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
Monday, November 14, 2011
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.
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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
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
A day in the life of senior O-lineman Chris Bunders
Senior offensive lineman Chris Bunders spends his day with football and his fiancee.
PUBLISHED: 2011-10-19
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
At the break of dawn, senior offensive lineman Chris Bunders wakes up at 6 a.m., not to get ready for practice, or class, but to drive for an hour and a half.
“I get the honor of taking my fiancee to work every morning.” Bunders said without any hint of sarcasm, but total adoration.
Bunders’ fiancee, Jennifer Polansky, works for a local hospital in the mental health clinic. She supports Bunders’ passion for football, attends all of his games and even makes trips to road games to watch her future husband take on opposing lineman, while she cheers from the stands.
“If she had to miss a game, I don’t know what she would do,” Bunders said.
“She is a wonderful support for me. I don’t know what I would do without her,” he added.
They met on the first day of 10th grade and began dating shortly after. Bunders was born and raised in Maple Grove, Minn., and attended Osseo High School, where he dominated competition.
He was the ranked in the top-50 in the nation at offensive guard and was a top-10 player overall in Minnesota.
His high school head coach, Derrin Lamker, is still running the show at Osseo and has led the Orioles to an early 5-1 record this year.
“Chris started as a freshman, and that’s not easy to do here. He was the consummate professional,” Lamker said, noting his respect for Bunders’ footwork, work ethic and maturity.
“The Gophers have had a couple tough years, but Chris always says what a great job his coaches and teammates are doing. He’s always got a positive, mature outlook.”
Bunders said his dream was always to play Big Ten football for the Gophers.
“When I got the chance, I jumped on it. I got some offers from other schools, but this is where I really wanted to play. When that offer letter came through, I was really happy. I couldn’t be happier,” Bunders said.
After he drops his fiancee off in the morning, he heads back to campus for treatment on his various injuries sustained from the week’s abuse on the field, before walking to classes the rest of the morning and into the afternoon.
Football isn’t the only thing Bunders is looking to accomplish at the University.
Bunders is a civil engineering major with a minor in construction management. He said he takes his education seriously, and he proved that by winning a scholar-athlete award in 2007. He also said he knows the value of his scholarship.
“My schooling is getting paid for and I’m lucky to have that. I’m going to go out and get my education,” Bunders said.
Civil engineering is a little-known legacy among Gophers offensive guards: Ben Hamilton and Mark Setterstrom previously majored in civil engineering and both went on to play in the NFL.
Bunders is hoping he can follow in their footsteps.
“I’d love to be able to play more football,” Bunders said. “Otherwise, I’m going to try to line up as many jobs as I can this spring, so I can start working and put some money toward our wedding and house.”
Once Bunders finishes class he heads over to start his work with the team at about 2 p.m. He tapes up his hands and arms to begin his weight training to build up his body to handle the tough job of being a Big Ten offensive lineman.
“What you think you can do isn’t even close to what your body is able to do,” Bunders said. “I’ve learned to be able to push my body and it has bounced back and stayed healthy for me.”
After weight lifting, he studies in team meetings and then moves down to the field to put those studies into play at practice.
Practice begins at 3:30 p.m. with stretch work and light jogs across the practice field. Players who don’t hustle to the practice field, skip class or are insubordinate have to wear “Minnesota Lopher” pink jerseys at practice.
Bunders is not found practicing in pink.
Head coach Jerry Kill yells and shouts, getting players motivated on special teams while Bunders and the rest of the offensive line jog over to a side field with offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover to work through their drills.
Bunders squats down under a 5-foot netted ceiling and moves forward. Emerging from the other side, he thrusts forward, elevating his defender with powerful arms as he uncoils the springs of his squatted legs.
Bunders, traditionally a left guard, prepares for all offensive line positions.
Jimmy Gjere had a concussion last week, according to Kill, so the team moved Bunders from guard to tackle against Purdue.
“We’d be lost without Chris right now,” Limegrover said “He’s been our MVP of the offensive line. He’s a tough guy, a blue-collar guy.”
After the first set of drills, Bunders moves to the opposite side of the field and has to take on two tacklers, maintaining proper leverage to drive through the first block while squaring up the second.
Bunders said practice is where good players are able to become actual college players. He was redshirted as a freshman in order to get the proper practice to play college-level football.
“I wanted to start right out of high school,” Bunders said. “My nightmares were soon realized. I realized that I had a lot of work to do. I got to mold my body into what an actual college player looks like. That year was beneficial. If I would’ve been thrown in, I would’ve been sinking more than swimming,” Bunders said.
Practice ends at 6 p.m. with a talk from Kill while the players attentively heed his words while taking a knee.
Bunders listens to the coach and then heads to the locker room to clean up and eat with the team. The team quickly occupies all the chairs throughout the Gibson-Nagurski Football Complex, grabbing dinner to refuel their bodies after practice.
Bunders finishes his meal quickly so that he may return home. After 13 hours of class and football activities, he heads home to do his homework for the evening.
Once all his work is finished, he gets to spend the evening catching up with his fiancee before heading off to bed to start the enterprise all over again the next morning.
