Kill out of hosptial, back to practice
Jerry Kill was admitted to the Mayo Clinic on Sunday after yet another seizure, but is now out and coaching practice
Published: 2011-09-29
Adam Richard
arichard@mndaily.com
Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill was released from the hospital at 11 a.m. Wednesday, and made it to a coach’s meeting two hours later.
He returned to late afternoon practice and said he plans on coaching this weekend at Michigan.
“I’m not going home resting. I’m doing everything I can,” Kill said.
Kill has had sporadic seizures over the last six years since his battle with kidney cancer in 2005. Recently, those seizures have turned frequent, including more than 20 of them in a six-day period last week.
“I have a situation — a complicated issue,” Kill said Wednesday. “It’s not something I’m going to die from, but it’s complicated right now. It’s dealing with seizures. Sometimes if you’re out of it, you’re out of it. Nothing I can do about it. It’s going to take a while.”
Kill was admitted to the Mayo Clinic after suffering another seizure Sunday morning, one day after last weekend’s loss to North Dakota State University.
Team doctor Pat Smith’s primary concern now is the regulation of Kill’s anti-seizure medication — doctors have been working on finding a balance for the medication, Kill said.
Defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys and offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover, who have been with Kill for 16 years and 12 years, respectively, had a contingency plan in case Kill had to miss a game.
“I expect him to be there. We’re going to prepare like he’s not going to be there. I’ll be shocked if he’s not there,” Claeys said Tuesday.
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Thursday, September 29, 2011
A brief history of the Little Brown Jug
A brief history of the Little Brown Jug
The origin of the trophy can be traced back to the 1903 football game between Minnesota and Michigan.
Published: 2011-09-29
Adam Richard
arichard@mndaily.com
The Little Brown Jug rivalry has deep roots, and its interesting history of theft, imitation and recreation throughout the years still is up for debate.
The origin of the trophy, however, can be linked back to the 1903 football game between Minnesota and Michigan.
The Wolverines came to Minnesota on Oct. 31, 1903 on a 29-game winning streak. Neither team had lost a game that season.
During the game, Michigan head coach Fielding H. Yost had a white (not brown) earthenware jug that was used to hold water for the team.
The game was a hard-nosed football battle that ended in a 6-6 tie in old Northrop Field. After the game, Michigan student manager Tommy Roberts accidentally left the jug behind, and custodian Oscar Munson stumbled upon it and delivered it to Minnesota athletics department head L.J. Cooke.
Cooke asked Gophers head coach Doc Williams if he should return the jug, and Williams reportedly said, “Make them win it back.”
Cooke hung the jug up in his office with the score of the game painted on it. The jug stayed, suspended in Cooke’s office for the next six years.
In 1909, the day before Michigan played Minnesota, Yost went to Cooke’s office to meet with both him and Williams and saw the jug hanging.
He didn’t realize what it was until Williams told him it had been left there after the game in 1903. They decided at that meeting to let the jug pass back and forth to the winner of the rivalry.
There are many other branches to this origin that make the history mythical.
There are stories of Yost writing to Minnesota to get his jug back, that the jug was a good luck charm and Michigan wrote the scores from their winning streak on it, and that the jug was stolen back and forth on numerous occasions.
None of these stories have been proven, but each adds to the legacy of one of the longest-running rivalries in college football.
Minnesota heads to Michigan this year attempting to re-acquire the jug for the first time since 2005. The Gophers have an all-time record of 24-69-3 in the rivalry.
Now, with the Big Ten’s new divisions in place, the Gophers can look forward to playing the Wolverines each year for the Little Brown Jug.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/29/brief-history-little-brown-jug
The origin of the trophy can be traced back to the 1903 football game between Minnesota and Michigan.
Published: 2011-09-29
Adam Richard
arichard@mndaily.com
The Little Brown Jug rivalry has deep roots, and its interesting history of theft, imitation and recreation throughout the years still is up for debate.
The origin of the trophy, however, can be linked back to the 1903 football game between Minnesota and Michigan.
The Wolverines came to Minnesota on Oct. 31, 1903 on a 29-game winning streak. Neither team had lost a game that season.
During the game, Michigan head coach Fielding H. Yost had a white (not brown) earthenware jug that was used to hold water for the team.
The game was a hard-nosed football battle that ended in a 6-6 tie in old Northrop Field. After the game, Michigan student manager Tommy Roberts accidentally left the jug behind, and custodian Oscar Munson stumbled upon it and delivered it to Minnesota athletics department head L.J. Cooke.
Cooke asked Gophers head coach Doc Williams if he should return the jug, and Williams reportedly said, “Make them win it back.”
Cooke hung the jug up in his office with the score of the game painted on it. The jug stayed, suspended in Cooke’s office for the next six years.
In 1909, the day before Michigan played Minnesota, Yost went to Cooke’s office to meet with both him and Williams and saw the jug hanging.
He didn’t realize what it was until Williams told him it had been left there after the game in 1903. They decided at that meeting to let the jug pass back and forth to the winner of the rivalry.
There are many other branches to this origin that make the history mythical.
There are stories of Yost writing to Minnesota to get his jug back, that the jug was a good luck charm and Michigan wrote the scores from their winning streak on it, and that the jug was stolen back and forth on numerous occasions.
None of these stories have been proven, but each adds to the legacy of one of the longest-running rivalries in college football.
Minnesota heads to Michigan this year attempting to re-acquire the jug for the first time since 2005. The Gophers have an all-time record of 24-69-3 in the rivalry.
Now, with the Big Ten’s new divisions in place, the Gophers can look forward to playing the Wolverines each year for the Little Brown Jug.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/29/brief-history-little-brown-jug
Quick hitters for this week
Quick hitters
This week in football.
Published: 2011-09-29
Adam Richard
arichard@mndaily.com
-Minnesota is 24-69-3 all time against Michigan and 3-36 over the last 39 games. Michigan has won the Little Brown Jug the last three times, but the two teams haven’t played since 2008.
-Denard Robinson broke the NCAA single-season rushing record for a quarterback last season. He is currently leading the Big Ten in rushing and is fourth overall in the nation.
-First year Michigan head coach Brady Hoke implemented a pro-style offense and said he plans to give Robinson only 10-15 carries per game. In the last three games, Robinson has run 16, 26 and 21 times for 108, 198 and 200 yards, respectively.
