A few highlights from the Gophers' win over the Illini.
Published: 2011-11-28
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
•Minnesota led from start to finish Saturday in its win against Illinois, the first time the Gophers had a lead for an entire game this season.
•The Gophers won a game by double digits for the first time since their 2009 victory over Purdue.
•After the loss, the University of Illinois fired head coach Ron Zook. He won the first six games of the season and lost the final six.
•Minnesota had its best pass defense performance of the year against Illinois, as the Illini only gained 78 yards through the air and averaged only 2.9 yards per attempt.
•Minnesota’s defense held the Illini to less than 100 yards in both passing and rushing. The last time that happened was 2006 against Temple.
•Sixth-year senior Kim Royston finished the season third in the Big Ten in tackles with 123 and had a conference-leading 71 solo tackles.
•Minnesota finished the season last in the Big Ten in total offense and averaged only 310 yards per game this season.
•The Gophers had 19 sacks on the year, more than double their total last year — eight. They finished with a flurry and got five sacks against Illinois.
•Minnesota was last in the Big Ten in turnover margin with 17 turnovers and nine takeaways.
•Walk-on kicker Jordan Wettstein converted 43- and 51-yard field goals Saturday. The 51-yard kick was the longest of his career.
•Minnesota had only two penalties Saturday, the fewest penalties it had in a game all season.
•Sophomore Ra’Shede Hageman recorded two sacks against Illinois, his first two sacks of the season.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/28/quick-hitters
Monday, November 28, 2011
Banham lifts Minn. with buzzer-beater
Minnesota split a weekend slate of games.
Published: 2011-11-28
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers women’s basketball team played an exciting weekend tournament in Moraga, Calif., splitting two games that featured last-second shots.
On Friday night, Quinnipiac nabbed the victory from the Gophers with a game-winner in the final minute.
On Saturday night, Minnesota struck back when freshman point guard Rachel Banham made a game-winning jump shot with 0.6 seconds left.
“That shot felt really good,” Banham said of the last-second winner. “Coming off of yesterday’s game where someone shot it over me ... it felt like I got payback a little bit.”
Banham had an up-and-down performance over the weekend. She finished the weekend with 25 points but also had six turnovers. Early foul trouble Saturday cost her time on the floor, but didn’t prevent her from hitting the final shot.
Banham shot 13-of-30 for the weekend and had seven assists.
Poor shooting undid Minnesota on Friday night, as the team made only 28 percent of its shots in the second half.
Shooting was a strength Saturday, as the Gophers shot 52 percent in the last half in the win over Virginia Tech.
Junior Katie Loberg was Minnesota’s most consistent player on the floor in the two contests. She had 35 points and 20 rebounds in the two games.
The Gophers continued to struggle controlling their aggressive tendencies and had a hard time balancing tough defense and fouls. Minnesota had 23 fouls in the loss to Quinnipiac, and Banham and junior Leah Cotton were in foul trouble in Saturday’s game.
Senior Kiara Buford had an off-night Friday when she was shut out until six minutes left in the game. She bounced back Saturday with a 15-point performance on 5-for-8 shooting.
Minnesota lost the rebounding battle over the weekend 73-69, and surrendered 28 offensive rebounds to its smaller opponents.
Minnesota travels to Wake Forest for a game Thursday and follows that up against No. 1 Baylor and All-American Brittney Griner on Sunday.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/28/banham-lifts-minn-buzzer-beater
Published: 2011-11-28
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers women’s basketball team played an exciting weekend tournament in Moraga, Calif., splitting two games that featured last-second shots.
On Friday night, Quinnipiac nabbed the victory from the Gophers with a game-winner in the final minute.
On Saturday night, Minnesota struck back when freshman point guard Rachel Banham made a game-winning jump shot with 0.6 seconds left.
“That shot felt really good,” Banham said of the last-second winner. “Coming off of yesterday’s game where someone shot it over me ... it felt like I got payback a little bit.”
Banham had an up-and-down performance over the weekend. She finished the weekend with 25 points but also had six turnovers. Early foul trouble Saturday cost her time on the floor, but didn’t prevent her from hitting the final shot.
Banham shot 13-of-30 for the weekend and had seven assists.
Poor shooting undid Minnesota on Friday night, as the team made only 28 percent of its shots in the second half.
Shooting was a strength Saturday, as the Gophers shot 52 percent in the last half in the win over Virginia Tech.
Junior Katie Loberg was Minnesota’s most consistent player on the floor in the two contests. She had 35 points and 20 rebounds in the two games.
The Gophers continued to struggle controlling their aggressive tendencies and had a hard time balancing tough defense and fouls. Minnesota had 23 fouls in the loss to Quinnipiac, and Banham and junior Leah Cotton were in foul trouble in Saturday’s game.
Senior Kiara Buford had an off-night Friday when she was shut out until six minutes left in the game. She bounced back Saturday with a 15-point performance on 5-for-8 shooting.
Minnesota lost the rebounding battle over the weekend 73-69, and surrendered 28 offensive rebounds to its smaller opponents.
Minnesota travels to Wake Forest for a game Thursday and follows that up against No. 1 Baylor and All-American Brittney Griner on Sunday.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/28/banham-lifts-minn-buzzer-beater
Banham hits game-winner as Gophers earn weekend split
The freshman had 15 points and four assists, and scored with 0.6 seconds left to give Minnesota a one-point lead.
Published: 2011-11-26
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
Freshman Rachel Banham hit a game-winning shot for the Gophers women’s basketball team in a 65-64 win over Virginia Tech on Saturday.
Minnesota beat the Hokies in the third-place game of the St. Mary’s Tournament in Moraga, Calif., to learn a 1-1 split on the weekend. The Gophers' record improved to 4-3 on the season.
Minnesota had a 17-2 run in the first half, and like yesterday, it held a lead at halftime, 38-34. The Gophers surrendered that lead shortly into the second half, but were able to recover in the final seconds as Banham scored.
Banham got into early foul trouble to cut down her minutes on the floor, but she was still able to contribute with 15 points and four assists.
Katie Loberg had her second straight strong performance with 20 points and seven rebounds. She was the most consistent player on the floor for Minnesota this weekend.
Senior Kiara Buford had a much better game than she had in Friday's 64-62 loss to Quinnipiac. She led the team against the Hokies when the Gophers got in early foul trouble. Buford had 15 points on the night.
The Gophers improved their shooting percentage in Saturday’s first half. Minnesota shot 52% in the first half and 47% for the game.
Minnesota continued to have trouble controlling its aggressive tendencies, and had a hard time balancing tough defense and fouls. The Gophers had 15 fouls against Virginia Tech, and had averaged 19 fouls heading into the game.
The Hokies’ Monet Tellier finished the game with 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists, but missed a free-throw that allowed Banham to come back and hit the game-winner.
Virginia Tech player Latorri Hines-Allen was injured during a scramble for a loose ball and was taken away by an ambulance for precautionary reasons. There was a 15-minute delay in the first half while paramedics attended to Hines-Allen.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/26/banham-hits-game-winner-gophers-earn-weekend-split
Published: 2011-11-26
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
Freshman Rachel Banham hit a game-winning shot for the Gophers women’s basketball team in a 65-64 win over Virginia Tech on Saturday.
Minnesota beat the Hokies in the third-place game of the St. Mary’s Tournament in Moraga, Calif., to learn a 1-1 split on the weekend. The Gophers' record improved to 4-3 on the season.
Minnesota had a 17-2 run in the first half, and like yesterday, it held a lead at halftime, 38-34. The Gophers surrendered that lead shortly into the second half, but were able to recover in the final seconds as Banham scored.
Banham got into early foul trouble to cut down her minutes on the floor, but she was still able to contribute with 15 points and four assists.
Katie Loberg had her second straight strong performance with 20 points and seven rebounds. She was the most consistent player on the floor for Minnesota this weekend.
Senior Kiara Buford had a much better game than she had in Friday's 64-62 loss to Quinnipiac. She led the team against the Hokies when the Gophers got in early foul trouble. Buford had 15 points on the night.
The Gophers improved their shooting percentage in Saturday’s first half. Minnesota shot 52% in the first half and 47% for the game.
Minnesota continued to have trouble controlling its aggressive tendencies, and had a hard time balancing tough defense and fouls. The Gophers had 15 fouls against Virginia Tech, and had averaged 19 fouls heading into the game.
The Hokies’ Monet Tellier finished the game with 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists, but missed a free-throw that allowed Banham to come back and hit the game-winner.
Virginia Tech player Latorri Hines-Allen was injured during a scramble for a loose ball and was taken away by an ambulance for precautionary reasons. There was a 15-minute delay in the first half while paramedics attended to Hines-Allen.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/26/banham-hits-game-winner-gophers-earn-weekend-split
Women's basketball upset by Quinnipiac
The Gophers struggled with turnovers, fouls and rebounding in the 64-62 loss.
Published: 2011-11-25
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers women’s basketball team lost Friday night against Quinnipiac, 64-62. This was the first game of the St. Mary’s tournament in Moraga, California.
Minnesota shot poorly in the second half and allowed Quinnipiac to nab the victory with a go-ahead shot in the final minute.
The game was a back and forth battle with many turnovers. The Gophers led 34-31 at the half, but bad shooting in the second half allowed the Bobcats to pull ahead.
Minnesota was unable to make a shot for the first four minutes of the second half. Minnesota shot only 37 percent on the night. Tough defense allowed the Gophers to stay in the game, but couldn’t lead them to the win.
Senior Kiara Buford had been the steady force on the young Minnesota team, but had an off night. She wasn’t able to make a basket until six minutes left in the game. She tried to place her stamp on the game by leading the team with a late surge, but came up short.
Buford finished with 10 points.
The sloppy play and poor shooting allowed junior forward Katie Loberg to put up big statistics on rebounds and put-backs. Loberg had a double-double in the first half and finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
Freshman Rachel Banham had an up-and-down evening with 12 points and six turnovers.
The Gophers continued to have difficulty with their propensity to foul. They had 21 fouls Friday and have averaged 19 fouls per game this season.
Leah Cotton has been a spark-plug both offensively and defensively, but she was in foul trouble most of the game and only played five minutes.
Minnesota had 17 turnovers and lost the rebounding battle 42-38, which included allowing 16 offensive rebounds to the Bobcats.
The Gophers will next play the loser of Virginia Tech and St. Mary’s in the championship game at 7 p.m. Saturday night.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/25/womens-basketball-upset-quinnipiac
Published: 2011-11-25
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers women’s basketball team lost Friday night against Quinnipiac, 64-62. This was the first game of the St. Mary’s tournament in Moraga, California.
Minnesota shot poorly in the second half and allowed Quinnipiac to nab the victory with a go-ahead shot in the final minute.
The game was a back and forth battle with many turnovers. The Gophers led 34-31 at the half, but bad shooting in the second half allowed the Bobcats to pull ahead.
Minnesota was unable to make a shot for the first four minutes of the second half. Minnesota shot only 37 percent on the night. Tough defense allowed the Gophers to stay in the game, but couldn’t lead them to the win.
Senior Kiara Buford had been the steady force on the young Minnesota team, but had an off night. She wasn’t able to make a basket until six minutes left in the game. She tried to place her stamp on the game by leading the team with a late surge, but came up short.
Buford finished with 10 points.
The sloppy play and poor shooting allowed junior forward Katie Loberg to put up big statistics on rebounds and put-backs. Loberg had a double-double in the first half and finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
Freshman Rachel Banham had an up-and-down evening with 12 points and six turnovers.
The Gophers continued to have difficulty with their propensity to foul. They had 21 fouls Friday and have averaged 19 fouls per game this season.
Leah Cotton has been a spark-plug both offensively and defensively, but she was in foul trouble most of the game and only played five minutes.
Minnesota had 17 turnovers and lost the rebounding battle 42-38, which included allowing 16 offensive rebounds to the Bobcats.
The Gophers will next play the loser of Virginia Tech and St. Mary’s in the championship game at 7 p.m. Saturday night.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/25/womens-basketball-upset-quinnipiac
Gophers conclude 2011 with Illinois
Minnesota will host Illinois in search of its third win.
Published: 2011-11-23
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers wrap up their season against Illinois on Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium. Minnesota has had a rocky road in head coach Jerry Kill’s first season with a 2-9 record (1-6 conference.)
With the rest of the school on Thanksgiving break, the football team is in search of a win to be thankful for this holiday weekend.
Minnesota played poorly through the first half of the season, but has shown life over the last half.
“From the second half of the Nebraska [game] on, it’s been a different group of kids,” Kill said. “We’ve gotten a little bit tougher over the last four games.”
Minnesota’s 24 seniors will be honored in their final game.
“I don’t think it’s hit me yet. I don’t think it’s going to hit me until afterwards,” senior defensive tackle Brandon Kirksey said.
The Illini started out the year on fire with six straight wins, but that flame has subsided and Illinois has lost five straight games. Illinois head coach Ron Zook has been with the team for seven years, but rumors are swirling about his potential departure after the recent losing streak.
Illinois will be focused on its final game in honor of its seniors, too. Zook said the team was determined at practice this week.
“Well, they don’t have school. They don’t have anything to worry about but football,” Zook said in his Tuesday press conference. Illinois is already on Thanksgiving break.
The Gophers defeated Illinois last year 38-34, in the first game after Minnesota dismissed Tim Brewster. That win was fueled by three touchdowns from former running back DeLeon Eskridge.
This year, Minnesota will try to end the year with a win behind the arm and legs of MarQueis Gray.
Gray had a poor passing performance last week but ran for 147 yards and a touchdown. Gray needs only 46 yards to set Minnesota’s single-season rushing record for quarterbacks.
“That defense is ranked just like Michigan State was. I believe in our offensive line,” Gray said. “I’m just going to have to use my feet, squirm around and make plays.”
Gray has battled a back injury the last three weeks, but says that he feels good going into the last game of the year. He added that he looks forward to being able to rehab his back in the offseason.
Illinois’ defense is one of the best in the Big Ten this season and is led by dominant pass-rusher Whitney Mercilus, who has a nation-leading 13.5 sacks.
Mercilus is 2.5 sacks away from breaking Illinois’ record for most in a season, previously held by former NFL star Simeon Rice.
Illinois ranks ninth in the nation in yards per game allowed.
“[Their] defensive ends are very, very athletic. I think they have a chance to be drafted early when they come out,” Kill said. “They’ve been impressive all year.”
The Illini defense ranks second in the Big Ten in rushing defense. Running the ball is an area that the Gophers improved last week against Northwestern. Minnesota tallied its highest total all season with 269 yards in rushing offense last week.
On the other side of the ball, Minnesota has had difficulty stopping the opposing passing game. The Gophers have allowed 229 yards per game through the air and 23 touchdowns to only four interceptions.
Illinois’ AJ Jenkins is one of the top receivers in the nation with 1,166 yards and seven touchdowns.
“He’s bigger than us and there isn’t anything I can do about that,” defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said. “I worry about him getting over the top of us. We’ll spend a lot of time trying to keep him in front of us.”
Illinois has played two quarterbacks recently, with freshman Reilly O’Toole and starter Nathan Scheelhaase getting some snaps. Zook said that he plans to use both players Saturday.
The Illini employ a three-pronged rushing attack with Scheelhaase and senior running backs Jason Ford and Troy Pollard. However, Illinois’ running game is only sixth in the Big Ten with 179 yards per game.
Although Saturday will be Minnesota’s last game, Kill said he hopes the seniors get a chance to end their careers on a high note.
“If I could have a Christmas list of giving somebody a gift, I’d love to see those seniors get a win on Saturday,” Kill said.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/23/gophers-conclude-2011-illinois
Published: 2011-11-23
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers wrap up their season against Illinois on Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium. Minnesota has had a rocky road in head coach Jerry Kill’s first season with a 2-9 record (1-6 conference.)
With the rest of the school on Thanksgiving break, the football team is in search of a win to be thankful for this holiday weekend.
Minnesota played poorly through the first half of the season, but has shown life over the last half.
“From the second half of the Nebraska [game] on, it’s been a different group of kids,” Kill said. “We’ve gotten a little bit tougher over the last four games.”
Minnesota’s 24 seniors will be honored in their final game.
“I don’t think it’s hit me yet. I don’t think it’s going to hit me until afterwards,” senior defensive tackle Brandon Kirksey said.
The Illini started out the year on fire with six straight wins, but that flame has subsided and Illinois has lost five straight games. Illinois head coach Ron Zook has been with the team for seven years, but rumors are swirling about his potential departure after the recent losing streak.
Illinois will be focused on its final game in honor of its seniors, too. Zook said the team was determined at practice this week.
“Well, they don’t have school. They don’t have anything to worry about but football,” Zook said in his Tuesday press conference. Illinois is already on Thanksgiving break.
The Gophers defeated Illinois last year 38-34, in the first game after Minnesota dismissed Tim Brewster. That win was fueled by three touchdowns from former running back DeLeon Eskridge.
This year, Minnesota will try to end the year with a win behind the arm and legs of MarQueis Gray.
Gray had a poor passing performance last week but ran for 147 yards and a touchdown. Gray needs only 46 yards to set Minnesota’s single-season rushing record for quarterbacks.
“That defense is ranked just like Michigan State was. I believe in our offensive line,” Gray said. “I’m just going to have to use my feet, squirm around and make plays.”
Gray has battled a back injury the last three weeks, but says that he feels good going into the last game of the year. He added that he looks forward to being able to rehab his back in the offseason.
Illinois’ defense is one of the best in the Big Ten this season and is led by dominant pass-rusher Whitney Mercilus, who has a nation-leading 13.5 sacks.
Mercilus is 2.5 sacks away from breaking Illinois’ record for most in a season, previously held by former NFL star Simeon Rice.
Illinois ranks ninth in the nation in yards per game allowed.