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/10/19/day-life-senior-o-lineman-chris-bunders
ALL CONTENT © 1900 - 2011
PUBLISHED: 2011-10-19
ADAM RICHARD arichard@mndaily.com
At the break of dawn, senior offensive lineman Chris Bunders wakes up at 6 a.m., not to get ready for practice, or class, but to drive for an hour and a half.
“I get the honor of taking my fiancee to work every morning.” Bunders said without any hint of sarcasm, but total adoration.
Bunders’ fiancee, Jennifer Polansky, works for a local hospital in the mental health clinic. She supports Bunders’ passion for football, attends all of his games and even makes trips to road games to watch her future husband take on opposing lineman, while she cheers from the stands.
“If she had to miss a game, I don’t know what she would do,” Bunders said.
“She is a wonderful support for me. I don’t know what I would do without her,” he added.
They met on the first day of 10th grade and began dating shortly after. Bunders was born and raised in Maple Grove, Minn., and attended Osseo High School, where he dominated competition.
He was the ranked in the top-50 in the nation at offensive guard and was a top-10 player overall in Minnesota.
His high school head coach, Derrin Lamker, is still running the show at Osseo and has led the Orioles to an early 5-1 record this year.
“Chris started as a freshman, and that’s not easy to do here. He was the consummate professional,” Lamker said, noting his respect for Bunders’ footwork, work ethic and maturity.
“The Gophers have had a couple tough years, but Chris always says what a great job his coaches and teammates are doing. He’s always got a positive, mature outlook.”
Bunders said his dream was always to play Big Ten football for the Gophers.
“When I got the chance, I jumped on it. I got some offers from other schools, but this is where I really wanted to play. When that offer letter came through, I was really happy. I couldn’t be happier,” Bunders said.
After he drops his fiancee off in the morning, he heads back to campus for treatment on his various injuries sustained from the week’s abuse on the field, before walking to classes the rest of the morning and into the afternoon.
Football isn’t the only thing Bunders is looking to accomplish at the University.
Bunders is a civil engineering major with a minor in construction management. He said he takes his education seriously, and he proved that by winning a scholar-athlete award in 2007. He also said he knows the value of his scholarship.
“My schooling is getting paid for and I’m lucky to have that. I’m going to go out and get my education,” Bunders said.
Civil engineering is a little-known legacy among Gophers offensive guards: Ben Hamilton and Mark Setterstrom previously majored in civil engineering and both went on to play in the NFL.
Bunders is hoping he can follow in their footsteps.
“I’d love to be able to play more football,” Bunders said. “Otherwise, I’m going to try to line up as many jobs as I can this spring, so I can start working and put some money toward our wedding and house.”
Once Bunders finishes class he heads over to start his work with the team at about 2 p.m. He tapes up his hands and arms to begin his weight training to build up his body to handle the tough job of being a Big Ten offensive lineman.
“What you think you can do isn’t even close to what your body is able to do,” Bunders said. “I’ve learned to be able to push my body and it has bounced back and stayed healthy for me.”
After weight lifting, he studies in team meetings and then moves down to the field to put those studies into play at practice.
Practice begins at 3:30 p.m. with stretch work and light jogs across the practice field. Players who don’t hustle to the practice field, skip class or are insubordinate have to wear “Minnesota Lopher” pink jerseys at practice.
Bunders is not found practicing in pink.
Head coach Jerry Kill yells and shouts, getting players motivated on special teams while Bunders and the rest of the offensive line jog over to a side field with offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover to work through their drills.
Bunders squats down under a 5-foot netted ceiling and moves forward. Emerging from the other side, he thrusts forward, elevating his defender with powerful arms as he uncoils the springs of his squatted legs.
Bunders, traditionally a left guard, prepares for all offensive line positions.
Jimmy Gjere had a concussion last week, according to Kill, so the team moved Bunders from guard to tackle against Purdue.
“We’d be lost without Chris right now,” Limegrover said “He’s been our MVP of the offensive line. He’s a tough guy, a blue-collar guy.”
After the first set of drills, Bunders moves to the opposite side of the field and has to take on two tacklers, maintaining proper leverage to drive through the first block while squaring up the second.
Bunders said practice is where good players are able to become actual college players. He was redshirted as a freshman in order to get the proper practice to play college-level football.
“I wanted to start right out of high school,” Bunders said. “My nightmares were soon realized. I realized that I had a lot of work to do. I got to mold my body into what an actual college player looks like. That year was beneficial. If I would’ve been thrown in, I would’ve been sinking more than swimming,” Bunders said.
Practice ends at 6 p.m. with a talk from Kill while the players attentively heed his words while taking a knee.
Bunders listens to the coach and then heads to the locker room to clean up and eat with the team. The team quickly occupies all the chairs throughout the Gibson-Nagurski Football Complex, grabbing dinner to refuel their bodies after practice.
Bunders finishes his meal quickly so that he may return home. After 13 hours of class and football activities, he heads home to do his homework for the evening.
Once all his work is finished, he gets to spend the evening catching up with his fiancee before heading off to bed to start the enterprise all over again the next morning.
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/10/19/day-life-senior-o-lineman-chris-bunders
ALL CONTENT © 1900 - 2011
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