-Minnesota safety Kim Royston leads the Big Ten in tackles with 41. He’ll be a key to stopping Robinson and Michigan’s offense.
“We’re not going there to be in awe of the stadium. We’re there to win. We have to contain Robinson and have someone else beat us besides him,” Royston said.
-In addition to converting to ditching the spread offense, Michigan also switched its defensive scheme from Rich Rodriguez’s 3-3-5 to a traditional 4-3.
-Greg Mattison is the new defensive coordinator at Michigan. He achieved fame with Florida from 2005-2007, which included a national championship. He also ran the defense for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens from 2008 to 2011. He is the highest paid defensive coordinator in college football at $750,000.
-Minnesota’s run defense has been getting progressively worse each game. It has given up an average yards per carry of 2.39, 3.59, 3.81 and 4.96 in the last four games.
Michigan ranks first in the Big Ten and fourth in the nation with 6.80 yards per carry.
-Senior running back Duane Bennett is one of the few Gopher players on the roster in 2007, the last time Minnesota played at Michigan.
In that game, Bennett had more than 100 yards and averaged more than 5 yards per carry. He is coming off his best game of the season last week against NDSU, in which he collected 74 yards on 5.69 yards per carry.
-Michigan has an experienced wide receiver corps, beginning with Junior Hemingway and Roy Roundtree. Hemingway leads the team with 211 yards and a remarkable 42.2 yards per reception average.
-Minnesota’s offense was more successful on third down last week against NDSU; they converted 64 percent of the time, far and away their best of the season.
Michigan’s defense has allowed a third-down conversion rate of less than 45 percent in each of their last two games, and held their opponents to fewer than 10 points a game.
-The Wolverines have a perfect scoring record in the red zone. They have converted 13 times in 13 chances when inside an opponent’s 20-yard line, and 12 of those scores have been touchdowns.
-MarQueis Gray sat out practice Wednesday with a sore toe.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/29/quick-hitters
This week in football.
Published: 2011-09-29
Adam Richard
arichard@mndaily.com
-Minnesota is 24-69-3 all time against Michigan and 3-36 over the last 39 games. Michigan has won the Little Brown Jug the last three times, but the two teams haven’t played since 2008.
-Denard Robinson broke the NCAA single-season rushing record for a quarterback last season. He is currently leading the Big Ten in rushing and is fourth overall in the nation.
-First year Michigan head coach Brady Hoke implemented a pro-style offense and said he plans to give Robinson only 10-15 carries per game. In the last three games, Robinson has run 16, 26 and 21 times for 108, 198 and 200 yards, respectively.
-Minnesota safety Kim Royston leads the Big Ten in tackles with 41. He’ll be a key to stopping Robinson and Michigan’s offense.
“We’re not going there to be in awe of the stadium. We’re there to win. We have to contain Robinson and have someone else beat us besides him,” Royston said.
-In addition to converting to ditching the spread offense, Michigan also switched its defensive scheme from Rich Rodriguez’s 3-3-5 to a traditional 4-3.
-Greg Mattison is the new defensive coordinator at Michigan. He achieved fame with Florida from 2005-2007, which included a national championship. He also ran the defense for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens from 2008 to 2011. He is the highest paid defensive coordinator in college football at $750,000.
-Minnesota’s run defense has been getting progressively worse each game. It has given up an average yards per carry of 2.39, 3.59, 3.81 and 4.96 in the last four games.
Michigan ranks first in the Big Ten and fourth in the nation with 6.80 yards per carry.
-Senior running back Duane Bennett is one of the few Gopher players on the roster in 2007, the last time Minnesota played at Michigan.
In that game, Bennett had more than 100 yards and averaged more than 5 yards per carry. He is coming off his best game of the season last week against NDSU, in which he collected 74 yards on 5.69 yards per carry.
-Michigan has an experienced wide receiver corps, beginning with Junior Hemingway and Roy Roundtree. Hemingway leads the team with 211 yards and a remarkable 42.2 yards per reception average.
-Minnesota’s offense was more successful on third down last week against NDSU; they converted 64 percent of the time, far and away their best of the season.
Michigan’s defense has allowed a third-down conversion rate of less than 45 percent in each of their last two games, and held their opponents to fewer than 10 points a game.
-The Wolverines have a perfect scoring record in the red zone. They have converted 13 times in 13 chances when inside an opponent’s 20-yard line, and 12 of those scores have been touchdowns.
-MarQueis Gray sat out practice Wednesday with a sore toe.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/29/quick-hitters
Denard v. MarQueis - A review of the two star quarterbacks
Denard v. MarQueis
A review of the two star quarterbacks.
Published: 2011-09-28
Adam Richard
arichard@mndaily.com
This week Minnesota travels to Michigan to open up the Big Ten schedule against the Wolverines, who have a dynamic quarterback, whom the nation has been watching for the last two years: Denard Robinson.
Robinson, also known as “Shoelace,” received national attention last year because of his tremendous athletic ability to run around in Rich Rodriguez’s offensive system.
This year, Michigan has a new head coach in Brady Hoke. Even though Hoke said his philosophy would only allow Robinson 10-15 carries a game, Robinson has had 16, 26 and 21 carries in the last three games.
He has turned those carries into a Big Ten-leading 552 yards but has performed poorly in the passing game. In three of Michigan’s four games, Robinson has thrown for less than 100 yards and completed less than 10 passes.
MarQueis Gray plays a similar style to Robinson. Gray has less speed but more size and strength. He has proven his ability with his legs, breaking Minnesota’s single-game quarterback rushing record two weeks ago with 171 yards.
Like Robinson, Gray has struggled with his passing game. He has thrown for only 521 yards and has three interceptions.
In two of the four games, Gray has failed to pass for 100 yards and has been benched in favor of freshman Max Shortell in several passing situations.
The mobile quarterback showcase will be unveiled this Saturday at the Big House.
Gray and Robinson will undoubtedly attempt some passes, but the defenses and the fans will focus much heavier on their legs rather than their arms.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/28/denard-v-marqueis-0
A review of the two star quarterbacks.
Published: 2011-09-28
Adam Richard
arichard@mndaily.com
This week Minnesota travels to Michigan to open up the Big Ten schedule against the Wolverines, who have a dynamic quarterback, whom the nation has been watching for the last two years: Denard Robinson.