“[Their] defensive ends are very, very athletic. I think they have a chance to be drafted early when they come out,” Kill said. “They’ve been impressive all year.”
The Illini defense ranks second in the Big Ten in rushing defense. Running the ball is an area that the Gophers improved last week against Northwestern. Minnesota tallied its highest total all season with 269 yards in rushing offense last week.
On the other side of the ball, Minnesota has had difficulty stopping the opposing passing game. The Gophers have allowed 229 yards per game through the air and 23 touchdowns to only four interceptions.
Illinois’ AJ Jenkins is one of the top receivers in the nation with 1,166 yards and seven touchdowns.
“He’s bigger than us and there isn’t anything I can do about that,” defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said. “I worry about him getting over the top of us. We’ll spend a lot of time trying to keep him in front of us.”
Illinois has played two quarterbacks recently, with freshman Reilly O’Toole and starter Nathan Scheelhaase getting some snaps. Zook said that he plans to use both players Saturday.
The Illini employ a three-pronged rushing attack with Scheelhaase and senior running backs Jason Ford and Troy Pollard. However, Illinois’ running game is only sixth in the Big Ten with 179 yards per game.
Although Saturday will be Minnesota’s last game, Kill said he hopes the seniors get a chance to end their careers on a high note.
“If I could have a Christmas list of giving somebody a gift, I’d love to see those seniors get a win on Saturday,” Kill said.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/23/gophers-conclude-2011-illinois
Seniors to be honored Saturday
The Gophers football team will celebrate Senior's Day at their last game this season.
Published: 2011-11-23
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The first year of the Jerry Kill era will come to a conclusion Saturday.
The season has developed into a rebuilding project for Kill and his staff, something the seniors seemingly embraced to help the future of the program.
Minnesota will honor 24 seniors Saturday, including long-time starters Duane Bennett, Chris Bunders, Anthony Jacobs, Brandon Kirksey, Da’Jon McKnight and Kim Royston.
Bennett has accumulated 2,082 rushing yards in his Gophers career, 13th on the school’s all-time list. He will hand the reigns of the running game off next year, but he said he hopes he has left a good impression on the remaining running backs on the roster.
Bennett reflected on his time at the University of Minnesota on Tuesday.
“I have mixed emotions. Excited. Bummed the ride is coming to an end,” Bennett said. “My biggest memory isn’t even on the football field. The camaraderie of my teammates, playing Madden and Call of Duty, having wing-eating contests and meeting all the different alums and telling stories — that’s my biggest memory.”
The remaining Gophers in the backfield are Donnell Kirkwood, David Cobb and Devon Wright along with LaMonte Edwards, who switched to play linebacker this season when the Gophers needed assistance on defense.
McKnight has been the Gophers’ biggest receiving threat since Eric Decker roamed the field for Minnesota. He is seventh all-time in receiving yards for the Gophers and has spread his knowledge to the younger players on the team like Marcus Jones and Devin Crawford-Tufts.
“Most of [young wide receivers] played this year. They’re going to be fine; they’ll have the same playbook and be comfortable with the system,” McKnight said. He was fraught with emotion after practice Tuesday.
“It’s kind of sad. It’s kind of getting to me,” McKnight said with a hesitation while he reflected.
Royston received a sixth year of eligibility this season when his medical hardship waiver was granted. He led the team with 110 tackles and was fourth overall in the Big Ten. Royston said he will go into Saturday’s game as if it were the Super Bowl.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling after not knowing if I would get this opportunity last year. There was a point last year when I thought my college career was over. This whole season was an extra blessing,” Royston said.
Royston has received his degree and is working toward his masters in sports management.
Senior Troy Stoudermire missed most of the season with a broken left arm and may receive a medical redshirt, which would allow him to return for a sixth season like Royston did this year.
Some of the seniors had to endure two coaching regime changes during their careers. They were recruited by Glen Mason, then had to adapt to Tim Brewster and now to Kill.
“It makes you doubt coaches and doubt what people say and not so much trust what people say. I’ve got genuine trust for coach Kill,” Kirksey said. “Some coaches promise certain kids certain things, and then theyleave. I was real happy when they did the extension on his time here.”
Bunders assisted in the growth of an extremely young offensive line rotation. He is graduating with a civil engineering degree in the spring. He said he believes the next crop of offensive lineman is in good hands but said going through the coaching changes made him a stronger player.
“It’s nice to be able to say that you’ve done all that. You can say you’re a versatile player because you’ve played in literally five or six different offenses,” Bunders said. “The new coaching staff with coach Kill, everything they have going on here is positive.”
Each senior has different goals that span from law school to the NFL, and those dreams will be confronted after Saturday’s game.
These seniors will leave the program while the start of a new foundation is laid. Several of them expressed their wish for the future success of the program under the guidance of the Kill regime.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/23/seniors-be-honored-saturday
Published: 2011-11-23
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The first year of the Jerry Kill era will come to a conclusion Saturday.
The season has developed into a rebuilding project for Kill and his staff, something the seniors seemingly embraced to help the future of the program.
Minnesota will honor 24 seniors Saturday, including long-time starters Duane Bennett, Chris Bunders, Anthony Jacobs, Brandon Kirksey, Da’Jon McKnight and Kim Royston.
Bennett has accumulated 2,082 rushing yards in his Gophers career, 13th on the school’s all-time list. He will hand the reigns of the running game off next year, but he said he hopes he has left a good impression on the remaining running backs on the roster.
Bennett reflected on his time at the University of Minnesota on Tuesday.
“I have mixed emotions. Excited. Bummed the ride is coming to an end,” Bennett said. “My biggest memory isn’t even on the football field. The camaraderie of my teammates, playing Madden and Call of Duty, having wing-eating contests and meeting all the different alums and telling stories — that’s my biggest memory.”
The remaining Gophers in the backfield are Donnell Kirkwood, David Cobb and Devon Wright along with LaMonte Edwards, who switched to play linebacker this season when the Gophers needed assistance on defense.
McKnight has been the Gophers’ biggest receiving threat since Eric Decker roamed the field for Minnesota. He is seventh all-time in receiving yards for the Gophers and has spread his knowledge to the younger players on the team like Marcus Jones and Devin Crawford-Tufts.
“Most of [young wide receivers] played this year. They’re going to be fine; they’ll have the same playbook and be comfortable with the system,” McKnight said. He was fraught with emotion after practice Tuesday.
“It’s kind of sad. It’s kind of getting to me,” McKnight said with a hesitation while he reflected.
Royston received a sixth year of eligibility this season when his medical hardship waiver was granted. He led the team with 110 tackles and was fourth overall in the Big Ten. Royston said he will go into Saturday’s game as if it were the Super Bowl.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling after not knowing if I would get this opportunity last year. There was a point last year when I thought my college career was over. This whole season was an extra blessing,” Royston said.
Royston has received his degree and is working toward his masters in sports management.
Senior Troy Stoudermire missed most of the season with a broken left arm and may receive a medical redshirt, which would allow him to return for a sixth season like Royston did this year.
Some of the seniors had to endure two coaching regime changes during their careers. They were recruited by Glen Mason, then had to adapt to Tim Brewster and now to Kill.
“It makes you doubt coaches and doubt what people say and not so much trust what people say. I’ve got genuine trust for coach Kill,” Kirksey said. “Some coaches promise certain kids certain things, and then theyleave. I was real happy when they did the extension on his time here.”
Bunders assisted in the growth of an extremely young offensive line rotation. He is graduating with a civil engineering degree in the spring. He said he believes the next crop of offensive lineman is in good hands but said going through the coaching changes made him a stronger player.
“It’s nice to be able to say that you’ve done all that. You can say you’re a versatile player because you’ve played in literally five or six different offenses,” Bunders said. “The new coaching staff with coach Kill, everything they have going on here is positive.”
Each senior has different goals that span from law school to the NFL, and those dreams will be confronted after Saturday’s game.
These seniors will leave the program while the start of a new foundation is laid. Several of them expressed their wish for the future success of the program under the guidance of the Kill regime.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/23/seniors-be-honored-saturday
Minnesota heads to California for St. Mary’s Hilton tournament
Minnesota faces Quinnipiac on Friday night in Moraga, Calif.
Published: 2011-11-23
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers women’s basketball team travels to California this weekend for the St. Mary’s Hilton Tournament. The Gophers will face Quinnipiac on Friday night to open the tournament and play in either the consolation or championship game Saturday.
Head coach Pam Borton said she feels good about the way the team is playing headed into the weekend tournament.
This will be the Gophers’ second time playing a weekend tournament on the road. The first tournament, the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tip Off Classic in Daytona Beach, Fla., left them with a 1-2 record.
The team improved to 3-2 with home wins over Binghamton and North Dakota State on Nov. 19 and 20.
Borton said defense will be the key to success this weekend.
“When you go on the road and have a good defense, you can play anywhere,” Borton said.
Freshman point guard Rachel Banham will play in her second road tournament and the team hopes for her continued development.
“Every game I feel more comfortable,” Banham said. “I don’t really have time to take my time and say ‘next game.’”
She has been most effective in transition, running up and down the floor and using her speed.
“That’s the way we want to play: Feed off our defense and score in transition,” Borton said. “We want to run as much as possible.”
Borton said that senior Kiara Buford and Banham have a high level of confidence that helps the team.
“When they are playing well and playing intense, they are setting the tone for this team,” Borton said. “Everybody is confident because of them.”
Buford has been the Gophers’ most consistent player. She has scored in double figures in every game this season while filling the stat sheet in rebounds, assists and steals.
Minnesota improved its shooting percentage to 42 percent in both the Binghamton and North Dakota State games.
Now, Minnesota will try to improve its record to 5-2 before going on a tough stretch of games. The Gophers have an away game against Wake Forest and a home game against No. 1 Baylor next week.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/23/minnesota-heads-california-st-mary’s-hilton-tournament
Published: 2011-11-23
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers women’s basketball team travels to California this weekend for the St. Mary’s Hilton Tournament. The Gophers will face Quinnipiac on Friday night to open the tournament and play in either the consolation or championship game Saturday.
Head coach Pam Borton said she feels good about the way the team is playing headed into the weekend tournament.
This will be the Gophers’ second time playing a weekend tournament on the road. The first tournament, the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tip Off Classic in Daytona Beach, Fla., left them with a 1-2 record.
The team improved to 3-2 with home wins over Binghamton and North Dakota State on Nov. 19 and 20.
Borton said defense will be the key to success this weekend.
“When you go on the road and have a good defense, you can play anywhere,” Borton said.
Freshman point guard Rachel Banham will play in her second road tournament and the team hopes for her continued development.
“Every game I feel more comfortable,” Banham said. “I don’t really have time to take my time and say ‘next game.’”
She has been most effective in transition, running up and down the floor and using her speed.
“That’s the way we want to play: Feed off our defense and score in transition,” Borton said. “We want to run as much as possible.”
Borton said that senior Kiara Buford and Banham have a high level of confidence that helps the team.
“When they are playing well and playing intense, they are setting the tone for this team,” Borton said. “Everybody is confident because of them.”
Buford has been the Gophers’ most consistent player. She has scored in double figures in every game this season while filling the stat sheet in rebounds, assists and steals.
Minnesota improved its shooting percentage to 42 percent in both the Binghamton and North Dakota State games.
Now, Minnesota will try to improve its record to 5-2 before going on a tough stretch of games. The Gophers have an away game against Wake Forest and a home game against No. 1 Baylor next week.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/23/minnesota-heads-california-st-mary’s-hilton-tournament
Mistakes doom Gophers on the road
Minnesota rushed for 269 yards but lost 28-13 at Northwestern.
Published: 2011-11-21
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
EVANSTON, Ill. — Minnesota fell to 1-6 in conference play Saturday with a 28-13 road loss to Northwestern. The Gophers had numerous opportunities but costly turnovers in the second half led to their defeat.
Minnesota’s defense played well and created a lot of pressure on Wildcats’ quarterback Dan Persa, including two sacks and two turnovers. But Minnesota’s offense wasn’t able to take advantage of the fortune.
“We played well enough to win the game — we just didn’t make enough plays offensively,” head coach Jerry Kill said. “We moved the ball but didn’t make a few critical plays.”
Senior Duane Bennett, playing in his final road game for the Gophers, fumbled deep in Northwestern territory in the third quarter. MarQueis Gray threw an interception on a tipped ball in the end zone on a long third-quarter drive, too, and Minnesota wasn’t able to recover.
“We did some good things, but we also dropped some balls in critical moments and turned it over in critical moments,” Kill said. “You can’t do that and win.”
Persa threw for 216 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He led Northwestern, in front of a half-full stadium, to its fourth straight victory. The win made the Wildcats bowl-eligible.
By the fourth quarter, Northwestern’s no-huddle offense proved to be too quick for Minnesota’s defense. The Gophers couldn’t substitute lineman quick enough to defend and Northwestern added a touchdown to their lead in the final quarter while running out the clock.
Gray finished the day with 124 yards passing, no touchdowns and one interception. He did have success running, with 147 yards and a touchdown.
“It was a take-what-they-give-us [performance],” Gray said. “They gave us the run.”
Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald said he was impressed with Gray’s running abilities.
“We gave up over 100 yards on broken plays. I’m not going to lose sleep over that. I’d like guys to tackle obviously, but he’s 6’4” and 250 pounds. The kid’s a great football player,” Fitzgerald said.
Gray (147) and Bennett (127) each had more than 100 yards rushing — the first time Minnesota had two rushers break the century mark since 2006.
Bennett reached 2,000 rush yards for his Gophers career, the first to do so since Amir Pinnix in 2007.
“It’s definitely a milestone. It’s something I’m proud to accomplish. I would’ve taken the win any day,” Bennett said. “The record in general I give to my front five, my receivers, my quarterback, my coaches.”
The Gophers gained 269 yards on the ground, but that didn’t amount to many points, as Minnesota committed mistake after mistake late in its drives.
“You rush for over 200 yards and you should win the football game,” Kill said.
Malcolm Moulton dropped two potential touchdown catches on routes up the seam, and Da’Jon McKnight dropped a would-be touchdown catch in the end zone.
The Gophers had only 10 men on the field for two consecutive plays when Northwestern scored its second touchdown on a 28-yard fade from Persa to Demetrius Fields. Kill said that there was an injured player, some miscommunication and he couldn’t get the timeout called in time against the Wildcat hurry-up offense.
Senior Kim Royston racked up 17 tackles on defense and also nabbed an interception.
“Our [defensive] line played a hell of a game. I greatly appreciate that. Anytime they get pressure on the quarterback, a lot of good things happen on the back end,” Royston said.
Northwestern started the game with a 44-yard kickoff return by Venric Mark that jump-started the Wildcats’ offense. The Wildcats finished with a touchdown to take an early 7-0 lead.
Northwestern continued its success on special teams by starting the next two drives in Minnesota territory and both ended with touchdowns. Northwestern led 21-7 at the end of the first quarter before the Gophers steadied the ship — they surrendered just seven more points the final three quarters.
The Gophers were only able to score one touchdown despite 393 yards of total offense, Northwestern’s 28 points came off 368 yards of offense.
“I feel like our offense did great in the stats, but stats don’t matter if you don’t finish,” Gray said. “That’s something we should’ve done. If we would’ve done that, we would’ve had a different outcome.”
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/21/mistakes-doom-gophers-road
Published: 2011-11-21
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
EVANSTON, Ill. — Minnesota fell to 1-6 in conference play Saturday with a 28-13 road loss to Northwestern. The Gophers had numerous opportunities but costly turnovers in the second half led to their defeat.
Minnesota’s defense played well and created a lot of pressure on Wildcats’ quarterback Dan Persa, including two sacks and two turnovers. But Minnesota’s offense wasn’t able to take advantage of the fortune.
“We played well enough to win the game — we just didn’t make enough plays offensively,” head coach Jerry Kill said. “We moved the ball but didn’t make a few critical plays.”
Senior Duane Bennett, playing in his final road game for the Gophers, fumbled deep in Northwestern territory in the third quarter. MarQueis Gray threw an interception on a tipped ball in the end zone on a long third-quarter drive, too, and Minnesota wasn’t able to recover.
“We did some good things, but we also dropped some balls in critical moments and turned it over in critical moments,” Kill said. “You can’t do that and win.”
Persa threw for 216 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He led Northwestern, in front of a half-full stadium, to its fourth straight victory. The win made the Wildcats bowl-eligible.
By the fourth quarter, Northwestern’s no-huddle offense proved to be too quick for Minnesota’s defense. The Gophers couldn’t substitute lineman quick enough to defend and Northwestern added a touchdown to their lead in the final quarter while running out the clock.
Gray finished the day with 124 yards passing, no touchdowns and one interception. He did have success running, with 147 yards and a touchdown.
“It was a take-what-they-give-us [performance],” Gray said. “They gave us the run.”
Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald said he was impressed with Gray’s running abilities.
“We gave up over 100 yards on broken plays. I’m not going to lose sleep over that. I’d like guys to tackle obviously, but he’s 6’4” and 250 pounds. The kid’s a great football player,” Fitzgerald said.
Gray (147) and Bennett (127) each had more than 100 yards rushing — the first time Minnesota had two rushers break the century mark since 2006.
Bennett reached 2,000 rush yards for his Gophers career, the first to do so since Amir Pinnix in 2007.
“It’s definitely a milestone. It’s something I’m proud to accomplish. I would’ve taken the win any day,” Bennett said. “The record in general I give to my front five, my receivers, my quarterback, my coaches.”
The Gophers gained 269 yards on the ground, but that didn’t amount to many points, as Minnesota committed mistake after mistake late in its drives.
“You rush for over 200 yards and you should win the football game,” Kill said.
Malcolm Moulton dropped two potential touchdown catches on routes up the seam, and Da’Jon McKnight dropped a would-be touchdown catch in the end zone.
