississippi State publisher said that he wanted to have Landrews' profile show he was committed until Mississippi State until Landrews puts out a tweet or makes a statement to both sides that he's committed to Minnesota, so right now, his profile shows he's committed to Mississippi State.

is a vote for America. Fun read from the PP.

http://www.twincities.com/2016/09/24/john-shipley-a-vote-for-tracy-claeys-is-a-vote-for-america/

I got a chance to re-watch the game yesterday and I am generally optimistic about a lot of the things that I saw from Minnesota.

Things to be excited about:
-Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks are going to be a heck of a one-two punch and they are both healthy heading into B1G play next week. Smith continued his strong play with 99 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. He busted another big run with a 31 yarder and was brought down just shy of the goal line. He continues to break tackles and gain yards after contact. His improvement from a year ago is significant and that's been obvious in his yards after contact and big runs.
-Back to Brooks. He played more than originally anticipated yesterday and had 13 big carries for 85 yards and a touchdown. He had a 35 yard run where he broke several tackles and bounced off a defender. He later finished off the drive with a 9 yard scamper untouched off the left side of the line.
-Mitch Leidner was solid once again. He did throw his first pick of the game, but he was also 16-20 passing to up his completion % to 64.5 on the season. The Gophers are also 24-43 on third down conversions this year, which is 55% and good for second in the conference. Leidner has been extremely accurate on third down and keeping the offense on the field. 5th year senior experience showing there.
-Steven Richardson was fantastic. He was all over the Colorado State backfield and for the second year in a row the Rams could not block him. He started the game off with a first play sack for MN. Richardson is tied for third in the conference in tackles for loss with five in three games. He just needs to carry it over to Big Ten play now.
-Tai'yon Devers has his role, and he does it well. He leads the Big Ten in forced fumbles with three and is third in the conference in sacks. Because of his size he can only really play passing situations, but he is definitely a weapon there.
-Damarius Travis is a star, and by far the best player on the defense. He came up big time with a diving pick in the endzone and made numerous stops in run support. No doubt in my mind he's an NFL Draft pick come May if he continues to play his game.
-The wide receivers really made some plays in the passing game. Eric Carter, Woli, and Brian Smith each made spectacular catches in traffic to keep drives going for MN. The drops were cleaned up from the Indiana State game no doubt. They will need big performances next weekend if Minnesota is to come away victorius in Happy Valley.
-Don't forget the big boys up front and Colton Beebe! The line consistently opened up holes in the run game and paved the way to 243 yards rushing. Beebe played a ton in two back situations as a lead blocker, love that look from Jay Johnson from time to time. Jared Weyler stood in nicely once again for Vincent Calhoun. Glad to see him making an impact on the line. Leidner was given time to throw the whole day as well.
-Antonio Shenault looked more confident out there. He made a really nice play breaking up a back shoulder route in the second quarter when he was in great coverage. He did get beat a few times for catches but he was improved certainly.
-Emmit Carpenter is still perfect field goal wise through three games at 5-5, and Santoso is 5th in the league in yards per punt at 43.
-The run defense has been mostly solid for MN. They gave up just 3.3 yards per carry yesterday and are sitting at 4th in the B1G in rushing yards allowed per game, not bad.
-14 trips to the redzone, 14 scores. One time MN kicked a field goal and the rest are touchdowns. That is absolutely phenomenal. No complaints here and that shows how hard they emphasize finishing in the red zone in practice.

Things to be concerned about:
-Way too many big plays were given up by the Gopher defense. Colorado State had 11 plays for 15 yards or more. Penn State has extremely talented players at the skill positions such as Saquan Barkely and Chris Godwin. It may be a long day if the Gophers give up the big plays next week.
-The pass defense needs help, but where does it come from? The Gophers are currently 13th in the B1G in pass defense efficiency and passing yards given up per game. With the depth being seriously tested with the losses of Buford and Hardin, this is a huge concern for Jay Sawvel and the defense.
-Special teams yards have been very pedestrian. Minnesota is last in the conference in punt return yards and is just 9th in kickoff return yards. Jalen Myrick can be electric in the return game, but they have to set him up for more opportunities here.
-Missed tackles aplenty. Too many times the Colorado State skill players were able to break wimpy tackles and gain extra yardage.
-Carter Coughlin injured elbow. He is expected to miss several weeks with an elbow injury. He played a nice game yesterday too and got his first career start. He brings elite speed and athleticism to the position and is just so versatile. He will be missed big time.
-How do we get off the field on third downs? Minnesota is 13th in the league in getting off the field on third downs, giving up 44% on third down conversions.
-Making plays in the secondary. Travis made a nice play off an overthrow by the CO State quarterback, and was in the right spot at the right time. If it was an accurate throw then it may have been a touchdown as Winfield was beaten by the slot receiver. One interception through three games is the worst in the Big Ten.

Heading into Conference Play:
-It is honestly hard to say what I expect next week as the Gophers head into conference play. This team is a whole lot different from the past two years as the offense has looked like the strong point while the defense has looked like it has needed a bit more work.
-Health overall is pretty good. Offensive line is completely healthy other than a couple bumps and bruises and should be ready to go next week.
-Defensive line shakeups and the numerous different looks given by Jay Sawvel has allowed the defense to play to their strengths much more this season and get pressure on the quarterbacks. The consistent rotations have allowed the guys on the line and the linebackers to stay fresh and mostly healthy besides Carter Coughlin.