Robinson, also known as “Shoelace,” received national attention last year because of his tremendous athletic ability to run around in Rich Rodriguez’s offensive system.
This year, Michigan has a new head coach in Brady Hoke. Even though Hoke said his philosophy would only allow Robinson 10-15 carries a game, Robinson has had 16, 26 and 21 carries in the last three games.
He has turned those carries into a Big Ten-leading 552 yards but has performed poorly in the passing game. In three of Michigan’s four games, Robinson has thrown for less than 100 yards and completed less than 10 passes.
MarQueis Gray plays a similar style to Robinson. Gray has less speed but more size and strength. He has proven his ability with his legs, breaking Minnesota’s single-game quarterback rushing record two weeks ago with 171 yards.
Like Robinson, Gray has struggled with his passing game. He has thrown for only 521 yards and has three interceptions.
In two of the four games, Gray has failed to pass for 100 yards and has been benched in favor of freshman Max Shortell in several passing situations.
The mobile quarterback showcase will be unveiled this Saturday at the Big House.
Gray and Robinson will undoubtedly attempt some passes, but the defenses and the fans will focus much heavier on their legs rather than their arms.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/28/denard-v-marqueis-0
Gophers ground game keeping offense afloat
The Gophers have three potential game changers in the running game.
Published: 2011-09-27
Adam Richard
arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers’ offense as a whole has looked poor at times, but its running game continues to improve.
Minnesota’s ground attack is led by a three-headed monster of senior Duane Bennett, redshirt freshman Donnell Kirkwood and junior quarterback MarQueis Gray. This running game has allowed Minnesota to stay competitive in games that may have otherwise been blowouts.
The speed and power combination of Bennett and Kirkwood has proven effective, with each of them darting past or plowing over defenders. Saturday against NDSU, each reached the 70-yard plateau, a feat that hasn’t been done by two Gophers in the same game since 2007 with quarterback Adam Weber and running back Amir Pinnix.
The Gophers like their tailback situation so much, they felt it possible to shift Lamonte Edwards to linebacker to try to get him on the field more. That move opened a spot for Texas native and freshman David Cobb, who got his first carry of the year Saturday.
Bennett is the senior voice of the backfield and preaches the team concept to his fellow players. In the game against NDSU, Bennett shined for 74 yards, but the previous week at Miami (Ohio) he had only 12. He found a way to contribute in that game by blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown that assured the Gopher’s lone win so far this season.
Bennett said he’s not worried about individual statistics or individual roles. Kill said in August camp that Bennett had a leg up on other backs because of his ability to pick up blitzes and blocking schemes.
Kirkwood, a stout 5-foot-10-inch powerhouse, just returned from an early injury against Miami (Ohio) and has barreled over defenders in his two games to an average of 5.43 yards per carry and three touchdowns.
A hamstring tweak slowed him down against NDSU, but he said he is optimistic that it will not keep him from next week’s game.
Kirkwood deflected credit to the team and particularly to the offensive line.
“The line moves them back. It was easy work from the backfield. The holes were there and the first five yards come easy,” Kirkwood said.
Gray is one game removed from breaking Minnesota’s all-time record for rushing yards in a game for a quarterback with 171.
He has achieved numerous first downs with his legs on long runs this year.
The running game has allowed more opportunities for play action passes. However, the Gophers have yet to take full advantage of this running attack because they’ve struggled to convert in the passing game or to develop a consistent offensive rhythm.
Offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said he likes his options at tailback and is pleased with how the running game is developing.
The roles of the Gophers tailbacks are varied, but simple, he said.
“We simplified a few things and really emphasized being physical. You can’t go through [the] schedule we got with just one guy. We have four tailbacks and whoever is sweating, we’re going to keep riding him,” Limegrover said.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/27/gophers-ground-game-keeping-offense-afloat
Published: 2011-09-27
Adam Richard
arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers’ offense as a whole has looked poor at times, but its running game continues to improve.
Minnesota’s ground attack is led by a three-headed monster of senior Duane Bennett, redshirt freshman Donnell Kirkwood and junior quarterback MarQueis Gray. This running game has allowed Minnesota to stay competitive in games that may have otherwise been blowouts.
The speed and power combination of Bennett and Kirkwood has proven effective, with each of them darting past or plowing over defenders. Saturday against NDSU, each reached the 70-yard plateau, a feat that hasn’t been done by two Gophers in the same game since 2007 with quarterback Adam Weber and running back Amir Pinnix.
The Gophers like their tailback situation so much, they felt it possible to shift Lamonte Edwards to linebacker to try to get him on the field more. That move opened a spot for Texas native and freshman David Cobb, who got his first carry of the year Saturday.
Bennett is the senior voice of the backfield and preaches the team concept to his fellow players. In the game against NDSU, Bennett shined for 74 yards, but the previous week at Miami (Ohio) he had only 12. He found a way to contribute in that game by blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown that assured the Gopher’s lone win so far this season.
Bennett said he’s not worried about individual statistics or individual roles. Kill said in August camp that Bennett had a leg up on other backs because of his ability to pick up blitzes and blocking schemes.
Kirkwood, a stout 5-foot-10-inch powerhouse, just returned from an early injury against Miami (Ohio) and has barreled over defenders in his two games to an average of 5.43 yards per carry and three touchdowns.
A hamstring tweak slowed him down against NDSU, but he said he is optimistic that it will not keep him from next week’s game.
Kirkwood deflected credit to the team and particularly to the offensive line.
“The line moves them back. It was easy work from the backfield. The holes were there and the first five yards come easy,” Kirkwood said.
Gray is one game removed from breaking Minnesota’s all-time record for rushing yards in a game for a quarterback with 171.
He has achieved numerous first downs with his legs on long runs this year.
The running game has allowed more opportunities for play action passes. However, the Gophers have yet to take full advantage of this running attack because they’ve struggled to convert in the passing game or to develop a consistent offensive rhythm.
Offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said he likes his options at tailback and is pleased with how the running game is developing.
The roles of the Gophers tailbacks are varied, but simple, he said.