The Gophers had only 10 men on the field for two consecutive plays when Northwestern scored its second touchdown on a 28-yard fade from Persa to Demetrius Fields. Kill said that there was an injured player, some miscommunication and he couldn’t get the timeout called in time against the Wildcat hurry-up offense.
Senior Kim Royston racked up 17 tackles on defense and also nabbed an interception.
“Our [defensive] line played a hell of a game. I greatly appreciate that. Anytime they get pressure on the quarterback, a lot of good things happen on the back end,” Royston said.
Northwestern started the game with a 44-yard kickoff return by Venric Mark that jump-started the Wildcats’ offense. The Wildcats finished with a touchdown to take an early 7-0 lead.
Northwestern continued its success on special teams by starting the next two drives in Minnesota territory and both ended with touchdowns. Northwestern led 21-7 at the end of the first quarter before the Gophers steadied the ship — they surrendered just seven more points the final three quarters.
The Gophers were only able to score one touchdown despite 393 yards of total offense, Northwestern’s 28 points came off 368 yards of offense.
“I feel like our offense did great in the stats, but stats don’t matter if you don’t finish,” Gray said. “That’s something we should’ve done. If we would’ve done that, we would’ve had a different outcome.”
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/21/mistakes-doom-gophers-road
Gophers win Subway Classic Tournament
Minnesota held opponents Binghamton and NDSU to 81 points on the weekend.
Published: 2011-11-21
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com Charlie Armitz carmitz@mndaily.com
The Gophers women’s basketball team defeated North Dakota State 80-41 on Sunday in the Subway Classic championship and improved to 3-2 on the season.
Minnesota dominated the glass, forced 26 turnovers and played tough defense in the lopsided championship win.
The Gophers defeated Binghamton 65-40 on Saturday behind Sari Noga’s hot shooting to propel them to Sunday’s title game.
“I’m really happy with where we’re at,” Borton said after Sunday’s win. “I think we have a team that isn’t going to settle. We have a team that has bought in.”
In the win over NDSU, Minnesota went on a 21-0 run that lasted nearly 10 minutes to jump-start the team to a 39-16 lead at halftime. That allowed the Gophers to put the game in cruise control in the second half.
Freshman Rachel Banham played inconsistently on Saturday but showed flashes of her abilities Sunday. She scored 23 points and had 17 rebounds for the tournament. She was most effective in transition and showed room for improvement in her half-court game.
“She needs to work through some things,” Borton said. “I think she’s doing a great job. She’s pushing tempo and keeping our team playing fast, and that’s what we want to do.”
Kiara Buford only shot 7-for-20 on the weekend but had nine rebounds, six assists and eight steals. Buford has scored in double digits in every game this season and was named the Subway Classic Tournament MVP.
Minnesota used its size advantage over the weekend to out-rebound its opponents 101-76. The Gophers also shot 41 percent during the tournament — an improvement from last weekend.
“Obviously, our offense has a long ways to go — it usually does this time of the year,” Borton said. “Our defense and our rebounding is way ahead of our offense, and we’ve got a lot of work to do [on offense].”
Noga was the highlight Saturday, when she scored 16 points and shot 7-for-13. She followed that up with an 11-point performance Sunday that included some intense defense.
“I think I brought some toughness. It was just something we needed today,” Noga said after Saturday’s win. “I was more aggressive compared to last weekend in taking the ball to the basket and learning to finish a little bit better. [I got] my confidence up by getting some shots in the lane.”
The Bison only shot 26 percent Sunday night. A small student group heckled North Dakota loudly throughout the game, and their chants grew with each missed shot.
Minnesota allowed the Bison 12 offensive rebounds, but that was 10 fewer than the Gophers’ total of 22.
The victories were a team effort with significant contributions inside from Katie Loberg and drives from the perimeter by Leah Cotton. Minnesota’s bench scored 49 points, 34 of which came Sunday.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/21/gophers-win-subway-classic-tournament
Published: 2011-11-21
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com Charlie Armitz carmitz@mndaily.com
The Gophers women’s basketball team defeated North Dakota State 80-41 on Sunday in the Subway Classic championship and improved to 3-2 on the season.
Minnesota dominated the glass, forced 26 turnovers and played tough defense in the lopsided championship win.
The Gophers defeated Binghamton 65-40 on Saturday behind Sari Noga’s hot shooting to propel them to Sunday’s title game.
“I’m really happy with where we’re at,” Borton said after Sunday’s win. “I think we have a team that isn’t going to settle. We have a team that has bought in.”
In the win over NDSU, Minnesota went on a 21-0 run that lasted nearly 10 minutes to jump-start the team to a 39-16 lead at halftime. That allowed the Gophers to put the game in cruise control in the second half.
Freshman Rachel Banham played inconsistently on Saturday but showed flashes of her abilities Sunday. She scored 23 points and had 17 rebounds for the tournament. She was most effective in transition and showed room for improvement in her half-court game.
“She needs to work through some things,” Borton said. “I think she’s doing a great job. She’s pushing tempo and keeping our team playing fast, and that’s what we want to do.”
Kiara Buford only shot 7-for-20 on the weekend but had nine rebounds, six assists and eight steals. Buford has scored in double digits in every game this season and was named the Subway Classic Tournament MVP.
Minnesota used its size advantage over the weekend to out-rebound its opponents 101-76. The Gophers also shot 41 percent during the tournament — an improvement from last weekend.
“Obviously, our offense has a long ways to go — it usually does this time of the year,” Borton said. “Our defense and our rebounding is way ahead of our offense, and we’ve got a lot of work to do [on offense].”
Noga was the highlight Saturday, when she scored 16 points and shot 7-for-13. She followed that up with an 11-point performance Sunday that included some intense defense.
“I think I brought some toughness. It was just something we needed today,” Noga said after Saturday’s win. “I was more aggressive compared to last weekend in taking the ball to the basket and learning to finish a little bit better. [I got] my confidence up by getting some shots in the lane.”
The Bison only shot 26 percent Sunday night. A small student group heckled North Dakota loudly throughout the game, and their chants grew with each missed shot.
Minnesota allowed the Bison 12 offensive rebounds, but that was 10 fewer than the Gophers’ total of 22.
The victories were a team effort with significant contributions inside from Katie Loberg and drives from the perimeter by Leah Cotton. Minnesota’s bench scored 49 points, 34 of which came Sunday.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/21/gophers-win-subway-classic-tournament
Mistakes doom Gophers on the road
Minnesota lost to Northwestern in Evanston, 28-13.
Published: 2011-11-19
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Minnesota fell to 1-6 Saturday with a road loss to Northwestern 28-13. The Gophers had numerous opportunities, but costly turnovers in the second half led to their defeat.
In the third quarter, senior Duane Bennett, in his final road game for the Gophers, fumbled deep in Northwestern territory. MarQueis Gray threw an interception on a tipped ball in the end zone on the next drive as well and Minnesota wasn’t able to recover.
The Gophers’ defense played well and created a lot of pressure on Wildcats’ quarterback Dan Persa. The defense tallied two sacks and also had two turnovers, but Minnesota’s offense wasn’t able to take advantage of the fortune.
By the fourth quarter, Northwestern’s no-huddle offense proved to be too quick for Minnesota’s defense, which appeared tired. The Gophers couldn’t get linemen out in time to defend and Northwestern added a touchdown to its lead in the final quarter while running out the clock.
Gray (147 yards) and Bennett (127) each had more than 100 yards rushing in the game. It was the first time Minnesota had two rushers record more than 100 yards since 2006.
The Gophers gained 269 yards on the ground, but that didn’t amount to many points because they committed mistake after mistake late in their drives.
Malcolm Moulton dropped two potential touchdown catches on routes up the seam and Da’Jon McKnight dropped a would-be touchdown catch in the end zone. Minnesota had two costly turnovers.
Senior Kim Royston racked up 17 tackles on defense and also nabbed an interception.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/19/mistakes-doom-gophers-road
Mon Nov 28 2011
Published: 2011-11-19
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Minnesota fell to 1-6 Saturday with a road loss to Northwestern 28-13. The Gophers had numerous opportunities, but costly turnovers in the second half led to their defeat.
In the third quarter, senior Duane Bennett, in his final road game for the Gophers, fumbled deep in Northwestern territory. MarQueis Gray threw an interception on a tipped ball in the end zone on the next drive as well and Minnesota wasn’t able to recover.
The Gophers’ defense played well and created a lot of pressure on Wildcats’ quarterback Dan Persa. The defense tallied two sacks and also had two turnovers, but Minnesota’s offense wasn’t able to take advantage of the fortune.
By the fourth quarter, Northwestern’s no-huddle offense proved to be too quick for Minnesota’s defense, which appeared tired. The Gophers couldn’t get linemen out in time to defend and Northwestern added a touchdown to its lead in the final quarter while running out the clock.
Gray (147 yards) and Bennett (127) each had more than 100 yards rushing in the game. It was the first time Minnesota had two rushers record more than 100 yards since 2006.
The Gophers gained 269 yards on the ground, but that didn’t amount to many points because they committed mistake after mistake late in their drives.
Malcolm Moulton dropped two potential touchdown catches on routes up the seam and Da’Jon McKnight dropped a would-be touchdown catch in the end zone. Minnesota had two costly turnovers.
Senior Kim Royston racked up 17 tackles on defense and also nabbed an interception.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/19/mistakes-doom-gophers-road
Mon Nov 28 2011
Gophers open at home with Binghamton in Subway Classic
Minnesota will play in the final Sunday if it wins.
Published: 2011-11-17
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The Minnesota women’s basketball team will play its first regular season home game this weekend against Binghamton University in the Subway Classic tournament.
The winner of Saturday’s game will play at 3 p.m. Sunday at Williams Arena.
Head coach Pam Borton said all of her players will be healthy and available for Saturday’s game.
The Gophers played to a 1-2 record in last week’s opening WBI Tipoff in Daytona Beach, Fla. Minnesota won its opener against Arkansas on Friday, but dropped the next two games over the weekend.
“This is one of the best opening-season tournaments you can play in,” Borton said of the WBI Tipoff. “We learned a lot of positive things about our team. Our work ethic and the intensity level that we carried for 40 minutes for three days in a row was unbelievable.”
Binghamton currently has a 2-0 record and had a 19-12 record last season. It posted good defensive numbers in 2010-11, including a 35.1 opposing field-goal percentage, which ranked 15th in the nation.
That may be a tough matchup given the Gophers shot only 34.7 percent over their first three games, including 26.8 percent against South Florida.
“Our shooting percentages have got to be better in a lot of areas,” Borton said. “In the post, 3-point shooting percentage, our free throw shooting percentage.”
Senior combo guard Kiara Buford led the Gophers in their first three games and is expected to be an on-court leader for Minnesota this season. She will be relaying information specifically to freshman point guard Rachel Banham.
“I tried to talk to [Banham] the whole time,” Buford said. “You learn as you progress. It’s something I’ve had to learn, is how to score with contact, draw fouls, do other things when shots aren’t falling.”
Banham started the weekend well, shooting 6-for-14 for 15 points Friday, but only shot 6-for-31 the rest of the weekend.
“My legs were very worn out by the end,” Banham said. “But with my shooting — I just need to keep working on my shot, keep getting in the gym, getting extra shots up to make it more consistent.”
Banham’s ball handling ability was on display in the team’s first three games. Borton said she was impressed by Banham’s lack of turnovers and ability to take care of the ball.
“I was very, very proud of Rachel,” Borton said. “She’s playing three tougher games than any freshman in the country. She doesn’t get a chance to get her feet wet. I think she did outstanding, and I think she learned a lot about herself.”
Junior forward Katie Loberg led the team with 21 rebounds over the first three games, but shot only 7-for-21 on the weekend.
Banham will play her first regular season game in front of a hometown crowd this weekend, and Borton said Banham isn’t the only one who is glad to be back in Minneapolis.
“This is a comfort zone for them. To be able to play in the Barn — in front of their family and friends — should be exciting,” Borton said.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/17/gophers-open-home-binghamton-subway-classic
Published: 2011-11-17
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The Minnesota women’s basketball team will play its first regular season home game this weekend against Binghamton University in the Subway Classic tournament.
The winner of Saturday’s game will play at 3 p.m. Sunday at Williams Arena.
Head coach Pam Borton said all of her players will be healthy and available for Saturday’s game.
The Gophers played to a 1-2 record in last week’s opening WBI Tipoff in Daytona Beach, Fla. Minnesota won its opener against Arkansas on Friday, but dropped the next two games over the weekend.
“This is one of the best opening-season tournaments you can play in,” Borton said of the WBI Tipoff. “We learned a lot of positive things about our team. Our work ethic and the intensity level that we carried for 40 minutes for three days in a row was unbelievable.”
Binghamton currently has a 2-0 record and had a 19-12 record last season. It posted good defensive numbers in 2010-11, including a 35.1 opposing field-goal percentage, which ranked 15th in the nation.
That may be a tough matchup given the Gophers shot only 34.7 percent over their first three games, including 26.8 percent against South Florida.
“Our shooting percentages have got to be better in a lot of areas,” Borton said. “In the post, 3-point shooting percentage, our free throw shooting percentage.”
Senior combo guard Kiara Buford led the Gophers in their first three games and is expected to be an on-court leader for Minnesota this season. She will be relaying information specifically to freshman point guard Rachel Banham.
“I tried to talk to [Banham] the whole time,” Buford said. “You learn as you progress. It’s something I’ve had to learn, is how to score with contact, draw fouls, do other things when shots aren’t falling.”
Banham started the weekend well, shooting 6-for-14 for 15 points Friday, but only shot 6-for-31 the rest of the weekend.
“My legs were very worn out by the end,” Banham said. “But with my shooting — I just need to keep working on my shot, keep getting in the gym, getting extra shots up to make it more consistent.”
Banham’s ball handling ability was on display in the team’s first three games. Borton said she was impressed by Banham’s lack of turnovers and ability to take care of the ball.
“I was very, very proud of Rachel,” Borton said. “She’s playing three tougher games than any freshman in the country. She doesn’t get a chance to get her feet wet. I think she did outstanding, and I think she learned a lot about herself.”
Junior forward Katie Loberg led the team with 21 rebounds over the first three games, but shot only 7-for-21 on the weekend.
Banham will play her first regular season game in front of a hometown crowd this weekend, and Borton said Banham isn’t the only one who is glad to be back in Minneapolis.
“This is a comfort zone for them. To be able to play in the Barn — in front of their family and friends — should be exciting,” Borton said.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/17/gophers-open-home-binghamton-subway-classic
Quick hitters
Published: 2011-11-17
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
•MarQueis Gray played against Wisconsin with a hurt back, an injury he sustained against Michigan State. Gray took full reps at practice this week.
“It feels a lot better, a lot better than last week,” Gray said. “It limited my reps [last week] and going into the game I wasn’t fully confident in myself because of the back injury. I plan on taking every rep this week and regain that confidence.”
Gray had his worst statistical performance of the year last week against Wisconsin. He threw for 51 yards and an interception only a week after his career-best performance against Michigan State, when he threw for 295 yards and three touchdowns.
•Northwestern is second-worst in the Big Ten in pass defense, allowing 235 yards per game through the air.
•Minnesota has been stymied in the running game the last two weeks.
“We’re getting back to fundamentals, kind of what we did leading up to that nice run [of good games],” offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said.
Northwestern ranks ninth in the Big Ten in rushing defense, allowing 179 yards per game on the ground.
•Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa, a senior, has thrown for more than 1,700 yards in only seven games this season, including a 372-yard performance with four touchdowns last week against Rice.
•The Wildcats’ sophomore backup quarterback, Kain Colter, has been a multi-level threat on offense. He leads the team in rushing, is second in passing and is third in receiving with 15 touchdowns overall this season.
•Led by Persa and Colter, Northwestern is first in the Big Ten in passing offense.
•The Gophers’ pass rush has steadily improved. Minnesota sacked Russell Wilson twice last week despite an enormous Badgers offensive line.
That brought its total to 12 sacks on the year, four more than all of last year.
•Northwestern’s offense runs a lot of no-huddle. This system of offense often causes defenses to remain on the field for numerous series of downs without substitutions.
•The Gophers were unable to score an offensive touchdown last week. Their only two scores were on special teams.
•Duane Bennett gave the team a jolt last week when he returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown. He is averaging 31 yards per return this season.
Bennett, a fifth year senior, now has a kickoff return, punt return, rushing, receiving and passing touchdown during his career at Minnesota.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/17/quick-hitters
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
•MarQueis Gray played against Wisconsin with a hurt back, an injury he sustained against Michigan State. Gray took full reps at practice this week.
“It feels a lot better, a lot better than last week,” Gray said. “It limited my reps [last week] and going into the game I wasn’t fully confident in myself because of the back injury. I plan on taking every rep this week and regain that confidence.”
Gray had his worst statistical performance of the year last week against Wisconsin. He threw for 51 yards and an interception only a week after his career-best performance against Michigan State, when he threw for 295 yards and three touchdowns.
•Northwestern is second-worst in the Big Ten in pass defense, allowing 235 yards per game through the air.
•Minnesota has been stymied in the running game the last two weeks.
“We’re getting back to fundamentals, kind of what we did leading up to that nice run [of good games],” offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said.
Northwestern ranks ninth in the Big Ten in rushing defense, allowing 179 yards per game on the ground.
•Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa, a senior, has thrown for more than 1,700 yards in only seven games this season, including a 372-yard performance with four touchdowns last week against Rice.
•The Wildcats’ sophomore backup quarterback, Kain Colter, has been a multi-level threat on offense. He leads the team in rushing, is second in passing and is third in receiving with 15 touchdowns overall this season.
•Led by Persa and Colter, Northwestern is first in the Big Ten in passing offense.
•The Gophers’ pass rush has steadily improved. Minnesota sacked Russell Wilson twice last week despite an enormous Badgers offensive line.
That brought its total to 12 sacks on the year, four more than all of last year.
