(Update: link didn't work so notes are copy-pasted here.)
Here are some of my observations from Saturday:
At this point of the season coaches usually say the defense is ahead of the offense. Overall I came away from the hour-long scrimmage more impressed with the offense than the defense.
The offensive line – specifically the interior of Connor Mayes, Tyler Moore, and Vincent Calhoun had very little trouble opening up space up the middle. Early on they opened holes that created seven and eight yard runs right at the heart of the defense. Even the second and third team guys - notably the trio of Jared Weyler, Connor Olson, and Matt Leidner - had most of their success inside. As the day wore on the interior defense improved, but a four-yard gain was a victory for the interior of the Gophers' defense.
As good as the run blocking was, the pass blocking – while generally reliable, did show some holes. They missed a couple of blitz pickups and also gave up some pressure from the outside. Freshman Winston DeLattiboudere was one of the defensive linemen who would have gotten a sack if quarterbacks were live. The other, Tai'yon Devers got to the quarterback with a nice outside pass rush.
Quarterback Mitch Leidner did not have much of a chance to show off his arm, only letting loose on a throw a handful of times, but based on last year's injuries, his mobility was encouraging.
The quarterback who was most impressive was Seth Green. Green hit his first four passes including the first deep ball.
One of Green's completions went to Adam Mayer who took a short pass in the flat, broke a tackle and used his speed to get down the sidelines for a big play. Later Green threw a beautiful post pattern to freshman Tyler Johnson. The play covered thirty yards.
Quarterback Connor Rhoda connected on the other deep ball down the sidelines to Melvin Holland Jr. for a 35-yard touchdown.
With running back Shannon Brooks out for at least a couple more weeks, others had a chance to take advantage of an often dominate run blocking exhibition by the offensive line. Kobe McCrary received many first team reps, but the most impressive run came from Carlton Djam. The play was designed to go to the right, but Carlton showed great vision and cut back across the formation for a ten-yard gain. He was able to make the run because freshman tackle Sam Schlueter collapsed the right side of the defensive line. However, Carlton later put the ball on the ground after he ran through yet another big hole up the middle.
Outside of two balls, the defensive backs were the strength of the defense. They gave up a handful of short completions, but especially when it was the ones against the ones, Leidner rarely had anywhere to throw. The Gophers' defensive backs look to be strong again, but one area of concern that I came away with was the receivers unable to get any separation – especially the ones.
The first defensive back who made a nice play was Zo Craighton. He was locked up in man coverage down the sidelines and was step for step with the receiver. Later in the day, Ray Buford broke up a potential touchdown pass by batting away a pass in the end zone.
The biggest downer of the afternoon took place early in the day. One of the prized freshman from this past recruiting class – linebacker Carter Coughlin went down with a leg injury and did not return.
Here are some of my observations from Saturday:
At this point of the season coaches usually say the defense is ahead of the offense. Overall I came away from the hour-long scrimmage more impressed with the offense than the defense.
The offensive line – specifically the interior of Connor Mayes, Tyler Moore, and Vincent Calhoun had very little trouble opening up space up the middle. Early on they opened holes that created seven and eight yard runs right at the heart of the defense. Even the second and third team guys - notably the trio of Jared Weyler, Connor Olson, and Matt Leidner - had most of their success inside. As the day wore on the interior defense improved, but a four-yard gain was a victory for the interior of the Gophers' defense.
As good as the run blocking was, the pass blocking – while generally reliable, did show some holes. They missed a couple of blitz pickups and also gave up some pressure from the outside. Freshman Winston DeLattiboudere was one of the defensive linemen who would have gotten a sack if quarterbacks were live. The other, Tai'yon Devers got to the quarterback with a nice outside pass rush.
Quarterback Mitch Leidner did not have much of a chance to show off his arm, only letting loose on a throw a handful of times, but based on last year's injuries, his mobility was encouraging.
The quarterback who was most impressive was Seth Green. Green hit his first four passes including the first deep ball.
One of Green's completions went to Adam Mayer who took a short pass in the flat, broke a tackle and used his speed to get down the sidelines for a big play. Later Green threw a beautiful post pattern to freshman Tyler Johnson. The play covered thirty yards.
Quarterback Connor Rhoda connected on the other deep ball down the sidelines to Melvin Holland Jr. for a 35-yard touchdown.
With running back Shannon Brooks out for at least a couple more weeks, others had a chance to take advantage of an often dominate run blocking exhibition by the offensive line. Kobe McCrary received many first team reps, but the most impressive run came from Carlton Djam. The play was designed to go to the right, but Carlton showed great vision and cut back across the formation for a ten-yard gain. He was able to make the run because freshman tackle Sam Schlueter collapsed the right side of the defensive line. However, Carlton later put the ball on the ground after he ran through yet another big hole up the middle.
Outside of two balls, the defensive backs were the strength of the defense. They gave up a handful of short completions, but especially when it was the ones against the ones, Leidner rarely had anywhere to throw. The Gophers' defensive backs look to be strong again, but one area of concern that I came away with was the receivers unable to get any separation – especially the ones.
The first defensive back who made a nice play was Zo Craighton. He was locked up in man coverage down the sidelines and was step for step with the receiver. Later in the day, Ray Buford broke up a potential touchdown pass by batting away a pass in the end zone.
The biggest downer of the afternoon took place early in the day. One of the prized freshman from this past recruiting class – linebacker Carter Coughlin went down with a leg injury and did not return.
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