“We simplified a few things and really emphasized being physical. You can’t go through [the] schedule we got with just one guy. We have four tailbacks and whoever is sweating, we’re going to keep riding him,” Limegrover said.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/27/gophers-ground-game-keeping-offense-afloat
Quick Hitters - This week in Football
Quick hitters
This week in football
Published: 2011-09-26
Adam Richard
arichard@mndaily.com
-MarQueis Gray was 5-for-12 for only 53 yards and threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown by the Bison. Gray’s legs were unable to carry the Gophers this week, as he gained only 23 yards on 13 carries. He had averaged more than six yards per carry in the previous two games, but only 1.8 yards per carry Saturday.
-Max Shortell finished with 71 yards, a touchdown and an interception. The touchdown strike was a 20-yard pass, his third completion of more than 20 yards in the game. Gray’s longest completion was for 17 yards when the Gophers were losing 37-24 with less than two minutes remaining in the game.
-Marcus Williams, former Hopkins High School star athlete, returned two touchdowns for the NDSU defense — one for 52 yards and the other for 40 yards.
“I’ve been waiting for this for two years,” Williams said of playing the Gophers.
-Duane Bennett and Donnell Kirkwood combined for 23 carries and 144 yards along with two touchdowns. Freshman running back David Cobb also saw his first action of the year with a single carry for three yards.
-NDSU running back D.J. McNorton rushed 13 times for 92 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.1 yards per carry.
-The Gophers run defense continued their trend of progressively worse play. In four games, the Gophers have allowed an average yards-per-carry of 2.39, 3.59, 3.81 and 5.00.
-Shortell helmed the Gophers’ most impressive scoring drive, but didn’t attempt a single pass. The Gophers ran the ball 10 times, marching 95 yards for a score. The Bison weren’t able to load the box with Shortell under center as often as they did against Gray.
-NDSU scored on every possession they had for the first three quarters of the game. They didn’t punt the ball until the third quarter with 1:12 remaining.
-NDSU quarterback Brock Jensen started the game with six straight completions and finished 16-for-21 with 197 yards and no turnovers. He added 37 yards rushing and a touchdown on the ground.
-The Gophers tied a season-high with eight penalties for 57 yards, including two penalties on third down that would have halted the driving Bison. Senior linebacker Gary Tinsley had one of two 15-yard personal foul penalties that allowed NDSU to score on both drives.
-The Bison converted 66 percent of their third downs and Minnesota was called for the two penalties that gave automatic first downs to the Bison.
-Donnell Kirkwood left in the fourth quarter with a tweaked hamstring. He finished with 10 carries for 70 yards and two touchdowns. The hamstring is the same he injured last year that forced him to miss the season.
He said he is optimistic that it will not keep him out of a game.
“Nothing too serious, not like the first time,” Kirkwood said.
-Troy Stoudermire left the game after the first quarter. Stoudermire had a fracture in his lower arm, but practiced all week.
The Big Ten’s all-time leader in kickoff return yards was unable to field kickoffs, but attempted to play at cornerback.
He was unable to secure two open field tackles against NDSU that led to big gains, after which Stoudermire left the game.
“Hopefully there wasn't any more damage to [his arm], and I hope he gets used to playing with it,” head coach Jerry Kill said.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/26/quick-hitters
This week in football
Published: 2011-09-26
Adam Richard
arichard@mndaily.com
-MarQueis Gray was 5-for-12 for only 53 yards and threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown by the Bison. Gray’s legs were unable to carry the Gophers this week, as he gained only 23 yards on 13 carries. He had averaged more than six yards per carry in the previous two games, but only 1.8 yards per carry Saturday.
-Max Shortell finished with 71 yards, a touchdown and an interception. The touchdown strike was a 20-yard pass, his third completion of more than 20 yards in the game. Gray’s longest completion was for 17 yards when the Gophers were losing 37-24 with less than two minutes remaining in the game.
-Marcus Williams, former Hopkins High School star athlete, returned two touchdowns for the NDSU defense — one for 52 yards and the other for 40 yards.
“I’ve been waiting for this for two years,” Williams said of playing the Gophers.
-Duane Bennett and Donnell Kirkwood combined for 23 carries and 144 yards along with two touchdowns. Freshman running back David Cobb also saw his first action of the year with a single carry for three yards.
-NDSU running back D.J. McNorton rushed 13 times for 92 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.1 yards per carry.
-The Gophers run defense continued their trend of progressively worse play. In four games, the Gophers have allowed an average yards-per-carry of 2.39, 3.59, 3.81 and 5.00.
-Shortell helmed the Gophers’ most impressive scoring drive, but didn’t attempt a single pass. The Gophers ran the ball 10 times, marching 95 yards for a score. The Bison weren’t able to load the box with Shortell under center as often as they did against Gray.
-NDSU scored on every possession they had for the first three quarters of the game. They didn’t punt the ball until the third quarter with 1:12 remaining.
-NDSU quarterback Brock Jensen started the game with six straight completions and finished 16-for-21 with 197 yards and no turnovers. He added 37 yards rushing and a touchdown on the ground.
-The Gophers tied a season-high with eight penalties for 57 yards, including two penalties on third down that would have halted the driving Bison. Senior linebacker Gary Tinsley had one of two 15-yard personal foul penalties that allowed NDSU to score on both drives.
-The Bison converted 66 percent of their third downs and Minnesota was called for the two penalties that gave automatic first downs to the Bison.
-Donnell Kirkwood left in the fourth quarter with a tweaked hamstring. He finished with 10 carries for 70 yards and two touchdowns. The hamstring is the same he injured last year that forced him to miss the season.
He said he is optimistic that it will not keep him out of a game.
“Nothing too serious, not like the first time,” Kirkwood said.
-Troy Stoudermire left the game after the first quarter. Stoudermire had a fracture in his lower arm, but practiced all week.
The Big Ten’s all-time leader in kickoff return yards was unable to field kickoffs, but attempted to play at cornerback.
He was unable to secure two open field tackles against NDSU that led to big gains, after which Stoudermire left the game.
“Hopefully there wasn't any more damage to [his arm], and I hope he gets used to playing with it,” head coach Jerry Kill said.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/26/quick-hitters
Monday, September 19, 2011
Kill returns for Gophers’ first win
MarQueis Gray set a school QB rushing record and got his first win as the starter.