•Northwestern’s offense runs a lot of no-huddle. This system of offense often causes defenses to remain on the field for numerous series of downs without substitutions.
•The Gophers were unable to score an offensive touchdown last week. Their only two scores were on special teams.
•Duane Bennett gave the team a jolt last week when he returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown. He is averaging 31 yards per return this season.
Bennett, a fifth year senior, now has a kickoff return, punt return, rushing, receiving and passing touchdown during his career at Minnesota.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/17/quick-hitters
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
A constant state of flux
Young hodgepodge group of offensive lineman has been thrust into game action.
Published: 2011-11-16
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The Big Ten is known for power running games behind massive offensive lines. This formula has worked well for Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan for years, but the Gophers have struggled in that regard since Laurence Maroney, Marion Barber III and Gary Russell left.
During the Glen Mason era, Minnesota had athletic system blockers, led by All-Americans Mark Setterstrom, Ben Hamilton and Greg Eslinger. Since then, the Gophers offensive line has been in constant flux.
Even by those standards, this season has been tumultuous. Head coach Jerry Kill and offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover have had to mix and match their front line.
“In all the years coach Limegrover’s been with me this may be his best coaching job, because not very many people can have a different offensive line every week and have some continuity,” Kill said.
The Gophers have had a different starting offensive line group in four of their 10 games this season, while having to make many in-game substitutions due to injuries.
These holes along the line have been plugged with undersized underclassmen. Some of them have experienced growing pains on the field.
“I think that I could take a whole group full of them from the Olsons, Lenkiewiczes — all those young offensive linemen, they’re all playing, they’re all young. I mean, everybody is young up in the offensive line except for two kids right now,” Kill said.
The linemen who have sustained injuries are: Jimmy Gjere (head), Josh Campion (head), Ed Olson (quadriceps), Tommy Olson (ankle) and Zach Mottla (head).
The injuries have been only part of the shift on the offensive line. Inconsistent play has forced Kill and Limegrover to bring in fresh bodies able to execute their offensive schemes.
In total, they’ve used 10 different offensive linemen so far this season.
Senior Chris Bunders has been the only constant on the line, but he has had to shift from his natural position of left guard to right tackle since Gjere sustained a concussion in early October.
“It’s fun. I like the challenge being able to play tackle and guard,” Bunders said. “A lot of guys have been able to step up and fill in when we’ve needed it. We have a great coach that comes out and teaches everybody, not just the starters — everybody.”
Two of those young players that have stepped up and filled in are redshirt freshmen Caleb Bak and Zac Epping. Epping has started the last six games at right guard, while Bak just entered the lineup at left guard two games ago after Tommy Olson hurt his ankle.
“[The coaches] do a good job preparing you and preparing the backups. You get in there and you’re ready to play,” Bak said.
Kill had high praises for Bak in his Nov. 1 press conference.
“It’s an amazing story,” Kill said. “When you’ve got a young man, Caleb Bak, who hasn’t been playing at all and not getting a lot of practice reps and he plays for three quarters and finds a way to get it done and you’re able to protect the passer and give him time. It’s really kind of an amazing deal.”
The Gophers’ offensive line has played through some of its injuries as well. Ed Olson had to yield to Marek Lenkiewicz because of a quad injury but returned the next game to start.
“We don’t treat it like someone is a new guy. We always practice together, we’re in film together, we all treat each other like we’re all on the first line, and that makes it a nice transition,” Ed Olson said.
Olson’s younger brother, Tommy, came to Minnesota a year after his brother Ed. He is one of the freshmen getting time on the field, and he said he is enjoying the opportunity to line up next to his brother.
“It’s a dream come true. We talked about it all the time — middle school, high school, now here. We’ve always talked about coming here and playing next to each other. It’s something we’ll remember for the rest of our lives,” Tommy Olson said.
Each of the players — even the younger group — has to prepare each week as though they will play. The coaching staff hasn’t had the luxury of being able to redshirt most of the younger players. Many of them could use that year to build up proper muscle for the Big Ten in an ideal situation.
Limegrover has had the task of preparing all his players to get into game action against more experienced Big Ten competition.
“You try to get guys ready at multiple positions, you try to get the guys you have in there comfortable with each other,” Limegrover said. “I’m just trying to get a group out to practice each day and make it to Saturday.”
Minnesota does have a handful of young players who are getting time to develop off the field including another pair of brothers. Kyle and Luke McAvoy will most likely be redshirted along with a small handful of others.
The Gophers also have commitments from two highly-touted high school prospects: Isaac Hayes, who is an ESPN top-150 recruit, and 6-foot-8-inch, 300-pound Jonah Pirsig from Blue Earth, Minn.
The group will in all likelihood continue to have fluctuations in its play, but is also gaining game experience playing at a Division I level against some of the most talented players in the nation.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/16/constant-state-flux
Published: 2011-11-16
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The Big Ten is known for power running games behind massive offensive lines. This formula has worked well for Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan for years, but the Gophers have struggled in that regard since Laurence Maroney, Marion Barber III and Gary Russell left.
During the Glen Mason era, Minnesota had athletic system blockers, led by All-Americans Mark Setterstrom, Ben Hamilton and Greg Eslinger. Since then, the Gophers offensive line has been in constant flux.
Even by those standards, this season has been tumultuous. Head coach Jerry Kill and offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover have had to mix and match their front line.
“In all the years coach Limegrover’s been with me this may be his best coaching job, because not very many people can have a different offensive line every week and have some continuity,” Kill said.
The Gophers have had a different starting offensive line group in four of their 10 games this season, while having to make many in-game substitutions due to injuries.
These holes along the line have been plugged with undersized underclassmen. Some of them have experienced growing pains on the field.
“I think that I could take a whole group full of them from the Olsons, Lenkiewiczes — all those young offensive linemen, they’re all playing, they’re all young. I mean, everybody is young up in the offensive line except for two kids right now,” Kill said.
The linemen who have sustained injuries are: Jimmy Gjere (head), Josh Campion (head), Ed Olson (quadriceps), Tommy Olson (ankle) and Zach Mottla (head).
The injuries have been only part of the shift on the offensive line. Inconsistent play has forced Kill and Limegrover to bring in fresh bodies able to execute their offensive schemes.
In total, they’ve used 10 different offensive linemen so far this season.
Senior Chris Bunders has been the only constant on the line, but he has had to shift from his natural position of left guard to right tackle since Gjere sustained a concussion in early October.
“It’s fun. I like the challenge being able to play tackle and guard,” Bunders said. “A lot of guys have been able to step up and fill in when we’ve needed it. We have a great coach that comes out and teaches everybody, not just the starters — everybody.”
Two of those young players that have stepped up and filled in are redshirt freshmen Caleb Bak and Zac Epping. Epping has started the last six games at right guard, while Bak just entered the lineup at left guard two games ago after Tommy Olson hurt his ankle.
“[The coaches] do a good job preparing you and preparing the backups. You get in there and you’re ready to play,” Bak said.
Kill had high praises for Bak in his Nov. 1 press conference.
“It’s an amazing story,” Kill said. “When you’ve got a young man, Caleb Bak, who hasn’t been playing at all and not getting a lot of practice reps and he plays for three quarters and finds a way to get it done and you’re able to protect the passer and give him time. It’s really kind of an amazing deal.”
The Gophers’ offensive line has played through some of its injuries as well. Ed Olson had to yield to Marek Lenkiewicz because of a quad injury but returned the next game to start.
“We don’t treat it like someone is a new guy. We always practice together, we’re in film together, we all treat each other like we’re all on the first line, and that makes it a nice transition,” Ed Olson said.
Olson’s younger brother, Tommy, came to Minnesota a year after his brother Ed. He is one of the freshmen getting time on the field, and he said he is enjoying the opportunity to line up next to his brother.
“It’s a dream come true. We talked about it all the time — middle school, high school, now here. We’ve always talked about coming here and playing next to each other. It’s something we’ll remember for the rest of our lives,” Tommy Olson said.
Each of the players — even the younger group — has to prepare each week as though they will play. The coaching staff hasn’t had the luxury of being able to redshirt most of the younger players. Many of them could use that year to build up proper muscle for the Big Ten in an ideal situation.
Limegrover has had the task of preparing all his players to get into game action against more experienced Big Ten competition.
“You try to get guys ready at multiple positions, you try to get the guys you have in there comfortable with each other,” Limegrover said. “I’m just trying to get a group out to practice each day and make it to Saturday.”
Minnesota does have a handful of young players who are getting time to develop off the field including another pair of brothers. Kyle and Luke McAvoy will most likely be redshirted along with a small handful of others.
The Gophers also have commitments from two highly-touted high school prospects: Isaac Hayes, who is an ESPN top-150 recruit, and 6-foot-8-inch, 300-pound Jonah Pirsig from Blue Earth, Minn.
The group will in all likelihood continue to have fluctuations in its play, but is also gaining game experience playing at a Division I level against some of the most talented players in the nation.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/16/constant-state-flux
Monday, November 14, 2011
Penn State deserves the NCAA death penalty
The alleged criminal activity by Jerry Sandusky and the situation at Pennsylvania State University transcends football, however, the football program’s involvement should not be dismissed while the country is tuned to the criminal case in disgust.
More facts will be released as this scandal unfolds through reports and testimony over the next months, but the facts that have already been released in regards to this alleged case warrant the NCAA death penalty.
Precedent was set for the NCAA death penalty in college football with Southern Methodist University in 1987. SMU had numerous violations, over many years, involving unsanctioned financial contributions to players from boosters. The NCAA issued probations and warnings long before the death penalty was enforced in 1987. After the death penalty was enforced, SMU still has yet to recover from the loss.
As recently as this season, the University of Miami was threatened with the death penalty after a former booster was arrested for a ponzi scheme and admitted to funding at least 72 players over an eight year period. The funding of these players got more seedy, with evidence of the money being used for strip clubs, prostitution and abortions. The NCAA, after the destruction of the SMU program, has yet to issue the death penalty in this case.
The situation at Penn State is not a scandal of unsanctioned financial contributions to players or recruits. The NCAA doesn’t have a precedent set for a situation as horrendous as this, and despite not having a previous case to look back upon, the NCAA needs to look at Penn State, and specifically the football program. The Penn State football program’s actions (or lack there of) are more reprehensible than anything that has occurred at either SMU or Miami.
If we look at the facts that have been brought forth by the investigation in the grand jury testimony, we know there were many incidents involving young boys on Penn State football grounds as far back as 1994.
After a report from a concerned mother in 1994, university police investigated the situation, but the officer was told by the director of campus police to close the investigation. Sandusky was interviewed at this time and admitted to hugging the young boy in the shower.
There were other victims reported in the grand jury report, in between this time and 1998. In 1998, there was another investigation of Sandusky and he abruptly retired in 1999 at the age of 51, but was given emeritus status at the university. Sandusky still had his title of coach and access to all facilities at the university and the football program.
In 2002, then graduate assistant Mike McQueary witnessed Sandusky engaging in anal sex with a young boy. He reported the incident to head coach Joe Paterno the following morning. McQueary then told athletic director Tim Curley and senior vice president for finance and business Gary Schultz about the incident. Curley and Schultz stated that they would look into it and determine what further action they would take. Curley had taken away Sandusky’s keys to the locker room and told Sandusky not to bring youths on to the Penn State campus. Curley did not report the incident to either university or city police and admitted that their instruction to Sandusky to not bring children on campus was unenforceable.
This seems as though Penn State was willing to concede that Sandusky had a problem with young boys, but simply didn’t want this to occur on Penn State property any longer.
The involvement with the football program specifically, that should be penalized with the death penalty isn’t simply the lack of appropriate action against an alleged child molester, but allowing his continued involvement in the program after numerous allegations and investigations. The football program is directly involved for allowing his continued participation at the university. In a hypothetical situation, would a history professor accused and investigated over a long period of time continue to have access to all facilities and be able to keep his title at the facility? It seems obvious that Sandusky was allowed continued access due to his football contributions and therefore the football program must be held accountable.
The other situation that the NCAA may want to investigate is the university’s financial implications of reporting Sandusky’s alleged behavior. If Sandusky were to be disgraced publicly in a child molestation case, how would that affect potential recruiting, financial contributions from boosters, and overall income coming to the university from the football program. Was the university harboring an alleged child molester to save the face of the program and the continued financial gain from maintaining the image of Penn State football?
There are other factors at play in regards to the program. The current players and staff are unfortunate victims to the decisions that the administration had made. The NCAA could compensate the players by allowing transfers without a year waiting period if they so choose and the current staff could be given proper compensation for the wages lost over the course of the death penalty suspension.
The Penn State scandal is despicable and horrendous for the victims, the alumni and the community. The lack of action from the officials at the university and it’s football program are unacceptable. The NCAA needs to step in with a harsh judgment on the program no matter the result of the pending criminal case. Penn State has already committed their crimes by appointing individuals that decided to not report Sandusky to proper authorities to keep his influence in the football program and potentially allowing further atrocious acts to occur on young boys.
The university is bigger than the football program and I wish the university continued success, but after the actions of their officials at the head of the university and in the football program over at least the last 15 years should cost the institution it’s football program.
More facts will be released as this scandal unfolds through reports and testimony over the next months, but the facts that have already been released in regards to this alleged case warrant the NCAA death penalty.
Precedent was set for the NCAA death penalty in college football with Southern Methodist University in 1987. SMU had numerous violations, over many years, involving unsanctioned financial contributions to players from boosters. The NCAA issued probations and warnings long before the death penalty was enforced in 1987. After the death penalty was enforced, SMU still has yet to recover from the loss.
As recently as this season, the University of Miami was threatened with the death penalty after a former booster was arrested for a ponzi scheme and admitted to funding at least 72 players over an eight year period. The funding of these players got more seedy, with evidence of the money being used for strip clubs, prostitution and abortions. The NCAA, after the destruction of the SMU program, has yet to issue the death penalty in this case.
The situation at Penn State is not a scandal of unsanctioned financial contributions to players or recruits. The NCAA doesn’t have a precedent set for a situation as horrendous as this, and despite not having a previous case to look back upon, the NCAA needs to look at Penn State, and specifically the football program. The Penn State football program’s actions (or lack there of) are more reprehensible than anything that has occurred at either SMU or Miami.
If we look at the facts that have been brought forth by the investigation in the grand jury testimony, we know there were many incidents involving young boys on Penn State football grounds as far back as 1994.
After a report from a concerned mother in 1994, university police investigated the situation, but the officer was told by the director of campus police to close the investigation. Sandusky was interviewed at this time and admitted to hugging the young boy in the shower.
There were other victims reported in the grand jury report, in between this time and 1998. In 1998, there was another investigation of Sandusky and he abruptly retired in 1999 at the age of 51, but was given emeritus status at the university. Sandusky still had his title of coach and access to all facilities at the university and the football program.
In 2002, then graduate assistant Mike McQueary witnessed Sandusky engaging in anal sex with a young boy. He reported the incident to head coach Joe Paterno the following morning. McQueary then told athletic director Tim Curley and senior vice president for finance and business Gary Schultz about the incident. Curley and Schultz stated that they would look into it and determine what further action they would take. Curley had taken away Sandusky’s keys to the locker room and told Sandusky not to bring youths on to the Penn State campus. Curley did not report the incident to either university or city police and admitted that their instruction to Sandusky to not bring children on campus was unenforceable.
This seems as though Penn State was willing to concede that Sandusky had a problem with young boys, but simply didn’t want this to occur on Penn State property any longer.
The involvement with the football program specifically, that should be penalized with the death penalty isn’t simply the lack of appropriate action against an alleged child molester, but allowing his continued involvement in the program after numerous allegations and investigations. The football program is directly involved for allowing his continued participation at the university. In a hypothetical situation, would a history professor accused and investigated over a long period of time continue to have access to all facilities and be able to keep his title at the facility? It seems obvious that Sandusky was allowed continued access due to his football contributions and therefore the football program must be held accountable.
The other situation that the NCAA may want to investigate is the university’s financial implications of reporting Sandusky’s alleged behavior. If Sandusky were to be disgraced publicly in a child molestation case, how would that affect potential recruiting, financial contributions from boosters, and overall income coming to the university from the football program. Was the university harboring an alleged child molester to save the face of the program and the continued financial gain from maintaining the image of Penn State football?
There are other factors at play in regards to the program. The current players and staff are unfortunate victims to the decisions that the administration had made. The NCAA could compensate the players by allowing transfers without a year waiting period if they so choose and the current staff could be given proper compensation for the wages lost over the course of the death penalty suspension.
The Penn State scandal is despicable and horrendous for the victims, the alumni and the community. The lack of action from the officials at the university and it’s football program are unacceptable. The NCAA needs to step in with a harsh judgment on the program no matter the result of the pending criminal case. Penn State has already committed their crimes by appointing individuals that decided to not report Sandusky to proper authorities to keep his influence in the football program and potentially allowing further atrocious acts to occur on young boys.
The university is bigger than the football program and I wish the university continued success, but after the actions of their officials at the head of the university and in the football program over at least the last 15 years should cost the institution it’s football program.
Gophers start strong, finish 1-2 at WBI Tipoff
Minnesota defeated Arkansas before losing to No. 13 Florida State and USF.
PUBLISHED: 2011-11-14
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers women’s basketball team won its regular season opener, but finished with a 1-2 record at the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tipoff on Nov. 11-13 in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Minnesota defeated Arkansas on Friday and then lost to No. 13 Florida State on Saturday and South Florida on Sunday.
“We’re going to get better from this,” assistant coach Curtis Loyd told ESPN1500 radio Sunday. “We got to give our younger kids some experience on the floor.”
Minnesota fought admirably against a tough Florida State team Saturday, but ran out of steam in the second half and fell to the Seminoles 68-56.
The Gophers led 44-37 before Florida State went on a 31-12 run to finish the game. Minnesota made just three field goals in the last 15:20.
