Blue White Illustrated caught up with Matt Jessen-Howard of The Gopher Report to learn about Minnesota as the Nittany Lions prepare to face off against the Golden Gophers Saturday afternoon at Beaver Stadium.
1) Let’s just start the most abstract way possible. What’s the mood in Minneapolis after the 3-0 start and coming into this game?
MJH: Despite the 3-0 record, fans are still somewhat lukewarm about the team. The Gophers have had their flaws this year, partly because of injuries and suspensions, and that's been reflected by the narrow wins over Oregon State and Colorado State. But now that running back Shannon Brooks is back, that adds excitement to the offense and to the fanbase. With an easier schedule this year than the last several, there's definitely optimism that this could be a big year and fans know that Saturday is a big test.
2) Now, for the specifics… What’s Minnesota’s offensive identity? The run/pass numbers are skewed toward the ground game, but Mitch Leidner brings all that experience to the table.
MJH: I don't think I'd say Minnesota has one identity. Jay Johnson's offense runs a mix of spread, pro-style, and pistol sets, and there's a fairly even balance of run and pass. There's also a mix of zone read and traditional single back run plays.
Can Penn State stop Mitch Leidner and the Gopher offense?
3) How has the Gophers’ offensive line changed following the departure of Matt Limegrover? And maybe by extension, will there be any advantage for Penn State in having his insights this week?
MJH: There's a been a change with some of the zone blocking schemes and a greater emphasis on the line to get more vertical and doubling up front. Matt Limegrover obviously knows everyone on the Gophers' offense well and will be able to help with evaluations and the scouting report from that standpoint, but between a new offensive coordinator in Jay Johnson and a new offensive line coach in Bart Miller, there have been some changes schematically.
4) What has allowed Minnesota’s defense to be so effective in racking up tackles for a loss and sacks this season?
MJH: The defensive line has been getting very good penetration this year. The Gophers also like to bring in pass rushing specialists to be stand-up rushers offers the edge. That's definitely paid dividends in getting pressure on the quarterback but has hurt them at times stopping the run. Minnesota has also experimented with the 3-4 and even used the 3-4 as their base against Colorado State. They have fast outside linebackers that can make plays in the backfield in the 3-4, but they've struggled with angles and gap assignments defending the run in the 3-4.
5) Are the concerns regarding the secondary major or minor, and is there any possibility of a return for the guys who have been suspended the past couple of weeks?
MJH: I don't expect the suspended players to return. The secondary is maybe the biggest concern on the team right now. Minnesota was already young in the secondary and then lost their second and third best corners in KiAnte Hardin and Ray Buford. The safety spot opposite of Damarius Travis has also been inconsistent.
Bonus - What’s your pick?
Penn State 31
Minnesota 28
1) Let’s just start the most abstract way possible. What’s the mood in Minneapolis after the 3-0 start and coming into this game?
MJH: Despite the 3-0 record, fans are still somewhat lukewarm about the team. The Gophers have had their flaws this year, partly because of injuries and suspensions, and that's been reflected by the narrow wins over Oregon State and Colorado State. But now that running back Shannon Brooks is back, that adds excitement to the offense and to the fanbase. With an easier schedule this year than the last several, there's definitely optimism that this could be a big year and fans know that Saturday is a big test.
2) Now, for the specifics… What’s Minnesota’s offensive identity? The run/pass numbers are skewed toward the ground game, but Mitch Leidner brings all that experience to the table.
MJH: I don't think I'd say Minnesota has one identity. Jay Johnson's offense runs a mix of spread, pro-style, and pistol sets, and there's a fairly even balance of run and pass. There's also a mix of zone read and traditional single back run plays.
Can Penn State stop Mitch Leidner and the Gopher offense?
3) How has the Gophers’ offensive line changed following the departure of Matt Limegrover? And maybe by extension, will there be any advantage for Penn State in having his insights this week?
MJH: There's a been a change with some of the zone blocking schemes and a greater emphasis on the line to get more vertical and doubling up front. Matt Limegrover obviously knows everyone on the Gophers' offense well and will be able to help with evaluations and the scouting report from that standpoint, but between a new offensive coordinator in Jay Johnson and a new offensive line coach in Bart Miller, there have been some changes schematically.
4) What has allowed Minnesota’s defense to be so effective in racking up tackles for a loss and sacks this season?
MJH: The defensive line has been getting very good penetration this year. The Gophers also like to bring in pass rushing specialists to be stand-up rushers offers the edge. That's definitely paid dividends in getting pressure on the quarterback but has hurt them at times stopping the run. Minnesota has also experimented with the 3-4 and even used the 3-4 as their base against Colorado State. They have fast outside linebackers that can make plays in the backfield in the 3-4, but they've struggled with angles and gap assignments defending the run in the 3-4.
5) Are the concerns regarding the secondary major or minor, and is there any possibility of a return for the guys who have been suspended the past couple of weeks?
MJH: I don't expect the suspended players to return. The secondary is maybe the biggest concern on the team right now. Minnesota was already young in the secondary and then lost their second and third best corners in KiAnte Hardin and Ray Buford. The safety spot opposite of Damarius Travis has also been inconsistent.
Bonus - What’s your pick?
Penn State 31
Minnesota 28