Gophers head football coach Jerry Kill's wife Rebecca embraces him after the game Saturday against Miami Red Hawks at TCF Bank Stadium. Photo by Anthony Kwan
Published: 2011-09-19
Adam Richard
arichard@mndaily.com
MarQueis Gray scrambled across TCF Bank Stadium field Saturday and gave the Jerry Kill era a needed first win after stumbling out of the gates with two losses.
The Gophers 29-23 victory over Miami of Ohio was Gray’s first as the starting quarterback and he ran for a school-record 171 yards.
Kill coached from the sidelines after spending five days in the hospital following last week’s seizure. Gray finished a game healthy for the first time this season and thrived when he could tuck and run the ball in broken play situations.
Both teams dealt with strong winds throughout the game, as the contest often slowed to a battle of field position, with the punters playing a pivotal role.
A key special teams play, in which running back Duane Bennett blocked a punt and recovered it for a touchdown, turned out to be the difference.
Though the Gophers played better than a week ago in all facets of the game, it took a Kim Royston pass deflection in the red zone on the final play to seal a victory.
Minnesota won the opening coin toss and elected to defer to establish its defensive presence.
The Gophers’ defensive scheme was more complex than the previous two games, where defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys brought in numerous blitz packages.
Miami was able to exploit an early blitz for a 66-yard pass from quarterback Zac Dysert to Nick Harwell, but the Gophers’ defense held up on the drive after that and limited the RedHawks to a field goal. That defensive stop was a precursor for the afternoon’s performance.
On the ensuing possession, Gray quickly hit sophomore Malcolm Moulton for a 59-yard pass that set up a Chris Hawthorne field goal to tie the game. The 33-yard field goal was the longest of Hawthorne’s career.
Minnesota’s defense then held Miami to two straight three-and-out drives and limited the RedHawks to two yards rushing.
On the Gophers’ next drive, they marched down the field and established themselves on short yardage when Donnell Kirkwood ran for his first touchdown of the year.
Minnesota had struggled to that point in the season controlling the line of scrimmage and picking up short yardage.
“Kirkwood ran the ball hard today and we need more of that.” Kill said.
Indeed, Kirkwood had more success against the RedHawks than other backs in previous weeks and the ground attack led by Gray allowed the Gophers to dominate the time of possession 35 minutes to 25 minutes.
Gray broke the single-game rushing record for a Minnesota quarterback on 25 carries. The previous record (160 yards) was held by Rose Bowl MVP Sandy Stephens in 1961.
Another quick stop from the Gophers’ defense that included a sack for freshman Michael Amaefula — the team’s first sack of the year.
Minnesota began its next drive with a play-action pass to Eric Lair on a crossing pattern for 43 yards down to the Miami 16-yard line. The Gophers’ offense was stifled at the two-yard line and settled for a 19-yard field goal from Hawthorne to take a 13-3 lead.
The RedHawks capped a later drive with an Erik Finklea 1-yard rushing touchdown with 19 seconds remaining in the half to pull within three, 13-10.
Dysert later connected for a 7-yard touchdown. Miami failed to convert the extra point and tied the game 16-16.
The Gophers drove down the field on the strength of Gray’s legs on their next possession. Gray rushed for 47 yards on this drive alone, and capped it with a one-yard out route to tight end John Rabe for his first touchdown reception to open the fourth.
Minnesota’s defense clamped down at the start of the final quarter and on a crucial fourth-and-five play, Bennett blocked the RedHawk’s punt attempt, and recovered it for a touchdown that gave the Gophers a 29-16 lead and some much-needed breathing room.
The score proved crucial, because the RedHawks weaved their way through the Gophers’ secondary. Dysert connected on his next six of eight passes including a touchdown, which made it a one-possession game.
The Gophers were stymied by Miami on the RedHawk’s 35-yard line, and attempted a fourth-and-nine conversion with three minutes remaining.
They failed to convert and the Minnesota’s defense had to take the field one last time.
The RedHawks marched down the field, and Dysert several times made something out of nothing by scrambling around in the backfield and narrowly avoiding sacks.
Miami got the ball inside the red zone in the six-point game. An incomplete fade route to the end zone with three seconds remaining sealed the victory when Royston deflected the pass.
Dysert, after being slowed down by the Minnesota defense in the first half, finished the game with 325 yards passing and two touchdowns. Harwell finished with a team-high 12 catches for 162 of those yards.
Gray still looked raw in the passing game, often struggling to read through progression. If his first option was covered, he would take off down the field.
Still, he finished with 334 yards of total offense and a touchdown.
“He’s played three games in four years,” Kill said. “You can see him gaining confidence. There is a lot he still needs to learn. I’m real proud of him.”
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/19/kill-returns-gophers’-first-win
Gophers head football coach Jerry Kill's wife Rebecca embraces him after the game Saturday against Miami Red Hawks at TCF Bank Stadium. Photo by Anthony Kwan
Published: 2011-09-19
Adam Richard
arichard@mndaily.com
MarQueis Gray scrambled across TCF Bank Stadium field Saturday and gave the Jerry Kill era a needed first win after stumbling out of the gates with two losses.
The Gophers 29-23 victory over Miami of Ohio was Gray’s first as the starting quarterback and he ran for a school-record 171 yards.
Kill coached from the sidelines after spending five days in the hospital following last week’s seizure. Gray finished a game healthy for the first time this season and thrived when he could tuck and run the ball in broken play situations.
Both teams dealt with strong winds throughout the game, as the contest often slowed to a battle of field position, with the punters playing a pivotal role.
A key special teams play, in which running back Duane Bennett blocked a punt and recovered it for a touchdown, turned out to be the difference.
Though the Gophers played better than a week ago in all facets of the game, it took a Kim Royston pass deflection in the red zone on the final play to seal a victory.
Minnesota won the opening coin toss and elected to defer to establish its defensive presence.
The Gophers’ defensive scheme was more complex than the previous two games, where defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys brought in numerous blitz packages.
Miami was able to exploit an early blitz for a 66-yard pass from quarterback Zac Dysert to Nick Harwell, but the Gophers’ defense held up on the drive after that and limited the RedHawks to a field goal. That defensive stop was a precursor for the afternoon’s performance.
On the ensuing possession, Gray quickly hit sophomore Malcolm Moulton for a 59-yard pass that set up a Chris Hawthorne field goal to tie the game. The 33-yard field goal was the longest of Hawthorne’s career.