Rachel Banham had 10 points in the loss, but shot just 4-for-16 and had six turnovers. The freshman point guard made her only 3-point shot to cut Florida State’s lead to 51-50 with 6:39 left, but the Seminoles went on a 12-0 run thereafter.
Senior Kiara Buford led Minnesota with 13 points and added four rebounds and five assists. Junior Katie Loberg had 11 points and six rebounds.
Alexa Deluzio led Florida State with 17 points, including two three-point shots following Banham’s triple to give the Seminoles a 57-50 lead.
“We have big goals, so, although we have a lot of work to do, I thought our team put up a great fight today,” Gophers head coach Pam Borton said in a release after Saturday’s loss.
On Sunday, the Gophers looked as though they were running on tired legs as Southern Florida defeated them 60-52.
The Gophers shot just 27 percent from the field and had 17 points at the half. They ended the game on a 13-2 run to make it competitive.
Buford again led the Gophers with 16 points, but also had four turnovers.
Banham missed her first eight shots and didn’t score until one minute remained in the first half. She finished the game with six points on 2-for-15 shooting.
Loberg spent Saturday trying to guard Florida State’s All-American Cierra Bravard but shot just 2-for-9 and had five points Sunday.
Banham led the team to a 68-60 victory in its opener against Arkansas, scoring 15 points on 6-for-14 shooting. She had just two turnovers and four assists.
Minnesota committed 18 turnovers as a team, but Arkansas had 24. Gophers forward Kionna Kellogg had six steals, and Banham and junior guard Leah Cotton each added two.
The Gophers took a 29-23 lead into the intermission and trailed only briefly in the second half. Down 44-42, they went on a 15-2 run to take an 11-point lead that they would not relinquish.
Buford added 13 points and six rebounds, and Loberg had 12 points and a team-high seven rebounds.
Buford showed her leadership by filling up the stat sheet in each game. She finished the weekend with a team-high 42 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals, and four blocks.
Banham, on the other hand, showed inconsistency as a freshman still learning the ropes. She had 31 points on the weekend, but shot just 6-for-31 in the Gophers’ two losses.
Minnesota will try to rebound from back-to-back losses when it returns to Williams Arena for the Subway Classic tournament on Nov. 19-20.
The Gophers are scheduled to play Binghamton on Saturday. If they win, they will play in Sunday’s championship game; if they lose, they will play in a consolation game Sunday.
ALL CONTENT © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/14/gophers-start-strong-finish-1-2-wbi-tipoff
PUBLISHED: 2011-11-14
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers women’s basketball team won its regular season opener, but finished with a 1-2 record at the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tipoff on Nov. 11-13 in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Minnesota defeated Arkansas on Friday and then lost to No. 13 Florida State on Saturday and South Florida on Sunday.
“We’re going to get better from this,” assistant coach Curtis Loyd told ESPN1500 radio Sunday. “We got to give our younger kids some experience on the floor.”
Minnesota fought admirably against a tough Florida State team Saturday, but ran out of steam in the second half and fell to the Seminoles 68-56.
The Gophers led 44-37 before Florida State went on a 31-12 run to finish the game. Minnesota made just three field goals in the last 15:20.
Rachel Banham had 10 points in the loss, but shot just 4-for-16 and had six turnovers. The freshman point guard made her only 3-point shot to cut Florida State’s lead to 51-50 with 6:39 left, but the Seminoles went on a 12-0 run thereafter.
Senior Kiara Buford led Minnesota with 13 points and added four rebounds and five assists. Junior Katie Loberg had 11 points and six rebounds.
Alexa Deluzio led Florida State with 17 points, including two three-point shots following Banham’s triple to give the Seminoles a 57-50 lead.
“We have big goals, so, although we have a lot of work to do, I thought our team put up a great fight today,” Gophers head coach Pam Borton said in a release after Saturday’s loss.
On Sunday, the Gophers looked as though they were running on tired legs as Southern Florida defeated them 60-52.
The Gophers shot just 27 percent from the field and had 17 points at the half. They ended the game on a 13-2 run to make it competitive.
Buford again led the Gophers with 16 points, but also had four turnovers.
Banham missed her first eight shots and didn’t score until one minute remained in the first half. She finished the game with six points on 2-for-15 shooting.
Loberg spent Saturday trying to guard Florida State’s All-American Cierra Bravard but shot just 2-for-9 and had five points Sunday.
Banham led the team to a 68-60 victory in its opener against Arkansas, scoring 15 points on 6-for-14 shooting. She had just two turnovers and four assists.
Minnesota committed 18 turnovers as a team, but Arkansas had 24. Gophers forward Kionna Kellogg had six steals, and Banham and junior guard Leah Cotton each added two.
The Gophers took a 29-23 lead into the intermission and trailed only briefly in the second half. Down 44-42, they went on a 15-2 run to take an 11-point lead that they would not relinquish.
Buford added 13 points and six rebounds, and Loberg had 12 points and a team-high seven rebounds.
Buford showed her leadership by filling up the stat sheet in each game. She finished the weekend with a team-high 42 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals, and four blocks.
Banham, on the other hand, showed inconsistency as a freshman still learning the ropes. She had 31 points on the weekend, but shot just 6-for-31 in the Gophers’ two losses.
Minnesota will try to rebound from back-to-back losses when it returns to Williams Arena for the Subway Classic tournament on Nov. 19-20.
The Gophers are scheduled to play Binghamton on Saturday. If they win, they will play in Sunday’s championship game; if they lose, they will play in a consolation game Sunday.
ALL CONTENT © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/14/gophers-start-strong-finish-1-2-wbi-tipoff
Quick hitters: Gopher-Badger football game
Quick hitters: Gopher-Badger football game
PUBLISHED: 2011-11-14
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
Minnesota quarterback MarQueis Gray became a father late Friday night, as his girlfriend gave birth to twin boys named MarShawn and MarZell.
Gray said he received a call during team activities and was given a ride to the hospital to be with his girlfriend.
“It was the best day of my life,” Gray said.
Though he and head coach Jerry Kill said it was unrelated, he had his worst statistical performance of the year Saturday.
He had only six completions for 51 yards and threw an interception. His longest completion was only 12 yards.
The 51 yards passing was Minnesota’s lowest total this season. Its previous low for passing yards was 104 yards in a 58-0 loss at Michigan.
Minnesota only had 48 plays from scrimmage.
“I said we could not win this game unless we snapped the ball 70 or 80 times,” Kill said. “We couldn’t leave our defense out on the football field all the time. Our defense was out there and they controlled the football.” Minnesota averaged a season-low 3.25 yards on those 48 plays.
Minnesota scored its two touchdowns on special teams plays. The first was a fake field goal and run by kicker Jordan Wettstein. Wettstein had to break a tackle on the five-yard run to the end zone.
“I thought I was down. I saw him coming, but I tried making a little move on him. I watched the running backs all week on that,” Wettstein said.
Wettstein missed the extra point after his touchdown.
The second special teams touchdown was a 96-yard kickoff return by senior Duane Bennett to open the second half. It was the Gophers’ second kickoff return for a touchdown this year.
Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson finished the game 16-for-17 for 178 yards and four touchdowns. His only incompletion was a dropped pass by Nick Toon.
The Gophers’ defense also gave up 16 straight completions to Matt Barkley in the first game of the year. Minnesota has given up at least nine straight completions to five different quarterbacks.
Wisconsin running back Montee Ball ran for 166 yards and two touchdowns and added a touchdown reception.
Minnesota’s running backs, by contrast, were held to 32 yards on 12 carries.
The Gophers’ defense penetrated Wisconsin’s offensive line and sacked Wilson twice, which brought Minnesota’s season total to 12.
Senior linebacker Gary Tinsley, who recorded one of those sacks, had three tackles for loss and had double-digit tackles — 12 — for the first time this year.
Minnesota recorded eight tackles for loss throughout the game, the most since its opening game against USC.
Safety Kim Royston recorded nine tackles against his former team, including one for a loss. Royston, a Minneapolis native, played for the Badgers before he transferred to Minnesota.
Despite the numerous tackles for loss and sacks, the Gophers’ defense allowed Wisconsin to succeed on third down 70 percent of the time.
ALL CONTENT © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/14/quick-hitters-gopher-badger-football-game
PUBLISHED: 2011-11-14
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
Minnesota quarterback MarQueis Gray became a father late Friday night, as his girlfriend gave birth to twin boys named MarShawn and MarZell.
Gray said he received a call during team activities and was given a ride to the hospital to be with his girlfriend.
“It was the best day of my life,” Gray said.
Though he and head coach Jerry Kill said it was unrelated, he had his worst statistical performance of the year Saturday.
He had only six completions for 51 yards and threw an interception. His longest completion was only 12 yards.
The 51 yards passing was Minnesota’s lowest total this season. Its previous low for passing yards was 104 yards in a 58-0 loss at Michigan.
Minnesota only had 48 plays from scrimmage.
“I said we could not win this game unless we snapped the ball 70 or 80 times,” Kill said. “We couldn’t leave our defense out on the football field all the time. Our defense was out there and they controlled the football.” Minnesota averaged a season-low 3.25 yards on those 48 plays.
Minnesota scored its two touchdowns on special teams plays. The first was a fake field goal and run by kicker Jordan Wettstein. Wettstein had to break a tackle on the five-yard run to the end zone.
“I thought I was down. I saw him coming, but I tried making a little move on him. I watched the running backs all week on that,” Wettstein said.
Wettstein missed the extra point after his touchdown.
The second special teams touchdown was a 96-yard kickoff return by senior Duane Bennett to open the second half. It was the Gophers’ second kickoff return for a touchdown this year.
Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson finished the game 16-for-17 for 178 yards and four touchdowns. His only incompletion was a dropped pass by Nick Toon.
The Gophers’ defense also gave up 16 straight completions to Matt Barkley in the first game of the year. Minnesota has given up at least nine straight completions to five different quarterbacks.
Wisconsin running back Montee Ball ran for 166 yards and two touchdowns and added a touchdown reception.
Minnesota’s running backs, by contrast, were held to 32 yards on 12 carries.
The Gophers’ defense penetrated Wisconsin’s offensive line and sacked Wilson twice, which brought Minnesota’s season total to 12.
Senior linebacker Gary Tinsley, who recorded one of those sacks, had three tackles for loss and had double-digit tackles — 12 — for the first time this year.
Minnesota recorded eight tackles for loss throughout the game, the most since its opening game against USC.
Safety Kim Royston recorded nine tackles against his former team, including one for a loss. Royston, a Minneapolis native, played for the Badgers before he transferred to Minnesota.
Despite the numerous tackles for loss and sacks, the Gophers’ defense allowed Wisconsin to succeed on third down 70 percent of the time.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/14/quick-hitters-gopher-badger-football-game
Gophers open regular season with WBI Tipoff
Kiara Buford and Rachel Banham lead Minnesota to Daytona Beach.
PUBLISHED: 2011-11-10
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers women’s basketball team opens its regular season this weekend in Florida with the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tipoff. Minnesota will play Arkansas, Florida State and South Florida over the weekend.
“I’m excited about taking this team on the road,” head coach Pam Borton said. “We’ve got three exciting and difficult games. I feel like it’s the pre-NCAA tournament this weekend.”
The Gophers beat St. Cloud State and Bemidji State handily in their two exhibition games, but now will face a higher level of competition.
Borton said that the team’s consistent intensity has been its greatest strength in both practice and the exhibition games.
Minnesota will rely on a senior-freshman combination in its backcourt this year. Kiara Buford and Rachel Banham have run the floor in transition effectively to date.
“We’re a faster team,” Borton said. “We’re running a lot more. We’re a lot more fun to watch, and the players are enjoying playing in that type of style.”
Banham said the speed is different than high school, where she dominated, but that she is working on both her speed and strength.
Buford has filled up the stat sheet and been a vocal leader on the court this season. She was forced to ball-handling duties last year but is now playing more shooting guard.
“I don’t think my role change has been difficult. It’s something that has evolved naturally,” Buford said. “Having Rachel at the point makes my life easier on the court.”
The Gophers were able to dominate the inside against watered-down exhibition competition, but this is an area in which they will be tested in the regular season.
Jackie Voigt, Micaëlla Riche and Katie Loberg will need to step up in rebounding and on defense for Minnesota to improve this year.
FSU is ranked 13th in the nation and will be a tough test for the Gophers. Last year, the Seminoles were one of the best teams in the nation in scoring offense, field-goal percentage and rebounding margin.
This weekend will be the first regular season step in the budding career of Rachel Banham, as well as an opportunity for the Gophers to rise back to the upper echelon of the Big Ten.
“We want to go down and come back 3-0,” Borton said. “We have a lot to prove as far as the Big Ten and our program.”
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/10/gophers-open-regular-season-wbi-tipoff
PUBLISHED: 2011-11-10
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers women’s basketball team opens its regular season this weekend in Florida with the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tipoff. Minnesota will play Arkansas, Florida State and South Florida over the weekend.
“I’m excited about taking this team on the road,” head coach Pam Borton said. “We’ve got three exciting and difficult games. I feel like it’s the pre-NCAA tournament this weekend.”
The Gophers beat St. Cloud State and Bemidji State handily in their two exhibition games, but now will face a higher level of competition.
Borton said that the team’s consistent intensity has been its greatest strength in both practice and the exhibition games.
Minnesota will rely on a senior-freshman combination in its backcourt this year. Kiara Buford and Rachel Banham have run the floor in transition effectively to date.
“We’re a faster team,” Borton said. “We’re running a lot more. We’re a lot more fun to watch, and the players are enjoying playing in that type of style.”
Banham said the speed is different than high school, where she dominated, but that she is working on both her speed and strength.
Buford has filled up the stat sheet and been a vocal leader on the court this season. She was forced to ball-handling duties last year but is now playing more shooting guard.
“I don’t think my role change has been difficult. It’s something that has evolved naturally,” Buford said. “Having Rachel at the point makes my life easier on the court.”
The Gophers were able to dominate the inside against watered-down exhibition competition, but this is an area in which they will be tested in the regular season.
Jackie Voigt, Micaëlla Riche and Katie Loberg will need to step up in rebounding and on defense for Minnesota to improve this year.
FSU is ranked 13th in the nation and will be a tough test for the Gophers. Last year, the Seminoles were one of the best teams in the nation in scoring offense, field-goal percentage and rebounding margin.
This weekend will be the first regular season step in the budding career of Rachel Banham, as well as an opportunity for the Gophers to rise back to the upper echelon of the Big Ten.
“We want to go down and come back 3-0,” Borton said. “We have a lot to prove as far as the Big Ten and our program.”
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/10/gophers-open-regular-season-wbi-tipoff
Badgers pose difficult test as heavy favorites
Minnesota will face an uphill battle against Wisconsin.
PUBLISHED: 2011-11-10
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
Minnesota hosts the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium to battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. This game will be the 121st in the interstate rivalry and Minnesota hasn’t won since 2003.
The Badgers came into the season with high expectations, but back-to-back last-minute losses to Michigan State and Ohio State derailed their national championship dreams.
“There are no weaknesses on that football team,” Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill said. “They are two plays away from being top two or three in the country, maybe the top team in the country.”
Wisconsin’s senior quarterback Russell Wilson leads the conference in passing yards and touchdowns.
Wilson played minor league baseball with the Colorado Rockies organization last year and previously was the quarterback for North Carolina State. He had one year of eligibility left and transferred to Wisconsin to play football and attend graduate school.
Kill called him “the difference in their whole football team.”
He added: “He plays on a different level than anybody else in college football.”
The Gophers are coming off two good performances, and the play of their quarterback, MarQueis Gray, has been the difference as well.
Gray notched career-bests in completions, yards and touchdowns last week against MSU. He has progressed slowly through the year, battling cramps and a turf toe injury, but has played the entirety of the last three games.
He appears more comfortable andconfident now than at other points of the season.
“[Gray] has got a lot more confident. He’s become more of a leader instead of a friend. He’s coming out as the leader of the team,” the Gophers’ Devin Crawford-Tufts said.
Crawford-Tufts will return after suffering a quad injury against MSU.
“I hate Wisconsin. I’m excited to play in this game,” he said.
Gray has hooked up with Da’Jon McKnight for 41 receptions on the year, and no other receivers have more than 13 receptions.
The Badgers’ pass defense is second in the conference and its focus will likely be on McKnight.
On the opposite side, Wilson has spread the ball around to his top-two receivers and tight end. Nick Toon and Jared Abbrederis have a combined 1,193 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Safety Kim Royston, who used to play for the Badgers, transferred to Minnesota after the 2007 season. Royston will have the task of trying to defend the Badgers’ high-powered passing attack while balancing coverage in the equally dominant Wisconsin rushing attack.
While the passing game has been successful, the Badgers’ bread and butter has always been their running game, starting with big offensive lineman. That line has blocked well this year, paving the way for Montee Ball’s 1,076 yards and 21 touchdowns.
The Gophers’ defense will have its work cut out for it against this bigger, more experienced line. The Badgers’ offensive line averages 320 pounds — bigger than the Green Bay Packers.
The Gophers’ two defensive ends are freshmen, averaging 238 pounds.
“They’re big, but the bigger they are, the harder they fall,” defensive end Ben Perry said. “You’ve got to hit, you play low, you play with leverage and you can play against anybody.”
Wisconsin excels on its third-down conversions, which is one area in which the Gophers’ defense has improved dramatically.
Each week of the Big Ten schedule, Minnesota has reduced its opponent’s third-down success rate, down to only 30 percent against MSU on Saturday.
The Badgers’ run defense has been suspect this year. It has the two leading tacklers in the Big Ten in linebackers Chris Borland and Mike Taylor, but is surrendering 137 yards per game on the ground.
Minnesota’s running backs have not had much success, however. Senior running back Duane Bennett is the only back with a 100-yard game this season. Gray has added two with his scrambling ability, but the Gophers will need to establish the running game to have success Saturday.
