When you consider what went wrong this game: a million penalties both legitimate and entirely bogus, a muffed punt turnover, a couple bizarre snaps. Consider all that, then remember that the Gophers defeated a power 5 conference opponent tonight.
Our senior QB played a really great 2nd half. He made great decisions and converted clutch play after clutch play down the stretch. THAT is good news. Mitch was so poised on those clutch runs and throws in the second half. And as Glen Mason said 'He's a full step faster this year'.
First games are awkward. They are mess. There are tons of penalties and turnovers and bizarre mistakes. That happens EVERY year. Remember, football teams usually make their biggest improvement between weeks one and two.
Jay Johnson spent the first quarter calling plays like he was Matt Limegrover. I think he thought we could just roll over them. Well, the Beavers are clearly improved, and once Johnson found his groove the offense put up 30 points in the last 3 quarters.
We had a bunch of true frosh play HUGE in their first ever collegiate game: Devers is a revelation at DE. If he can do this at 6'6" 215, imagine how nasty he is gonna be in the seasons to come. Tyler Johnson got open and made plays tonight. Kamal Martin did some good things.
Jalen Myrick, Damarius Travis, and Kiante Hardin were great tonight. Richardson and Stelter were really good. Gaeline Elmore made plays.
3 of our top 4 LBs spent the game in the locker room and our LBs still played pretty well (after the first quarter).
Kunle Ayinde is a weak link at safety. I like the guy and I respect all walk-ons, but the staff has gotta find someone else to play the lion's share of the snaps from that spot, and I think they will.
Gibson made a huge tackle on special teams--showed great speed.
So many good things happened tonight. Remember, Iowa struggled mightily in September last year, but once they got on a roll they were tough to stop.
This Minnesota team can do the same thing.
Go Gophers!
SKI-U-MAH! This year is gonna be a lot of fun.
Our senior QB played a really great 2nd half. He made great decisions and converted clutch play after clutch play down the stretch. THAT is good news. Mitch was so poised on those clutch runs and throws in the second half. And as Glen Mason said 'He's a full step faster this year'.
First games are awkward. They are mess. There are tons of penalties and turnovers and bizarre mistakes. That happens EVERY year. Remember, football teams usually make their biggest improvement between weeks one and two.
Jay Johnson spent the first quarter calling plays like he was Matt Limegrover. I think he thought we could just roll over them. Well, the Beavers are clearly improved, and once Johnson found his groove the offense put up 30 points in the last 3 quarters.
We had a bunch of true frosh play HUGE in their first ever collegiate game: Devers is a revelation at DE. If he can do this at 6'6" 215, imagine how nasty he is gonna be in the seasons to come. Tyler Johnson got open and made plays tonight. Kamal Martin did some good things.
Jalen Myrick, Damarius Travis, and Kiante Hardin were great tonight. Richardson and Stelter were really good. Gaeline Elmore made plays.
3 of our top 4 LBs spent the game in the locker room and our LBs still played pretty well (after the first quarter).
Kunle Ayinde is a weak link at safety. I like the guy and I respect all walk-ons, but the staff has gotta find someone else to play the lion's share of the snaps from that spot, and I think they will.
Gibson made a huge tackle on special teams--showed great speed.
So many good things happened tonight. Remember, Iowa struggled mightily in September last year, but once they got on a roll they were tough to stop.
This Minnesota team can do the same thing.
Go Gophers!
SKI-U-MAH! This year is gonna be a lot of fun.
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