Biggest Questions Going Forward:
-Does the Minnesota offense find a deep threat in the passing game?
-Is the depth and talent level in the secondary due to the suspensions going to be the nail in the Gophers side all year long (besides Travis and Myrick).
-How will the battles in the trenches go when facing Big Ten opponents?
-How many Gophers rush for 1,000 yards this season?

Overall Minnesota is 3-0 on the season and right where we had hoped and expected them to be at this point in the season. Now is where the fun part of the schedule starts. 2:30 start in Happy Valley on Big Ten Network for the Governor's Victory Bell, which is currently in Minnesota's possession.

uneven play---asserting that it's tough to come off a bye week and then play an OOC opponent when all the hype and excitement is about the start of conference play.

I thought it was a good point. Everybody is thinking about the start of conference play, and the Gophers spent 2 weeks on the shelf and then had to get 'up' for CSU in a week when Wisconsin played Sparty, Nebraska took on Northwestern, Wisconsin played at Sparty where the BTN dbuted it's pre-show---'BTN Tailgate'.

Plus the next 2 weeks are so big--visit Happy Valley then playing for the Pig. I was actually happy with the Gophers' effort, and the D will look a lot better when (if?) we get Hardin and Buford back. Also, on 'OT with Coach Claeys' TC said they started trimming down the defensive playbook a bit so they can hone in on the stuff they think will work best.

As others have noted, TC played a lot of young guys throughout the OOC. When you play young guys you have missed assignments---until those young guys get more comfortable and the experience helps eliminate most of those errors.

According to Twitter.

Just curious why he wasn't dressed on Saturday.

"The Gophers thought this might be their year to beat Wisconsin, which began the season unranked. But after the Badgers’ convincing victory at Michigan State, forget it."

Are we perfect? No. Do we have things to work on? Yes. Are we undefeated? Yes. Enjoy the win! It's another one they can't take away from us!

You were a great beverage maker. I enjoyed your ice tea/lemonade

Sad one for people who love history like me.. I am not old enough to remember when he was great on the PGA tour.. His fans were referred as ARNIE'S ARMY... It was so fun to see his interaction with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player for the Par 3 tournament at the Masters, the day before the regular tournament. Died near his home in Pittsburgh at age 87.. So glad I saw his last time he played with Nicklaus and Player a few years ago. Matched TV and golf.. Was the "Average Working Man" champion.. RIP

Link: Sunday Night OT recap

Although its certainly early in the 2016 campaign, the offense seems to have taken a big step up under Jay Johnson and Bart Miller, but the defense looks to have slipped into a "bend, but not break" situation now that Claeys has been elevated to HC and is delegating the defense to JS and his crew.

Under Kill/Claeys, defense was #1 and that became a Minny BIG identity during the Kill era. During that period the offense was generally predictable, boring, below even average and uncreative, which Claeys to his credit is correcting with the O staff shakeup.

A few games do not yet define a trend, but hopefully Claeys will take a stronger role with the defense and insist upon better performance from the back seven.

Would be a disappointment to many here if the Gophers move toward a Mason-like emphasis on offense, but put less focus on defensive coaching, field intensity and of course, D recruiting.

Imho, the lack of defensive focus by Mason was one of the key reasons for his ultimate firing.
Claeys is a smart guy and hopefully his leadership doesn't steer the ship into the unbalanced O/D situation experienced under Mr. Glen.

Is it a good sign Dior Johnson still has a jersey in the locker room (see commitment photo).

We are leaving tomorrow for upstate NY and Western PA, then finish off the week with the PSU game. For those that have traveled that way or live there, any recommendations on the drive out or in the area? Thinking of Rock n Roll HOF, NFL HOF, Finger Lakes wineries so far.

How about pregame festivities? Do we need a tailgate pass before game day? Best place(s) to park or tailgate? Anyone else going out that wants to meet up before the game? What time should we plan to arrive for a 3:30 game? Any must see traditions or activities before a PSU game?

Appreciate the tips.

Wow. Just rewatched the game this morning and I forget how important a good FB can be. He made so many key blocks to create creases for the RB's and he held off so many blitzing LB's on passing plays.

Took me awhile to digest this, but with 12:44 left in 2nd Quarter, Mitch had 82 yards passing. For the remainder of the game, he only had another 92 yards passing. It wasn't that he became inaccurate. He was still 9-12. But why, when the mix of pass and run was so effective early, did the staff go away from the pass game as much as they did? Do they like 7 point wins for some perverse reason?

There was a slight drop off in time of possession, but not enough to explain that much difference. Less than 1/3 of their TOP had passed by this point. So, if they had stuck to their original approach, Mitch could have had 250 yards passing.

Just wondering. The other thing I noticed was that the O Line had a very good game with the exception of the 1st and goal situation where they didn't convert for the TD. The rest of the game was pretty impressive.

I just read an article that said there's a large number of men in America that don't understand consent. Opie appears to be one of them. They made this video to help. Login to view embedded media

Jaquarius Landrews has flipped his commitment from Mississippi State to Minnesota. That's a huge addition as he'll help out right away in the secondary. You can watch his Hudl here.

1. The facemask penalty was terrible. Is that reviewable? I kept waiting for a challenge flag to be thrown as that was a huge game changer.

2. When we got called for defensive holding, they added it on to the actual yardage that was gained. W. T. F. It is either you take the penalty or the result of the play...not both.

Those refs were brutal. I actually cant wait to play games with B10 refs.

can we put that play at the back of the playbook for awhile? Drew does not seem to read the blocks very well coming to the edge. Yesterday he should have cut inside the blocker and would have picked up 5+ yards, instead he tried going outside and was stopped for a loss as he ran into 2-3 defenders