Minnesota will have its hands full against a Wisconsin team that has national championship-caliber talent.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/10/badgers-pose-difficult-test-heavy-favorites
PUBLISHED: 2011-11-10
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
Minnesota hosts the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium to battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. This game will be the 121st in the interstate rivalry and Minnesota hasn’t won since 2003.
The Badgers came into the season with high expectations, but back-to-back last-minute losses to Michigan State and Ohio State derailed their national championship dreams.
“There are no weaknesses on that football team,” Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill said. “They are two plays away from being top two or three in the country, maybe the top team in the country.”
Wisconsin’s senior quarterback Russell Wilson leads the conference in passing yards and touchdowns.
Wilson played minor league baseball with the Colorado Rockies organization last year and previously was the quarterback for North Carolina State. He had one year of eligibility left and transferred to Wisconsin to play football and attend graduate school.
Kill called him “the difference in their whole football team.”
He added: “He plays on a different level than anybody else in college football.”
The Gophers are coming off two good performances, and the play of their quarterback, MarQueis Gray, has been the difference as well.
Gray notched career-bests in completions, yards and touchdowns last week against MSU. He has progressed slowly through the year, battling cramps and a turf toe injury, but has played the entirety of the last three games.
He appears more comfortable andconfident now than at other points of the season.
“[Gray] has got a lot more confident. He’s become more of a leader instead of a friend. He’s coming out as the leader of the team,” the Gophers’ Devin Crawford-Tufts said.
Crawford-Tufts will return after suffering a quad injury against MSU.
“I hate Wisconsin. I’m excited to play in this game,” he said.
Gray has hooked up with Da’Jon McKnight for 41 receptions on the year, and no other receivers have more than 13 receptions.
The Badgers’ pass defense is second in the conference and its focus will likely be on McKnight.
On the opposite side, Wilson has spread the ball around to his top-two receivers and tight end. Nick Toon and Jared Abbrederis have a combined 1,193 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Safety Kim Royston, who used to play for the Badgers, transferred to Minnesota after the 2007 season. Royston will have the task of trying to defend the Badgers’ high-powered passing attack while balancing coverage in the equally dominant Wisconsin rushing attack.
While the passing game has been successful, the Badgers’ bread and butter has always been their running game, starting with big offensive lineman. That line has blocked well this year, paving the way for Montee Ball’s 1,076 yards and 21 touchdowns.
The Gophers’ defense will have its work cut out for it against this bigger, more experienced line. The Badgers’ offensive line averages 320 pounds — bigger than the Green Bay Packers.
The Gophers’ two defensive ends are freshmen, averaging 238 pounds.
“They’re big, but the bigger they are, the harder they fall,” defensive end Ben Perry said. “You’ve got to hit, you play low, you play with leverage and you can play against anybody.”
Wisconsin excels on its third-down conversions, which is one area in which the Gophers’ defense has improved dramatically.
Each week of the Big Ten schedule, Minnesota has reduced its opponent’s third-down success rate, down to only 30 percent against MSU on Saturday.
The Badgers’ run defense has been suspect this year. It has the two leading tacklers in the Big Ten in linebackers Chris Borland and Mike Taylor, but is surrendering 137 yards per game on the ground.
Minnesota’s running backs have not had much success, however. Senior running back Duane Bennett is the only back with a 100-yard game this season. Gray has added two with his scrambling ability, but the Gophers will need to establish the running game to have success Saturday.
Minnesota will have its hands full against a Wisconsin team that has national championship-caliber talent.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/10/badgers-pose-difficult-test-heavy-favorites
Gophers show improvement in loss to MSU
Minnesota took a close 31-24 loss in East Lansing.
PUBLISHED: 2011-11-07
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
Minnesota fought hard in East Lansing, but came up short against Michigan State, losing 31-24.
Quarterback MarQueis Gray had a career day against the Spartans’ defense. He threw for 295 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. The yardage was a career high, as were his 19 completions.
“I would like a win, but other than that it was a nice game. The win would’ve felt better,” Gray said.
Senior wide receiver Da’Jon McKnight had a career day as well, with nine receptions for 173 yards and three touchdowns. The yardage was a career-high, and the receptions and touchdowns tied his career-highs.
The Gophers had a chance to tie the game with 2:22 remaining. Gray and the offense took over the ball on Minnesota’s own 10-yard line. After driving down the field, Gray was intercepted for the second time by Trenton Robinson, which sealed the Spartan victory.
The last time the Gophers played in the state of Michigan, they were blown out 58-0 in Ann Arbor. Saturday’s game in East Lansing featured a different Minnesota team.
“I think we’ve made quite a bit [of progress],” head coach Jerry Kill said. “I do think we are getting better. We found a way to win last week. I wish we would’ve found a way to win today.”
He said he felt confident until the last play Minnesota could tie the score and send it to overtime.
The Gophers’ defense had a big turnover early that changed the momentum of the game, but was unable to hold off the Spartans’ passing attack over the course of the day.
Spartans’ senior quarterback Kirk Cousins finished the game with 296 yards passing and two touchdowns.
The Gophers’ offensive line double-teamed the Spartans’ All-American defensive tackle Jerel Worthy most of the day, which allowed Gray time in the pocket.
Worthy plugged up the middle of the field, holding Minnesota running backs to only 45 yards rushing, but Gray was able to exploit the defense through the air.
The game started with a flurry of scores. None of the first four scoring drives lasted longer than two minutes.
The only break in the first half tempo was when Minnesota used an eight-minute drive and some MSU penalties to bend the Spartans’ touted defense and score a field goal to take a 17-14 lead.
At the start of the game, Gray hit McKnight for a 64-yard touchdown four minutes into the first quarter. McKnight broke three tackles on the 55-yard scamper after his catch.
Minnesota had not scored first in any of its Big Ten games, but did so Saturday.
MSU quickly struck back with a 69-yard bomb from Cousins to B.J. Cunningham that put the Spartans inside the 10-yard line, and Cousins followed that up with a 4-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7.
Cunningham was held without a catch in his previous game Oct. 29 against Nebraska. The Spartans were only able to put up 3 points in that game. He rebounded Saturday with 104 yards receiving against Minnesota.
The first half ended with a 51-second, 74-yard touchdown drive that gave MSU a 21-17 lead.
The Gophers’ offense broke through in the second half when Gray threw his third touchdown pass to McKnight halfway through the quarter to take a 24-21 lead.
“I think I got open because of the threat of MarQueis Gray. The defense focused on him and I got behind the defense,” McKnight said.
Minnesota played strong defense in the second half, but came up short in the fourth quarter. Each series, they bent but were able to keep from breaking.
Minnesota stopped MSU on a second-half series, but extended the drive with a 15-yard roughing the kicker penalty. The Gophers’ defense stood strong again though and forced MSU to punt after a 12-yard sack by Gary Tinsley.
“The defense did a great job today. We came out ready from the start. Everybody was focused before the game. We swarmed to the ball,” Tinsley said.
Minnesota’s defense even stopped MSU on a short field after a turnover, and the Spartans had to settle for a field goal to tie the game at 24.
The Gophers’ defense made many stops on the afternoon, but allowed sporadic large gains throughout the game.
Gray had looked sharp all day, but threw an interception late in the third quarter that let MSU gain some momentum and changed the course of the game.
Spartan running back Le’Veon Bell scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 35-yard power run with 10:58 left in the game.
The Spartans’ second-ranked defense was able to dig in its heels and make a stand against Minnesota in the fourth quarter, where they held Minnesota scoreless.
The Spartans now have a 14-game home winning streak and haven’t lost at Spartan Stadium since 2009.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/05/gophers-play-well-take-loss-michigan-state
PUBLISHED: 2011-11-07
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
Minnesota fought hard in East Lansing, but came up short against Michigan State, losing 31-24.
Quarterback MarQueis Gray had a career day against the Spartans’ defense. He threw for 295 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. The yardage was a career high, as were his 19 completions.
“I would like a win, but other than that it was a nice game. The win would’ve felt better,” Gray said.
Senior wide receiver Da’Jon McKnight had a career day as well, with nine receptions for 173 yards and three touchdowns. The yardage was a career-high, and the receptions and touchdowns tied his career-highs.
The Gophers had a chance to tie the game with 2:22 remaining. Gray and the offense took over the ball on Minnesota’s own 10-yard line. After driving down the field, Gray was intercepted for the second time by Trenton Robinson, which sealed the Spartan victory.
The last time the Gophers played in the state of Michigan, they were blown out 58-0 in Ann Arbor. Saturday’s game in East Lansing featured a different Minnesota team.
“I think we’ve made quite a bit [of progress],” head coach Jerry Kill said. “I do think we are getting better. We found a way to win last week. I wish we would’ve found a way to win today.”
He said he felt confident until the last play Minnesota could tie the score and send it to overtime.
The Gophers’ defense had a big turnover early that changed the momentum of the game, but was unable to hold off the Spartans’ passing attack over the course of the day.
Spartans’ senior quarterback Kirk Cousins finished the game with 296 yards passing and two touchdowns.
The Gophers’ offensive line double-teamed the Spartans’ All-American defensive tackle Jerel Worthy most of the day, which allowed Gray time in the pocket.
Worthy plugged up the middle of the field, holding Minnesota running backs to only 45 yards rushing, but Gray was able to exploit the defense through the air.
The game started with a flurry of scores. None of the first four scoring drives lasted longer than two minutes.
The only break in the first half tempo was when Minnesota used an eight-minute drive and some MSU penalties to bend the Spartans’ touted defense and score a field goal to take a 17-14 lead.
At the start of the game, Gray hit McKnight for a 64-yard touchdown four minutes into the first quarter. McKnight broke three tackles on the 55-yard scamper after his catch.
Minnesota had not scored first in any of its Big Ten games, but did so Saturday.
MSU quickly struck back with a 69-yard bomb from Cousins to B.J. Cunningham that put the Spartans inside the 10-yard line, and Cousins followed that up with a 4-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7.
Cunningham was held without a catch in his previous game Oct. 29 against Nebraska. The Spartans were only able to put up 3 points in that game. He rebounded Saturday with 104 yards receiving against Minnesota.
The first half ended with a 51-second, 74-yard touchdown drive that gave MSU a 21-17 lead.
The Gophers’ offense broke through in the second half when Gray threw his third touchdown pass to McKnight halfway through the quarter to take a 24-21 lead.
“I think I got open because of the threat of MarQueis Gray. The defense focused on him and I got behind the defense,” McKnight said.
Minnesota played strong defense in the second half, but came up short in the fourth quarter. Each series, they bent but were able to keep from breaking.
Minnesota stopped MSU on a second-half series, but extended the drive with a 15-yard roughing the kicker penalty. The Gophers’ defense stood strong again though and forced MSU to punt after a 12-yard sack by Gary Tinsley.
“The defense did a great job today. We came out ready from the start. Everybody was focused before the game. We swarmed to the ball,” Tinsley said.
Minnesota’s defense even stopped MSU on a short field after a turnover, and the Spartans had to settle for a field goal to tie the game at 24.
The Gophers’ defense made many stops on the afternoon, but allowed sporadic large gains throughout the game.
Gray had looked sharp all day, but threw an interception late in the third quarter that let MSU gain some momentum and changed the course of the game.
Spartan running back Le’Veon Bell scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 35-yard power run with 10:58 left in the game.
The Spartans’ second-ranked defense was able to dig in its heels and make a stand against Minnesota in the fourth quarter, where they held Minnesota scoreless.
The Spartans now have a 14-game home winning streak and haven’t lost at Spartan Stadium since 2009.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/05/gophers-play-well-take-loss-michigan-state
Quick Hitters
Quick hitters
PUBLISHED: 2011-11-03
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
Minnesota had its most effective passing game in completion rate (64.7) and yards per attempt (11.4) last week against Iowa.
MarQueis Gray showed improvements last week as a player and a leader.
“I’m not used to being [a vocal leader],” Gray said. “It worked Saturday, so I’m going to have to keep doing it.”
Gray will face a tough Michigan State defense that is ranked second in the nation overall and first in passing defense.
Spartans safety Isaiah Lewis leads the Big Ten with four interceptions, and has returned two of those for touchdowns. He is familiar with Gray, as they were teammates at Ben Davis high school in Indiana.
Minnesota had three sacks last week and has eight on the year. Michigan State has 25 sacks this season for a total of 180 yards lost.
The Gophers’ offensive line has been a hodgepodge of players because of numerous injuries. It will face a stout Spartans defensive line led by All-American defensive tackle Jerel Worthy.
“It’s a challenge,” offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said. “They’re very good. If you try to spend your whole day trying to solo up on those guys, you’ll be in for a long day,”
Michigan State has relied primarily on its passing game for offense. It ranks last in the Big Ten in rushing with 133 yards per game.
Spartans quarterback Kirk Cousins is ranked third in the Big Ten in passing offense.
“That kid alone is worth six or seven victories just because of who he is,” Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill said.
Michigan State receiver B.J. Cunningham ranks third in the Big Ten in receptions per game (6.0) and receiving yards per game (90.4), but failed to register a single reception last week against Nebraska. That broke his streak of 41 consecutive games with at least one catch.
Minnesota’s defense decreased its opponent’s third-down conversion rate for the fifth- straight week. The Gophers held Iowa to a 36 percent success rate on third down.
4Jordan Wettstein will get his second- straight start kicking for Minnesota. Chris Hawthorne is still nursing a muscle strain and will miss Saturday’s game.
4Michigan State linebacker William Gholston had a career-high 15 tackles last week against Nebraska and is third on the team in sacks. He is the cousin of former Big Ten standout Vernon Gholston.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/03/quick-hitters
PUBLISHED: 2011-11-03
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
Minnesota had its most effective passing game in completion rate (64.7) and yards per attempt (11.4) last week against Iowa.
MarQueis Gray showed improvements last week as a player and a leader.
“I’m not used to being [a vocal leader],” Gray said. “It worked Saturday, so I’m going to have to keep doing it.”
Gray will face a tough Michigan State defense that is ranked second in the nation overall and first in passing defense.
Spartans safety Isaiah Lewis leads the Big Ten with four interceptions, and has returned two of those for touchdowns. He is familiar with Gray, as they were teammates at Ben Davis high school in Indiana.
Minnesota had three sacks last week and has eight on the year. Michigan State has 25 sacks this season for a total of 180 yards lost.
The Gophers’ offensive line has been a hodgepodge of players because of numerous injuries. It will face a stout Spartans defensive line led by All-American defensive tackle Jerel Worthy.
“It’s a challenge,” offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said. “They’re very good. If you try to spend your whole day trying to solo up on those guys, you’ll be in for a long day,”
Michigan State has relied primarily on its passing game for offense. It ranks last in the Big Ten in rushing with 133 yards per game.
Spartans quarterback Kirk Cousins is ranked third in the Big Ten in passing offense.
“That kid alone is worth six or seven victories just because of who he is,” Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill said.
Michigan State receiver B.J. Cunningham ranks third in the Big Ten in receptions per game (6.0) and receiving yards per game (90.4), but failed to register a single reception last week against Nebraska. That broke his streak of 41 consecutive games with at least one catch.
Minnesota’s defense decreased its opponent’s third-down conversion rate for the fifth- straight week. The Gophers held Iowa to a 36 percent success rate on third down.
4Jordan Wettstein will get his second- straight start kicking for Minnesota. Chris Hawthorne is still nursing a muscle strain and will miss Saturday’s game.
4Michigan State linebacker William Gholston had a career-high 15 tackles last week against Nebraska and is third on the team in sacks. He is the cousin of former Big Ten standout Vernon Gholston.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/03/quick-hitters
Gophers rout SCSU in opening night exhibition victory
Freshman Rachel Banham thrived after struggling early in her first collegiate game.
PUBLISHED: 2011-11-03
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
The Minnesota women’s basketball team used its superior size and athletic ability to rout St. Cloud State 86-51 in its exhibition opener.
“We had six players in double figures, a lot of offensive weapons and a lot of versatility out there. I’m pleased with our effort tonight,” head coach Pam Borton said.
Kiara Buford made the first shot of the night and followed that up with a 3-pointer on the next possession. The senior guard took on numerous roles, playing both distributor and scorer.
Buford finished with 14 points, three rebounds and six assists.
“There were times when we were clicking and you see glimpses of excellence,” Buford said. “Our younger girls did really well.”
Freshman Rachel Banham received a large ovation during team announcements and showcased some of her talents early while also displaying her inexperience.
A sequence that summed up her early performance occurred midway through the first half. Banham was stripped of the ball but hustled down the floor to block the opposing layup. On the ensuing possession, she drove the length of the court for an unassisted layup.
SCSU switched to a zone defense with eight minutes remaining in the first half to which Banham had difficulties adjusting.
“It was an awkward zone,” Banham said. “For a while I was really confused. We just had to break it down.”
Minnesota led 38-23 at halftime.
In the second half, Banham used her speed to penetrate the zone and create for her teammates and herself. She elevated her play to the level that was expected out of Minnesota’s top recruit.
“I was really nervous at first, but once I got out there and got in to the rhythm of everything, I was really excited,” Banham said.
Banham started just 2-for-8 shooting, but finished the night with 11 points and six assists and four turnovers. She added three steals and two blocks.
The Gophers dominated the game with their size and quickness. They out-rebounded the Huskies 49-34, had 14 steals and continually beat the Huskies down the court in transition for high-percentage baskets.
Junior Leah Cotton ran at a higher speed than most others on the court. She had four steals and followed two of them with layups. Cotton finished with 11 points.
Sophomores Micaella Riche and Sari Noga provided Minnesota with rebounding and outside shooting. Riche had 11 points and seven rebounds, and Noga added 13 points on 3-of-5 shooting from 3-point range.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/03/gophers-rout-scsu-opening-night-exhibition-victory
PUBLISHED: 2011-11-03
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
The Minnesota women’s basketball team used its superior size and athletic ability to rout St. Cloud State 86-51 in its exhibition opener.
