The Gophers has beaten two pretty bad football teams in the last couple of weeks. But a non-conference win on the road against any PAC-12 team at night is a real rarity. What thoughts do fans here have about what MN has accomplished in its first two games that will be important for the rest of the season? Here are mine:
1. MN has worked very hard to practice and establish its running game. The OL needs the work more than the backs do, which is why the number of power running plays executed has to make this unit better heading into conference play.
2. MN has established its base defense. Although much like those of the recent past, the subtle variations between 4-3 and 3-4 sets in both necessary and welcome. Fleck and Smith are making great use of their LBs and safeties. The DL is solid and is gaining depth. CBs are still a concern.
3. How long have football coaches said, "We have to run the football and stop the run." After the OSU game, Fleck said his game plan called first and foremost for MN to do both of those things. Mission accomplished--so far, at least.
4. MN is establishing a new offense--especially in the passing game. This will take time but will probably end up being the biggest thing Fleck changes about the Gophers.
5. The Gophers are not burning through redshirts. If the trend holds throughout the year, it will be really important starting next year and--even more so--the year after.
6. There have been fewer messy mistakes made, especially by the OL. Will Fleck's Gophers be more disciplined in games then we've seen from the team in decades?
7. RTB is catching on like fire. Croft made a RTB gesture on national television (FS1) after his long touchdown run. MN fans encountered NE in Oregon over the weekend heard nothing but questions regarding Fleck and RTB. Watch the stands this week go crazy over the concept/theme. Thank you, ESPNU.
Your thoughts?
1. MN has worked very hard to practice and establish its running game. The OL needs the work more than the backs do, which is why the number of power running plays executed has to make this unit better heading into conference play.
2. MN has established its base defense. Although much like those of the recent past, the subtle variations between 4-3 and 3-4 sets in both necessary and welcome. Fleck and Smith are making great use of their LBs and safeties. The DL is solid and is gaining depth. CBs are still a concern.
3. How long have football coaches said, "We have to run the football and stop the run." After the OSU game, Fleck said his game plan called first and foremost for MN to do both of those things. Mission accomplished--so far, at least.
4. MN is establishing a new offense--especially in the passing game. This will take time but will probably end up being the biggest thing Fleck changes about the Gophers.
5. The Gophers are not burning through redshirts. If the trend holds throughout the year, it will be really important starting next year and--even more so--the year after.
6. There have been fewer messy mistakes made, especially by the OL. Will Fleck's Gophers be more disciplined in games then we've seen from the team in decades?
7. RTB is catching on like fire. Croft made a RTB gesture on national television (FS1) after his long touchdown run. MN fans encountered NE in Oregon over the weekend heard nothing but questions regarding Fleck and RTB. Watch the stands this week go crazy over the concept/theme. Thank you, ESPNU.
Your thoughts?