Minnesota’s defense then held Miami to two straight three-and-out drives and limited the RedHawks to two yards rushing.
On the Gophers’ next drive, they marched down the field and established themselves on short yardage when Donnell Kirkwood ran for his first touchdown of the year.
Minnesota had struggled to that point in the season controlling the line of scrimmage and picking up short yardage.
“Kirkwood ran the ball hard today and we need more of that.” Kill said.
Indeed, Kirkwood had more success against the RedHawks than other backs in previous weeks and the ground attack led by Gray allowed the Gophers to dominate the time of possession 35 minutes to 25 minutes.
Gray broke the single-game rushing record for a Minnesota quarterback on 25 carries. The previous record (160 yards) was held by Rose Bowl MVP Sandy Stephens in 1961.
Another quick stop from the Gophers’ defense that included a sack for freshman Michael Amaefula — the team’s first sack of the year.
Minnesota began its next drive with a play-action pass to Eric Lair on a crossing pattern for 43 yards down to the Miami 16-yard line. The Gophers’ offense was stifled at the two-yard line and settled for a 19-yard field goal from Hawthorne to take a 13-3 lead.
The RedHawks capped a later drive with an Erik Finklea 1-yard rushing touchdown with 19 seconds remaining in the half to pull within three, 13-10.
Dysert later connected for a 7-yard touchdown. Miami failed to convert the extra point and tied the game 16-16.
The Gophers drove down the field on the strength of Gray’s legs on their next possession. Gray rushed for 47 yards on this drive alone, and capped it with a one-yard out route to tight end John Rabe for his first touchdown reception to open the fourth.
Minnesota’s defense clamped down at the start of the final quarter and on a crucial fourth-and-five play, Bennett blocked the RedHawk’s punt attempt, and recovered it for a touchdown that gave the Gophers a 29-16 lead and some much-needed breathing room.
The score proved crucial, because the RedHawks weaved their way through the Gophers’ secondary. Dysert connected on his next six of eight passes including a touchdown, which made it a one-possession game.
The Gophers were stymied by Miami on the RedHawk’s 35-yard line, and attempted a fourth-and-nine conversion with three minutes remaining.
They failed to convert and the Minnesota’s defense had to take the field one last time.
The RedHawks marched down the field, and Dysert several times made something out of nothing by scrambling around in the backfield and narrowly avoiding sacks.
Miami got the ball inside the red zone in the six-point game. An incomplete fade route to the end zone with three seconds remaining sealed the victory when Royston deflected the pass.
Dysert, after being slowed down by the Minnesota defense in the first half, finished the game with 325 yards passing and two touchdowns. Harwell finished with a team-high 12 catches for 162 of those yards.
Gray still looked raw in the passing game, often struggling to read through progression. If his first option was covered, he would take off down the field.
Still, he finished with 334 yards of total offense and a touchdown.
“He’s played three games in four years,” Kill said. “You can see him gaining confidence. There is a lot he still needs to learn. I’m real proud of him.”
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/19/kill-returns-gophers’-first-win
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Quick Hitters
Quick Hitters
Football notes
Published: 2011-09-15
Adam Richard
arichard@mndaily.com
-The last time Miami of Ohio came to Minnesota was 2007, a game that needed three overtimes before Minnesota came out on top 41-35.
The Gophers are 26-4-1 all time against Mid-American Conference opponents and 2-0 against the RedHawks
-Junior MarQueis Gray found his rushing legs during the fourth quarter in last week’s game against NMSU. He carried the ball nine times for 61 yards and picked up three first downs, all on the ground.
-Redshirt Freshman Donnell Kirkwood is “healthy, ready to go,” offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said Tuesday. As a true freshman last year, Kirkwood averaged nearly 4 yards per carry and should help improve Minnesota’s rush offense.
“We’ve got to be able to run the ball better, other than MarQueis,” Limegrover added
-Miami’s junior quarterback Zac Dysert stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and has two years of experience.
He has put up similar numbers in his first two years to previous Miami of Ohio standout Ben Roethlisberger, with more than 5,000 yards passing, 260 yards per game and 63 percent completion rate.
-The RedHawks’ new head coach, Don Treadwell, was the offensive coordinator at Michigan State previously.
Michigan State finished third and second in passing offense in the Big Ten the last two years, respectively.
“I’m really worried about that to start the game, how fast they change tempos,” defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said.
“You’re going to see a lot of empty backfield sets. Those all take special adjustments.”
-The RedHawks sacked the quarterback 35 times last year and returned all of their defensive line starters. It’s an area where Miami will have a distinct advantage over Minnesota, which has no sacks this season, and only eight all of last year.
-The RedHawks’ defense improved as the game progressed last week against the Missouri Tigers. It allowed more than six yards per carry (6.30) in the first half, but limited the Tigers to less than 3 yards per carry (2.69) in the second half.
-Miami of Ohio’s defense held No. 21 Missouri to only 23 percent conversion rate on third downs.
The Gophers have allowed a third-down conversion rate of 40 percent to their two opponents but improved from the first to second week — 46 percent against USC was down to 33 percent against NMSU.
“I know defensively third downs, we played much better on third downs. At the same time we didn’t stop the run as well as we had before,” Claeys said
-Last week, NMSU came to TCF Bank Stadium with only 6 yards rushing (and 0.3 yards per carry) before lighting up the Gophers for 133 yards rushing.
Miami carried the ball 36 times for only 76 yards last week. Sophomore Erik Finklea tallied 71 of those yards on 19 carries. Defensive lineman Brandon Kirksey said the defensive unit knows it needs to improve to keep Minnesota in games.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/15/quick-hitters
Football notes
Published: 2011-09-15
Adam Richard
arichard@mndaily.com
-The last time Miami of Ohio came to Minnesota was 2007, a game that needed three overtimes before Minnesota came out on top 41-35.
The Gophers are 26-4-1 all time against Mid-American Conference opponents and 2-0 against the RedHawks
-Junior MarQueis Gray found his rushing legs during the fourth quarter in last week’s game against NMSU. He carried the ball nine times for 61 yards and picked up three first downs, all on the ground.
-Redshirt Freshman Donnell Kirkwood is “healthy, ready to go,” offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said Tuesday. As a true freshman last year, Kirkwood averaged nearly 4 yards per carry and should help improve Minnesota’s rush offense.