“We had six players in double figures, a lot of offensive weapons and a lot of versatility out there. I’m pleased with our effort tonight,” head coach Pam Borton said.
Kiara Buford made the first shot of the night and followed that up with a 3-pointer on the next possession. The senior guard took on numerous roles, playing both distributor and scorer.
Buford finished with 14 points, three rebounds and six assists.
“There were times when we were clicking and you see glimpses of excellence,” Buford said. “Our younger girls did really well.”
Freshman Rachel Banham received a large ovation during team announcements and showcased some of her talents early while also displaying her inexperience.
A sequence that summed up her early performance occurred midway through the first half. Banham was stripped of the ball but hustled down the floor to block the opposing layup. On the ensuing possession, she drove the length of the court for an unassisted layup.
SCSU switched to a zone defense with eight minutes remaining in the first half to which Banham had difficulties adjusting.
“It was an awkward zone,” Banham said. “For a while I was really confused. We just had to break it down.”
Minnesota led 38-23 at halftime.
In the second half, Banham used her speed to penetrate the zone and create for her teammates and herself. She elevated her play to the level that was expected out of Minnesota’s top recruit.
“I was really nervous at first, but once I got out there and got in to the rhythm of everything, I was really excited,” Banham said.
Banham started just 2-for-8 shooting, but finished the night with 11 points and six assists and four turnovers. She added three steals and two blocks.
The Gophers dominated the game with their size and quickness. They out-rebounded the Huskies 49-34, had 14 steals and continually beat the Huskies down the court in transition for high-percentage baskets.
Junior Leah Cotton ran at a higher speed than most others on the court. She had four steals and followed two of them with layups. Cotton finished with 11 points.
Sophomores Micaella Riche and Sari Noga provided Minnesota with rebounding and outside shooting. Riche had 11 points and seven rebounds, and Noga added 13 points on 3-of-5 shooting from 3-point range.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/03/gophers-rout-scsu-opening-night-exhibition-victory
Women’s basketball tips off against St. Cloud State
Freshman Rachel Banham will start at point guard for the Gophers.
PUBLISHED: 2011-11-02
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers women’s basketball team opens its season at 7 p.m. tonight at Williams Arena with an exhibition game against St. Cloud State.
Minnesota lost six of its last seven games last year and finished 4-12 in the Big Ten.
Head coach Pam Borton said she believes this year’s squad has the talent and experience to improve upon its disappointing finish to 2010-11.
“I’m very excited about this team,” Borton said. “We are a lot more athletic, we are quicker and we are more versatile.”
The team will be put to the test early this season.
Before opening Big Ten play, the Gophers play a tough non-conference schedule that includes No. 1 Baylor, an Elite 8 team last year.
“If you want to be the best, you have to play the best, and I think we are getting tested right from the beginning,” Borton said.
Minnesota will rely on seniors Kiara Buford, Jackie Voigt and Brianna Mastey for a stable presence through the tough schedule. The team returns 11 players from a year ago.
Buford was a top-five scorer in the Big Ten last year despite playing point guard. She will move to her more natural position of shooting guard as freshman Rachel Banham takes over point guard duties.
A top-five national recruit at point guard and 2011 Minnesota Ms. Basketball winner, Banham may be the key to the Gophers’ success this season. She has drawn comparisons to former Gopher standout and current Minnesota Lynx champion Lindsay Whalen.
Borton said that Banham embraces those comparisons.
“I think when she hears she’s being compared to Whalen, she’s not a kid that says, ‘Oh my gosh, this is pressure,’ but she looks at it as an honor,” Borton said.
Freshman Kayla Hirt was another highly touted recruit coming to Minnesota, but she tore her ACL in a preseason practice and will miss the entire season.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/02/women’s-basketball-tips-against-bemidji-state
PUBLISHED: 2011-11-02
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers women’s basketball team opens its season at 7 p.m. tonight at Williams Arena with an exhibition game against St. Cloud State.
Minnesota lost six of its last seven games last year and finished 4-12 in the Big Ten.
Head coach Pam Borton said she believes this year’s squad has the talent and experience to improve upon its disappointing finish to 2010-11.
“I’m very excited about this team,” Borton said. “We are a lot more athletic, we are quicker and we are more versatile.”
The team will be put to the test early this season.
Before opening Big Ten play, the Gophers play a tough non-conference schedule that includes No. 1 Baylor, an Elite 8 team last year.
“If you want to be the best, you have to play the best, and I think we are getting tested right from the beginning,” Borton said.
Minnesota will rely on seniors Kiara Buford, Jackie Voigt and Brianna Mastey for a stable presence through the tough schedule. The team returns 11 players from a year ago.
Buford was a top-five scorer in the Big Ten last year despite playing point guard. She will move to her more natural position of shooting guard as freshman Rachel Banham takes over point guard duties.
A top-five national recruit at point guard and 2011 Minnesota Ms. Basketball winner, Banham may be the key to the Gophers’ success this season. She has drawn comparisons to former Gopher standout and current Minnesota Lynx champion Lindsay Whalen.
Borton said that Banham embraces those comparisons.
“I think when she hears she’s being compared to Whalen, she’s not a kid that says, ‘Oh my gosh, this is pressure,’ but she looks at it as an honor,” Borton said.
Freshman Kayla Hirt was another highly touted recruit coming to Minnesota, but she tore her ACL in a preseason practice and will miss the entire season.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/02/women’s-basketball-tips-against-bemidji-state
Quick Hitters
Quick hitters
PUBLISHED: 2011-10-31
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
—Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill got his first Big Ten and his first trophy game victory. “I don’t believe we won the game today without the fans,” Kill said.
—MarQueis Gray passed for 193 yards and a touchdown and ran for 62 yards and a touchdown. This was the first game this year that he scored as both a runner and passer. “He has to be a respected youngster and a player. This was certainly a big growth spurt in his [Gray’s] development today,” Kill said.
After a Duane Bennett fumble, Gray huddled the offense together on his own on the sideline. “It needed to be done,” Gray said. “I need to do it more often. I need to be a leader on this team.”
—The Gophers’ offensive line didn’t allow a sack, opened lanes for 178 yards rushing and allowed Gray time to find receivers for 193 yards.
—The Gophers’ defense sacked Iowa’s James Vandenberg three times Saturday. Minnesota now has eight sacks on the year. That matches its total for the entire 2010 season.
—Minnesota held Iowa to a 36 percent conversion rate on third down. By far, it’s the lowest percentage the Gophers have allowed in Big Ten play.
—Kim Royston had a career-high 16 tackles on Saturday. He leads Minnesota with 77 tackles on the year. “I’ll be in good and early at rehab icing, but I’m a safety and you’ve got to make plays,” Royston said.
—Iowa’s Marcus Coker ran for 252 yards and two touchdowns. Minnesota last gave up a 200-yard rushing performance to Chad Spann from Northern Illinois in 2010, then led by Jerry Kill.
—The Gophers lost the possession battle 31:50 – 28:10 to the Hawkeyes, but they held the ball for almost the entire fourth quarter to come back and win. Iowa held the ball for only 1:35 in the fourth quarter.
—Walk-on kicker Jordan Wettstein made his first start when Chris Hawthorne couldn’t play due to a muscle strain. Wettstein made his first field goal of the year and successfully kicked the onside kick that allowed the Gophers their game-winning drive. “His feet probably haven’t even hit the ground. He did a great job kicking,” Kill said.
—The Hawkeyes missed two field goals in the first half. Their kicker, Mike Meyer, had previously converted all four of his field goals in Big Ten play.
—Freshman wide receiver Devin Crawford-Tufts from Edina caught two deep passes from Gray for 100 yards. This was his first 100-yard game.
—Kyle Henderson notched his first sack for a 12-yard loss and forced his first fumble, which the Gophers recovered. “That was a miracle play. It really changed momentum of the game,” Henderson said.
—Minnesota defensive tackle Brandon Kirksey’s uncle, Christian Kirksey, plays for the Hawkeyes’ defense. Brandon said he messaged his uncle earlier this week with a picture of the pig and said, “If you want it, you got to come get it.”
After the game, Kirksey had a bandage on his face where the Floyd of Rosedale trophy was dropped and hit him during the celebration. “I think it was the right ear,” Kirksey said.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/10/31/quick-hitters
PUBLISHED: 2011-10-31
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
—Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill got his first Big Ten and his first trophy game victory. “I don’t believe we won the game today without the fans,” Kill said.
—MarQueis Gray passed for 193 yards and a touchdown and ran for 62 yards and a touchdown. This was the first game this year that he scored as both a runner and passer. “He has to be a respected youngster and a player. This was certainly a big growth spurt in his [Gray’s] development today,” Kill said.
After a Duane Bennett fumble, Gray huddled the offense together on his own on the sideline. “It needed to be done,” Gray said. “I need to do it more often. I need to be a leader on this team.”
—The Gophers’ offensive line didn’t allow a sack, opened lanes for 178 yards rushing and allowed Gray time to find receivers for 193 yards.
—The Gophers’ defense sacked Iowa’s James Vandenberg three times Saturday. Minnesota now has eight sacks on the year. That matches its total for the entire 2010 season.
—Minnesota held Iowa to a 36 percent conversion rate on third down. By far, it’s the lowest percentage the Gophers have allowed in Big Ten play.
—Kim Royston had a career-high 16 tackles on Saturday. He leads Minnesota with 77 tackles on the year. “I’ll be in good and early at rehab icing, but I’m a safety and you’ve got to make plays,” Royston said.
—Iowa’s Marcus Coker ran for 252 yards and two touchdowns. Minnesota last gave up a 200-yard rushing performance to Chad Spann from Northern Illinois in 2010, then led by Jerry Kill.
—The Gophers lost the possession battle 31:50 – 28:10 to the Hawkeyes, but they held the ball for almost the entire fourth quarter to come back and win. Iowa held the ball for only 1:35 in the fourth quarter.
—Walk-on kicker Jordan Wettstein made his first start when Chris Hawthorne couldn’t play due to a muscle strain. Wettstein made his first field goal of the year and successfully kicked the onside kick that allowed the Gophers their game-winning drive. “His feet probably haven’t even hit the ground. He did a great job kicking,” Kill said.
—The Hawkeyes missed two field goals in the first half. Their kicker, Mike Meyer, had previously converted all four of his field goals in Big Ten play.
—Freshman wide receiver Devin Crawford-Tufts from Edina caught two deep passes from Gray for 100 yards. This was his first 100-yard game.
—Kyle Henderson notched his first sack for a 12-yard loss and forced his first fumble, which the Gophers recovered. “That was a miracle play. It really changed momentum of the game,” Henderson said.
—Minnesota defensive tackle Brandon Kirksey’s uncle, Christian Kirksey, plays for the Hawkeyes’ defense. Brandon said he messaged his uncle earlier this week with a picture of the pig and said, “If you want it, you got to come get it.”
After the game, Kirksey had a bandage on his face where the Floyd of Rosedale trophy was dropped and hit him during the celebration. “I think it was the right ear,” Kirksey said.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/10/31/quick-hitters
Gophers look to upset Hawkeyes
Minnesota comes in as the underdog for the second-straight year.
PUBLISHED: 2011-10-27
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
Minnesota will host the Iowa Hawkeyes this Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium for the Floyd of Rosedale trophy.
Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill said that he has seen progress in his football program and he also praised Iowa’s.
“Iowa is about as fundamental a football program as you’re going to see. Those guys have been coaching a long time [and] been together a long time,” Kill said.
Although Minnesota has been destroyed by its Big Ten opponents so far this year, it has some reason for optimism. The Gophers are not strangers to being the underdog versus Iowa.
Last year, the Hawkeyes ranked 24th in the nation when the Gophers beat them 27-24, after which hundreds of fans stormed the field.
This year, Iowa boasts a 5-2 overall record, but has yet to win a game on the road. Its statistics don’t show a large discrepancy from those of the Gophers.
Minnesota quarterback MarQueis Gray rushed for a touchdown last year in the win against Iowa. He started at wide receiver in that game and had three catches for 33 yards as well as eight rushes for 39 yards.
“I remember the last drive. I remember the bomb to Da’Jon [McKnight],” Gray said. “Overall, the best part was just seeing everyone run over to the sideline and grab the pig, the whole stadium coming down on the field. That was the best part of that day,” Gray said.
This year he will try to influence the game again, not just as a rusher, but as a passer as well.
The numbers indicate that there is an opportunity for Gray to take advantage of the Iowa defense with his arm. Iowa has given up more than 1,700 yards passing this year, which ranks 10th in the Big Ten.
Gray has not had much success in the vertical pass game this season but he said he remains optimistic.
“I feel like I’m getting more comfortable week-in, week-out. As many reps as I’m getting, I feel confident with my offense, back in the pocket; my ability to make plays. I feel more confident every week,” Gray said.
Minnesota was picked apart by Nebraska at its homecoming, but showed some improvements in its game.
The Gophers’ defense did not seem intimidated and displayed its strongest effort, but fell to penalties and mental mistakes.
That attitude will have to continue, sans the mistakes, for Minnesota to have a chance to beat the Hawkeyes.
“It gets frustrating, the part of the mistakes, but they are getting fewer and we’re getting better,” defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said.
Linebacker Keanon Cooper had a cast removed from his forearm and led the team with 12 tackles last week against Nebraska. Kill said Cooper played much better than in previous weeks.
Kill also praised senior safety Kim Royston at Tuesday’s press conference. Royston had another double-digit tackle effort against Nebraska and leads the Gophers in tackles this year.
Kill rattled off the names of numerous players that he has been impressed with as far as their growth. Freshman defensive end Ben Perry is one of those players.
“Even though the season may not be going the way we want, we’re going to make sure we’re intense, stay intense, and we’re going to keep fighting intense and hopefully things turn around,” Perry said.
He added about the upcoming Iowa game, “I have no plans of giving away that pig. I want to keep it.”
Minnesota’s defense will be tasked with stopping Iowa’s big bruising tailback, Marcus Coker. Coker, who is 6-foot-2-inches and 230 pounds, has eight touchdowns and more than 700 yards this season.
The Hawkeyes’ running offense, however, has been completely dependent on Coker since freshman Mika’il McCall went down with a foot injury. The rushing unit is ranked 10th in the Big Ten with only 143 yards per game. McCall was recently cleared medically to play.
“There’s a big difference being cleared medically and really being able to play,” Ferentz said.
The potentially more dangerous aspect of Saturday’s matchup is the Iowa passing game. Junior quarterback James Vandenberg leads the passing attack and has 16 touchdowns to only four interceptions.
Vandenberg is helped by two of the taller receivers in the Big Ten in Marvin McNutt (6’4”) and Keenan Davis (6’3”). Both rank in the top 10 in the conference in yards, yards per reception and touchdowns.
Minnesota improved its pass defense last week, allowing a completion rate of 60 percent.
There has been a steady improvement in that area for the last four weeks and this was the unit’s lowest completion rate allowed since its only win of the season against Miami (Ohio).
Minnesota running back David Cobb was back in full pads at practice this week and will attempt to return Saturday. He has missed time with an injured hamstring.
Sophomore offensive lineman Zach Mottla played center with the first team this week at practice and may potentially get his first start at center.
Minnesota has to fit all of these pieces together on both offense and defense in order to be competitive this week.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/10/27/gophers-look-upset-hawkeyes
PUBLISHED: 2011-10-27
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
Minnesota will host the Iowa Hawkeyes this Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium for the Floyd of Rosedale trophy.
Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill said that he has seen progress in his football program and he also praised Iowa’s.
“Iowa is about as fundamental a football program as you’re going to see. Those guys have been coaching a long time [and] been together a long time,” Kill said.
Although Minnesota has been destroyed by its Big Ten opponents so far this year, it has some reason for optimism. The Gophers are not strangers to being the underdog versus Iowa.
Last year, the Hawkeyes ranked 24th in the nation when the Gophers beat them 27-24, after which hundreds of fans stormed the field.
This year, Iowa boasts a 5-2 overall record, but has yet to win a game on the road. Its statistics don’t show a large discrepancy from those of the Gophers.
Minnesota quarterback MarQueis Gray rushed for a touchdown last year in the win against Iowa. He started at wide receiver in that game and had three catches for 33 yards as well as eight rushes for 39 yards.
“I remember the last drive. I remember the bomb to Da’Jon [McKnight],” Gray said. “Overall, the best part was just seeing everyone run over to the sideline and grab the pig, the whole stadium coming down on the field. That was the best part of that day,” Gray said.
This year he will try to influence the game again, not just as a rusher, but as a passer as well.
The numbers indicate that there is an opportunity for Gray to take advantage of the Iowa defense with his arm. Iowa has given up more than 1,700 yards passing this year, which ranks 10th in the Big Ten.
Gray has not had much success in the vertical pass game this season but he said he remains optimistic.
“I feel like I’m getting more comfortable week-in, week-out. As many reps as I’m getting, I feel confident with my offense, back in the pocket; my ability to make plays. I feel more confident every week,” Gray said.
Minnesota was picked apart by Nebraska at its homecoming, but showed some improvements in its game.
The Gophers’ defense did not seem intimidated and displayed its strongest effort, but fell to penalties and mental mistakes.
That attitude will have to continue, sans the mistakes, for Minnesota to have a chance to beat the Hawkeyes.
“It gets frustrating, the part of the mistakes, but they are getting fewer and we’re getting better,” defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said.
Linebacker Keanon Cooper had a cast removed from his forearm and led the team with 12 tackles last week against Nebraska. Kill said Cooper played much better than in previous weeks.
Kill also praised senior safety Kim Royston at Tuesday’s press conference. Royston had another double-digit tackle effort against Nebraska and leads the Gophers in tackles this year.
Kill rattled off the names of numerous players that he has been impressed with as far as their growth. Freshman defensive end Ben Perry is one of those players.
“Even though the season may not be going the way we want, we’re going to make sure we’re intense, stay intense, and we’re going to keep fighting intense and hopefully things turn around,” Perry said.
He added about the upcoming Iowa game, “I have no plans of giving away that pig. I want to keep it.”
Minnesota’s defense will be tasked with stopping Iowa’s big bruising tailback, Marcus Coker. Coker, who is 6-foot-2-inches and 230 pounds, has eight touchdowns and more than 700 yards this season.
The Hawkeyes’ running offense, however, has been completely dependent on Coker since freshman Mika’il McCall went down with a foot injury. The rushing unit is ranked 10th in the Big Ten with only 143 yards per game. McCall was recently cleared medically to play.
“There’s a big difference being cleared medically and really being able to play,” Ferentz said.
The potentially more dangerous aspect of Saturday’s matchup is the Iowa passing game. Junior quarterback James Vandenberg leads the passing attack and has 16 touchdowns to only four interceptions.
Vandenberg is helped by two of the taller receivers in the Big Ten in Marvin McNutt (6’4”) and Keenan Davis (6’3”). Both rank in the top 10 in the conference in yards, yards per reception and touchdowns.
Minnesota improved its pass defense last week, allowing a completion rate of 60 percent.
There has been a steady improvement in that area for the last four weeks and this was the unit’s lowest completion rate allowed since its only win of the season against Miami (Ohio).
Minnesota running back David Cobb was back in full pads at practice this week and will attempt to return Saturday. He has missed time with an injured hamstring.
Sophomore offensive lineman Zach Mottla played center with the first team this week at practice and may potentially get his first start at center.
Minnesota has to fit all of these pieces together on both offense and defense in order to be competitive this week.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/10/27/gophers-look-upset-hawkeyes
The legend of Floyd of Rosedale
The story behind the Minnesota-Iowa rivalry game.
PUBLISHED: 2011-10-27
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
The history behind the Minnesota and Iowa rivalry game trophy is clouded by accused racism, a potential riot and a prize hog.
In 1934, Iowa had a star tailback in Ozzie Simmons. Simmons was an African-American who started for a major college football program, which was extremely rare at that time.
During the 1934 game, there were accusations of dirty play by the Gophers, including kneeing Simmons repeatedly in the ribs. Gophers head coach Bernie Bierman said that they treated Simmons like any other player. Simmons, many years later, stated that the Gophers did hit him late and try to pile on extra hits.
The Iowa fans’ perception was that the Gophers had played dirty and they let that be known through threatening letters to Bierman. Bierman had requested a police escort for the team, and Iowa Gov. Clyde Herring said that if Simmons was roughed up in the game, the crowd wouldn’t stand for it. Minnesota feared a riot and Bierman threatened to break athletic ties.
Then Minnesota Gov. Floyd B. Olson sent a telegram to Herring that said, “Dear Clyde, Minnesota folks are excited over your statement about the Iowa crowd lynching the Minnesota football team. If you seriously think Iowa has any chance to win, I will bet you a Minnesota prize hog against an Iowa prize hog that Minnesota wins today.”
The telegram lightened the mood, and after Minnesota won 13-7 Herring didn’t welch on his bet. He brought a prize-winning Iowa hog from Rosedale FarmS to Minnesota and it was named after the Minnesota governor.
The Floyd of Rosedale trophy has been awarded to the winner of the interstate rivalry game each year since. Minnesota leads the all-time series 40-34-2.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/10/27/legend-floyd-rosedale
PUBLISHED: 2011-10-27
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
The history behind the Minnesota and Iowa rivalry game trophy is clouded by accused racism, a potential riot and a prize hog.
In 1934, Iowa had a star tailback in Ozzie Simmons. Simmons was an African-American who started for a major college football program, which was extremely rare at that time.
During the 1934 game, there were accusations of dirty play by the Gophers, including kneeing Simmons repeatedly in the ribs. Gophers head coach Bernie Bierman said that they treated Simmons like any other player. Simmons, many years later, stated that the Gophers did hit him late and try to pile on extra hits.
The Iowa fans’ perception was that the Gophers had played dirty and they let that be known through threatening letters to Bierman. Bierman had requested a police escort for the team, and Iowa Gov. Clyde Herring said that if Simmons was roughed up in the game, the crowd wouldn’t stand for it. Minnesota feared a riot and Bierman threatened to break athletic ties.
Then Minnesota Gov. Floyd B. Olson sent a telegram to Herring that said, “Dear Clyde, Minnesota folks are excited over your statement about the Iowa crowd lynching the Minnesota football team. If you seriously think Iowa has any chance to win, I will bet you a Minnesota prize hog against an Iowa prize hog that Minnesota wins today.”
The telegram lightened the mood, and after Minnesota won 13-7 Herring didn’t welch on his bet. He brought a prize-winning Iowa hog from Rosedale FarmS to Minnesota and it was named after the Minnesota governor.
The Floyd of Rosedale trophy has been awarded to the winner of the interstate rivalry game each year since. Minnesota leads the all-time series 40-34-2.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/10/27/legend-floyd-rosedale
Nebraska spoils Gophers’ homecoming
Minnesota lost its 15th straight game to the Huskers.
PUBLISHED: 2011-10-24
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
The Huskers were sharks amid a sea of red at TCF Bank Stadium, and the Gophers were the seemingly helpless victims that sank 41-14.
Playing in front of a homecoming crowd that contained more red shirts than maroon and gold, Minnesota lost its 15th straight game to the Huskers.
Nebraska, led by head coach Bo Pellini, played a tough game in the first half and used the second half as practice. After running the ball down Minnesota’s throat for the first 30 minutes, it threw deep fade routes and toyed with the Gophers’ defense in the second half.
“I thought it was a pretty complete effort, especially in the first half. In the second half we played a little bit differently, a little bit by design,” Pellini said.
The Huskers dominated the Gophers in a business-like fashion as though they were playing a high school team, while chants of “Go Big Red” were shouted from the crowd. Nebraska exposed the Gophers’ lack of size, speed and playmaking ability all afternoon.
Nebraska’s running attack was led by Rex Burkhead, who ran for 117 yards and a touchdown..
Minnesota committed penalties, turnovers and played poorly overall.
“Our weakness today was the mental part of it,” head coach Jerry Kill said. “When you fumble, snap on the wrong count, jump offsides, we can’t overcome that.”
Quarterback MarQueis Gray threw for only nine yards in the first half. He completed nine passes for 122 yards overall with zero passing touchdowns and three fumbles. He gained 54 of those yards and completed five of those passes on the final drive against Nebraska’s second-team defense.
“Before he can step up, he’s got to learn how to play the quarterback position,” Kill said. “We need MarQueis to get some reps.”
Max Shortell, who has traded quarterbacking duties with Gray, did not play Saturday.
The highlight of the afternoon for the Gophers was a double reverse flea flicker for a 53-yard completion from Gray to Da’Jon McKnight. That set up Minnesota’s first score, when Gray stumbled into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown run after he recovered his own fumble.
Gray lifted his arms and shimmied after the score and relished one of his few opportunities to celebrate.
Minnesota’s defense played strong to begin the game. It held Nebraska to a field goal on the opening drive — the first time it has held an opponent from scoring a touchdown on the opening drive since playing North Dakota State on Sept. 24.
The Gophers’ defense then held Nebraska to a fourth-and-1 on the next drive, but a controversial play in which Nebraska fumbled the ball forward rewarded the Huskers with a first down.
“That was a critical play. Mentally, our kids didn’t come back from that,” Kill said.
Nebraska’s quarterback Taylor Martinez completed the drive with a touchdown pass.
Next the Huskers ran a reverse to redshirt freshman Kenny Bell to open their third drive with an 82-yard touchdown. Nebraska had a 17-0 lead and never looked back.
Minnesota showed some life in the second quarter when Kyle Henderson ran down Nebraska’s Brandon Kinnie from behind after a 61-yard gain and tackled him two yards shy of the end zone. The Gophers’ defense then kept Nebraska out of the end zone and forced it to kick a field goal.
The momentum garnered from the defensive stop was almost immediately lost when Gray fumbled inside his own 20-yard line and Nebraska’s Austin Cassidy returned it for a touchdown that made the score 27-0.
The one time the Gophers were able to pass midfield in the first half, they attempted a conversion on fourth-and-two, but a miscommunication caused a fumbled snap and Nebraska took over on downs.
Gray shrugged his shoulders and tossed the ball over his shoulder to the referee. Nebraska then drove down the field methodically for another touchdown that set the 34-0 halftime score.
Minnesota came out aggressively in the second half, scoring an early touchdown and recording its only defensive stops of the game, but Nebraska used a 17-play, 91-yard touchdown drive to quickly answer.
Then the Huskers brought in their second team and rested their starters for the remainder of the day.
Nebraska’s Burkhead extended his touchdown streak to seven games. He has now scored a touchdown in every game this season. Nebraska ran for 346 yards on the day overall.
The Gophers’ offense was able to score a late touchdown against Nebraska’s second-team defense.
For the game, Minnesota had five penalties for 55 yards, four fumbles and one fumble lost for a touchdown return.
Nebraska’s 15-game winning streak dates back to 1963 and it has outscored the Gophers 145-14 the last three games.
Minnesota has been outscored 144-31 in Big Ten play this year. The Gophers will host Iowa next week at TCF Bank Stadium.
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ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/10/24/nebraska-spoils-gophers’-homecoming
PUBLISHED: 2011-10-24
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
The Huskers were sharks amid a sea of red at TCF Bank Stadium, and the Gophers were the seemingly helpless victims that sank 41-14.
Playing in front of a homecoming crowd that contained more red shirts than maroon and gold, Minnesota lost its 15th straight game to the Huskers.
Nebraska, led by head coach Bo Pellini, played a tough game in the first half and used the second half as practice. After running the ball down Minnesota’s throat for the first 30 minutes, it threw deep fade routes and toyed with the Gophers’ defense in the second half.
“I thought it was a pretty complete effort, especially in the first half. In the second half we played a little bit differently, a little bit by design,” Pellini said.
The Huskers dominated the Gophers in a business-like fashion as though they were playing a high school team, while chants of “Go Big Red” were shouted from the crowd. Nebraska exposed the Gophers’ lack of size, speed and playmaking ability all afternoon.
Nebraska’s running attack was led by Rex Burkhead, who ran for 117 yards and a touchdown..
Minnesota committed penalties, turnovers and played poorly overall.
“Our weakness today was the mental part of it,” head coach Jerry Kill said. “When you fumble, snap on the wrong count, jump offsides, we can’t overcome that.”
Quarterback MarQueis Gray threw for only nine yards in the first half. He completed nine passes for 122 yards overall with zero passing touchdowns and three fumbles. He gained 54 of those yards and completed five of those passes on the final drive against Nebraska’s second-team defense.
“Before he can step up, he’s got to learn how to play the quarterback position,” Kill said. “We need MarQueis to get some reps.”
Max Shortell, who has traded quarterbacking duties with Gray, did not play Saturday.
The highlight of the afternoon for the Gophers was a double reverse flea flicker for a 53-yard completion from Gray to Da’Jon McKnight. That set up Minnesota’s first score, when Gray stumbled into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown run after he recovered his own fumble.
Gray lifted his arms and shimmied after the score and relished one of his few opportunities to celebrate.
Minnesota’s defense played strong to begin the game. It held Nebraska to a field goal on the opening drive — the first time it has held an opponent from scoring a touchdown on the opening drive since playing North Dakota State on Sept. 24.
The Gophers’ defense then held Nebraska to a fourth-and-1 on the next drive, but a controversial play in which Nebraska fumbled the ball forward rewarded the Huskers with a first down.
“That was a critical play. Mentally, our kids didn’t come back from that,” Kill said.
Nebraska’s quarterback Taylor Martinez completed the drive with a touchdown pass.
Next the Huskers ran a reverse to redshirt freshman Kenny Bell to open their third drive with an 82-yard touchdown. Nebraska had a 17-0 lead and never looked back.
Minnesota showed some life in the second quarter when Kyle Henderson ran down Nebraska’s Brandon Kinnie from behind after a 61-yard gain and tackled him two yards shy of the end zone. The Gophers’ defense then kept Nebraska out of the end zone and forced it to kick a field goal.
The momentum garnered from the defensive stop was almost immediately lost when Gray fumbled inside his own 20-yard line and Nebraska’s Austin Cassidy returned it for a touchdown that made the score 27-0.
The one time the Gophers were able to pass midfield in the first half, they attempted a conversion on fourth-and-two, but a miscommunication caused a fumbled snap and Nebraska took over on downs.
Gray shrugged his shoulders and tossed the ball over his shoulder to the referee. Nebraska then drove down the field methodically for another touchdown that set the 34-0 halftime score.
Minnesota came out aggressively in the second half, scoring an early touchdown and recording its only defensive stops of the game, but Nebraska used a 17-play, 91-yard touchdown drive to quickly answer.
Then the Huskers brought in their second team and rested their starters for the remainder of the day.
Nebraska’s Burkhead extended his touchdown streak to seven games. He has now scored a touchdown in every game this season. Nebraska ran for 346 yards on the day overall.
The Gophers’ offense was able to score a late touchdown against Nebraska’s second-team defense.
For the game, Minnesota had five penalties for 55 yards, four fumbles and one fumble lost for a touchdown return.
Nebraska’s 15-game winning streak dates back to 1963 and it has outscored the Gophers 145-14 the last three games.
Minnesota has been outscored 144-31 in Big Ten play this year. The Gophers will host Iowa next week at TCF Bank Stadium.
ALL CONTENT © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/10/24/nebraska-spoils-gophers’-homecoming
Nebraska quick hitters - This week in Football
PUBLISHED: 2011-10-20
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
Minnesota leads the all-time series against Nebraska, but has lost 14 straight games dating back to 1963. Minnesota hasn’t defeated Nebraska since 1960.
-Nebraska’s All-American defensive lineman Jared Crick is out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle.
-The Huskers rank second in the Big Ten and 11th in the nation with 247 yards rushing per game. Minnesota has allowed an average of 6.1 yards per carry in Big Ten play.
-Nebraska ranks second in the Big Ten in scoring offense with 37 points per game, while Minnesota is last in the Big Ten with 18 points per game.
-Quarterback MarQueis Gray is healthy and practicing at full speed this week. “I feel like if we do what we’re supposed to do — have less turnovers and have fun — anything is possible,” Gray said.
-Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez is third in the Big Ten in total offense with 266 yards per game, trailing only Russell Wilson of Wisconsin and Denard Robinson of Michigan.
-Minnesota will have just two tailbacks available for Saturday’s game. David Cobb and Devon Wright are both battling hamstring issues and did not compete in full practice this week.
-Gopher running back Donnell Kirkwood has been sidelined with hamstring injuries in both of his legs this season. Kirkwood has been wearing leg sleeves at practice to avoid injury, but said, “I feel perfect.” He will split time with Duane Bennett this week against Nebraska.
-Lamonte Edwards converted from running back to linebacker earlier this year, but with the lack of depth at tailback, head coach Jerry Kill said Edwards may get some action on both offense and defense of the ball Saturday.
-Nebraska tailback Rex Burkhead leads the team in rushing with 635 yards and has scored a touchdown in every game this season.
-Senior linebacker Lavonte David leads Nebraska in total tackles (58) and tackles for loss (5.5). He also is tied for the team lead in interceptions (1) and is second on the team in sacks (2).
-Nebraska ranks first in kickoff return average in the Big Ten, led by freshman Ameer Abdullah, who has a 31.9 yards per return average and a touchdown.
-Gopher cornerback Troy Stoudermire had an X-ray on his broken left wrist Tuesday. He remains inactive for Saturday’s game.
ALL CONTENT © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/10/20/nebraska-quick-hitters
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
Minnesota leads the all-time series against Nebraska, but has lost 14 straight games dating back to 1963. Minnesota hasn’t defeated Nebraska since 1960.
-Nebraska’s All-American defensive lineman Jared Crick is out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle.
-The Huskers rank second in the Big Ten and 11th in the nation with 247 yards rushing per game. Minnesota has allowed an average of 6.1 yards per carry in Big Ten play.
-Nebraska ranks second in the Big Ten in scoring offense with 37 points per game, while Minnesota is last in the Big Ten with 18 points per game.
-Quarterback MarQueis Gray is healthy and practicing at full speed this week. “I feel like if we do what we’re supposed to do — have less turnovers and have fun — anything is possible,” Gray said.
-Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez is third in the Big Ten in total offense with 266 yards per game, trailing only Russell Wilson of Wisconsin and Denard Robinson of Michigan.
-Minnesota will have just two tailbacks available for Saturday’s game. David Cobb and Devon Wright are both battling hamstring issues and did not compete in full practice this week.
-Gopher running back Donnell Kirkwood has been sidelined with hamstring injuries in both of his legs this season. Kirkwood has been wearing leg sleeves at practice to avoid injury, but said, “I feel perfect.” He will split time with Duane Bennett this week against Nebraska.
-Lamonte Edwards converted from running back to linebacker earlier this year, but with the lack of depth at tailback, head coach Jerry Kill said Edwards may get some action on both offense and defense of the ball Saturday.
-Nebraska tailback Rex Burkhead leads the team in rushing with 635 yards and has scored a touchdown in every game this season.
-Senior linebacker Lavonte David leads Nebraska in total tackles (58) and tackles for loss (5.5). He also is tied for the team lead in interceptions (1) and is second on the team in sacks (2).
-Nebraska ranks first in kickoff return average in the Big Ten, led by freshman Ameer Abdullah, who has a 31.9 yards per return average and a touchdown.
-Gopher cornerback Troy Stoudermire had an X-ray on his broken left wrist Tuesday. He remains inactive for Saturday’s game.
ALL CONTENT © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/10/20/nebraska-quick-hitters
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