“We’ve got to be able to run the ball better, other than MarQueis,” Limegrover added
-Miami’s junior quarterback Zac Dysert stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and has two years of experience.
He has put up similar numbers in his first two years to previous Miami of Ohio standout Ben Roethlisberger, with more than 5,000 yards passing, 260 yards per game and 63 percent completion rate.
-The RedHawks’ new head coach, Don Treadwell, was the offensive coordinator at Michigan State previously.
Michigan State finished third and second in passing offense in the Big Ten the last two years, respectively.
“I’m really worried about that to start the game, how fast they change tempos,” defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said.
“You’re going to see a lot of empty backfield sets. Those all take special adjustments.”
-The RedHawks sacked the quarterback 35 times last year and returned all of their defensive line starters. It’s an area where Miami will have a distinct advantage over Minnesota, which has no sacks this season, and only eight all of last year.
-The RedHawks’ defense improved as the game progressed last week against the Missouri Tigers. It allowed more than six yards per carry (6.30) in the first half, but limited the Tigers to less than 3 yards per carry (2.69) in the second half.
-Miami of Ohio’s defense held No. 21 Missouri to only 23 percent conversion rate on third downs.
The Gophers have allowed a third-down conversion rate of 40 percent to their two opponents but improved from the first to second week — 46 percent against USC was down to 33 percent against NMSU.
“I know defensively third downs, we played much better on third downs. At the same time we didn’t stop the run as well as we had before,” Claeys said
-Last week, NMSU came to TCF Bank Stadium with only 6 yards rushing (and 0.3 yards per carry) before lighting up the Gophers for 133 yards rushing.
Miami carried the ball 36 times for only 76 yards last week. Sophomore Erik Finklea tallied 71 of those yards on 19 carries. Defensive lineman Brandon Kirksey said the defensive unit knows it needs to improve to keep Minnesota in games.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/15/quick-hitters
Troy Stoudermire set Big Ten record for return yards
Quick hitters
Troy Stoudermire set Big Ten record for return yards
Published: 2011-09-12
Adam Richard
agay@mndaily.com
•Troy Stoudermire broke the Big Ten record for kickoff return yards Saturday when he made a 22 yard return on the opening kickoff of the second half. He originally fumbled the ball, but recovered to scamper for the record.
The previous mark was held by David Gilreath of Wisconsin with 3,025 yards. Stoudermire now has 3,066 yards and counting.
•Da’Jon McKnight had a career-high nine receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown in the loss. The touchdown came in the fourth quarter and brought the Gophers to within one score of New Mexico State.
“It was hard to go back out there, but we know we had to go out there and finish the game.” McKnight said after the Gophers had to retake the field following Coach Kill’s seizure.
•MarQueis Gray did not look sharp, making numerous bad decisions, including two costly interceptions. He succumbed to cramps at the end of the first half for the second straight week. He did return to play the fourth quarter, using his legs more than his arm. Gray finished with 211 yards passing and had 17 carries for 110 yards rushing.
•Max Shortell relieved Gray for the second week in a row and played the majority of the third quarter. He was 2-for-7 with 27 yards.
“It was in neither way a reflection on MarQueis’ play or by design,” offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said.
•The Gophers run defense surrendered 133 yards on 37 carries to the Aggies, including 97 yards to Robert Clay in 20 carries. Clay previously gained only 14 yards on 10 carries against Ohio. Last week, the Aggies as a whole had 23 carries for six yards.
•NMSU sophomore Andrew Manley picked apart the Minnesota secondary. He began the game with 12 straight completions and three touchdowns. Manley finished the game with 288 yards and three touchdowns.
•Mike Rallis and Kim Royston attained double digit tackles with 13 and 10 respectively, but Minnesota was unable to generate a consistent pass rush and for the second straight week did not record a sack.
•Minnesota had an opportunity to even the score early in the fourth quarter, but could not convert. Facing fourth-and-goal, LaMonte Edwards attempted an off-tackle run from the one-yard line.
The Gophers were stuffed by the Aggies’ defense at the goal line.
“As an offensive coordinator and as an offensive line coach, you pride yourself on being able to get that one yard in that one situation,” Limegrover said. “Unfortunately, it didn’t work out.”
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/12/quick-hitters
Troy Stoudermire set Big Ten record for return yards
Published: 2011-09-12
Adam Richard
agay@mndaily.com
•Troy Stoudermire broke the Big Ten record for kickoff return yards Saturday when he made a 22 yard return on the opening kickoff of the second half. He originally fumbled the ball, but recovered to scamper for the record.
The previous mark was held by David Gilreath of Wisconsin with 3,025 yards. Stoudermire now has 3,066 yards and counting.
•Da’Jon McKnight had a career-high nine receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown in the loss. The touchdown came in the fourth quarter and brought the Gophers to within one score of New Mexico State.
“It was hard to go back out there, but we know we had to go out there and finish the game.” McKnight said after the Gophers had to retake the field following Coach Kill’s seizure.
•MarQueis Gray did not look sharp, making numerous bad decisions, including two costly interceptions. He succumbed to cramps at the end of the first half for the second straight week. He did return to play the fourth quarter, using his legs more than his arm. Gray finished with 211 yards passing and had 17 carries for 110 yards rushing.
•Max Shortell relieved Gray for the second week in a row and played the majority of the third quarter. He was 2-for-7 with 27 yards.
“It was in neither way a reflection on MarQueis’ play or by design,” offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said.
•The Gophers run defense surrendered 133 yards on 37 carries to the Aggies, including 97 yards to Robert Clay in 20 carries. Clay previously gained only 14 yards on 10 carries against Ohio. Last week, the Aggies as a whole had 23 carries for six yards.
•NMSU sophomore Andrew Manley picked apart the Minnesota secondary. He began the game with 12 straight completions and three touchdowns. Manley finished the game with 288 yards and three touchdowns.
•Mike Rallis and Kim Royston attained double digit tackles with 13 and 10 respectively, but Minnesota was unable to generate a consistent pass rush and for the second straight week did not record a sack.
•Minnesota had an opportunity to even the score early in the fourth quarter, but could not convert. Facing fourth-and-goal, LaMonte Edwards attempted an off-tackle run from the one-yard line.
The Gophers were stuffed by the Aggies’ defense at the goal line.
“As an offensive coordinator and as an offensive line coach, you pride yourself on being able to get that one yard in that one situation,” Limegrover said. “Unfortunately, it didn’t work out.”
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/12/quick-hitters
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Walker to bring NMSU to TCF Stadium for first time - by Adam Richard
DeWayne Walker returns to Minnesota this weekend to coach the Aggies against the Gophers.
Published: 2011-09-08
Adam Richard
arichard@mndaily.com
This weekend marks the first time in University of Minnesota history that a former player will come back as an opposing head coach.
DeWayne Walker was a junior college transfer in the 1980 season and was a two-year starting cornerback for the Gophers. The Pasadena, Calif., native has had a successful coaching career since his days at Minnesota. He has worked as a defensive backs coach in the NFL for the Patriots, Giants and Redskins and in the NCAA for USC before becoming the defensive coordinator for UCLA in 2006.
Thinking of his return to Minnesota, Walker reflected on friends that still live in the area and a vacation that he had here three years ago when Tim Brewster was the head coach.
But he quickly shifted focus. “This is not a vacation. This is a business trip and we’re going to have our hands full,” he said.
New Mexico State recruited him in 2008 and Walker accepted the position and began his tenure with the Aggies for the 2009 season.
New Mexico State has only had four winning seasons since 1967 and hasn’t been to a bowl game since 1960, which is the longest drought in the nation.
Walker’s first two years haven’t changed that trend — they were 2-10 last season and 3-10 the year before. In his third year, though, he has the most experienced team that he has ever put on the field and his recruiting classes are now ready to see some action.
The Aggies return several starters on both the offensive line and the defensive front seven, but are entrusting the offense to young, big-armed quarterback Andrew Manley.
The sophomore won the job over senior Matt Christian. Manley’s physical abilities showed the most promise in camp for a season in which Walker hopes to improve results and provide optimism for the future at NMSU.
After a tough first half last week, Manley put up big numbers in the second half. He threw for a total of 362 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to Ohio. Manley will look to continue throwing at a high clip against Minnesota’s secondary, which allowed a record-setting day to USC wide receiver Robert Woods and quarterback Matt Barkley. He will likely be the main focus for the Gophers to stop, as the Aggies running game had 23 carries for a dismal 0.3 yards per carry.
The Gophers are coming off a hard-fought loss on the road to USC in which the Minnesota’s defense held the Trojans scoreless in the second half.
MarQueis Gray left the game early due to cramps. He received an IV for hydration in the locker room, but ultimately was unable to return to the game.
Head coach Jerry Kill said that Gray will be healthy and will play against New Mexico State this week.
After true freshman Max Shortell’s nice relief performance Saturday, Kill made a point to eliminate any uncertainty as to who the starter would be this week.
“There is no QB controversy, we’re not changing anything,” he said Tuesday.
Facing a fast and athletic team like USC should allow for vast improvement for the Gophers this week, as the Aggies don’t play at the same pace as the Trojans.
“The game slowed down in the second half for MarQueis,” Kill said. “We’re more comfortable with being aggressive with him. We’re not afraid of that.”
Kill said he’s looking forward to his opening game in TCF Bank Stadium. “We went over the tape on Sunday, had a good practice and left the loss behind us,” he said.
“We’re prepping this week like it’s the Super Bowl.”
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/08/walker-bring-nmsu-tcf-stadium-first-time
Published: 2011-09-08
Adam Richard
arichard@mndaily.com
This weekend marks the first time in University of Minnesota history that a former player will come back as an opposing head coach.
DeWayne Walker was a junior college transfer in the 1980 season and was a two-year starting cornerback for the Gophers. The Pasadena, Calif., native has had a successful coaching career since his days at Minnesota. He has worked as a defensive backs coach in the NFL for the Patriots, Giants and Redskins and in the NCAA for USC before becoming the defensive coordinator for UCLA in 2006.
Thinking of his return to Minnesota, Walker reflected on friends that still live in the area and a vacation that he had here three years ago when Tim Brewster was the head coach.
But he quickly shifted focus. “This is not a vacation. This is a business trip and we’re going to have our hands full,” he said.
New Mexico State recruited him in 2008 and Walker accepted the position and began his tenure with the Aggies for the 2009 season.
New Mexico State has only had four winning seasons since 1967 and hasn’t been to a bowl game since 1960, which is the longest drought in the nation.
Walker’s first two years haven’t changed that trend — they were 2-10 last season and 3-10 the year before. In his third year, though, he has the most experienced team that he has ever put on the field and his recruiting classes are now ready to see some action.
The Aggies return several starters on both the offensive line and the defensive front seven, but are entrusting the offense to young, big-armed quarterback Andrew Manley.
The sophomore won the job over senior Matt Christian. Manley’s physical abilities showed the most promise in camp for a season in which Walker hopes to improve results and provide optimism for the future at NMSU.
After a tough first half last week, Manley put up big numbers in the second half. He threw for a total of 362 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to Ohio. Manley will look to continue throwing at a high clip against Minnesota’s secondary, which allowed a record-setting day to USC wide receiver Robert Woods and quarterback Matt Barkley. He will likely be the main focus for the Gophers to stop, as the Aggies running game had 23 carries for a dismal 0.3 yards per carry.
The Gophers are coming off a hard-fought loss on the road to USC in which the Minnesota’s defense held the Trojans scoreless in the second half.
MarQueis Gray left the game early due to cramps. He received an IV for hydration in the locker room, but ultimately was unable to return to the game.
Head coach Jerry Kill said that Gray will be healthy and will play against New Mexico State this week.
After true freshman Max Shortell’s nice relief performance Saturday, Kill made a point to eliminate any uncertainty as to who the starter would be this week.
“There is no QB controversy, we’re not changing anything,” he said Tuesday.
Facing a fast and athletic team like USC should allow for vast improvement for the Gophers this week, as the Aggies don’t play at the same pace as the Trojans.
“The game slowed down in the second half for MarQueis,” Kill said. “We’re more comfortable with being aggressive with him. We’re not afraid of that.”
Kill said he’s looking forward to his opening game in TCF Bank Stadium. “We went over the tape on Sunday, had a good practice and left the loss behind us,” he said.
“We’re prepping this week like it’s the Super Bowl.”
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/09/08/walker-bring-nmsu-tcf-stadium-first-time
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