Kiara Buford dominated the Crimson with a 25-point game.
Published: 2011-12-10
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
Minnesota defeated Harvard 79-53 behind an impressive performance from senior guard Kiara Buford.
Buford drove to the rim at will and shot the lights out from outside for 25 points. She hit 11-of-14 shots including three three-pointers.
“We’ve been shooting a lot more the last couple weeks. I think that it’s starting to kick in,” Buford said. “I’m more consistent and more confident in my shot.”
The 25 points were two shy of her career high 27. Buford couldn’t be stopped all afternoon. She added six assists, three blocks and two steals.
The Gophers improved their shooting to 53 percent in the game.
“We haven’t shot the ball real well all year, but we’ve been on the road a lot,” head coach Pam Borton said. “We’ve got three or four people on our team that are as good of shooters that we’ve had in our program in a long time and it was just a matter of time before they start making shots.”
Harvard hung close most of the game, and even took a brief lead midway through the first half. It was able to stay close due to the rebounding edge of 44-33.
Minnesota’s Katie Loberg is taller than any player on the Crimson roster, and she was able to exploit that for points down low. She finished with 16 points and five rebounds. She had an open floor after a steal and looked like she was tempted to go for the slam dunk. Loberg said she didn’t think about it until after the play.
The Gophers pulled away late in the second half and cruised to the victory in the final minutes.
Point guard Rachel Banham began to contribute late in the game. Banham was not the focal point of the offense for the first time this season. She only took ten shots from the floor, contributing 13 points.
Leah Cotton was inserted into the starting lineup earlier this week and had a good game against Air Force, but she regressed this weekend. She appeared anxious with the basketball, putting up quick shots when she got her hands on the ball. She finished the day shooting 1-for-10 for six points.
Minnesota switched in and out of a two-three zone defense with little effect. Harvard was able to stay close no matter the defensive scheme Borton put into place.
The Gophers held on to the ball better than they have all year. They only turned the ball over six times in the game.
“We had great ball control and I thought we made great decisions,” Borton said. “[It was] nice to see that number at 17 assists and six turnovers. It gives you more possessions in the game.”
Minnesota will take on Alcorn State on Sunday at Williams Arena to wrap up the Best Buy Classic at 2:00 p.m.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/12/10/women’s-basketball-defeats-harvard-ease
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Gophers dominate Air Force
Minnesota beat the Falcons 81-46.
Published: 2011-12-08
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers women’s basketball team has leaned on its two top guards for much of the season. After getting thrashed by Baylor on Sunday, head coach Pam Borton rolled out a three-guard set to start.
It worked out Wednesday, as Rachel Banham, Kiara Buford and Leah Cotton lead the Minnesota to an 81-46 win against Air Force at home.
Buford had 13 points, four rebounds and six assists. The senior guard has been the most consistent player for the Gophers (5-5) this season. She is averaging 13 points per game along with four rebounds and three assists.
Buford has scored in double figures in every game this season and has done so in 10 straight games, which leads the Big Ten.
Banham continued her assent through the college ranks against Air Force. She followed up a 19-point performance against Baylor with an 18-point performance against the Falcons.
She added six rebounds, six assists and four steals. Banham also learned some valuable lessons against the full-court press of the Falcons while improving her shooting to 57 percent in the win
She said Wednesday that her confidence is “getting better now that I’m starting to make shots; before I was struggling. I’m more confident shooting the ball and thinking that it’s going to go in.”
After the Baylor loss, Borton said that the Gophers’ guards are capable of taking over every game. In an effort to get more guards on the court, she started Cotton for the first time this year.
Cotton didn’t disappoint. She maintained her defensive intensity and had a smooth stroke on the offensive side of the court.
She finished with 14 points on 6-for-9 shooting but didn’t play much of the second half. Cotton said she had some breathing problems in the second half.
Borton said the three guards starting against Air Force got the team off to a much better start.
“They really handled the pressure and were getting easy baskets on the other end and changing the tide from how we have started games,” Borton said.
She added that she will start the trio of guards this weekend and in the foreseeable future.
“If we’re going to go anywhere this year, we have to do it with our guard play,” Borton said.
Minnesota improved its fouling troubles and poor shooting Wednesday. The Gophers committed only 12 personal fouls in the game and shot 48 percent from the floor.
“I think the fouls are down because we’re playing smarter basketball,” Borton said. “Rachel’s been shooting better; Leah shot a great percentage tonight; Katie [Loberg] shot a great percentage. That’s three players that shot the ball pretty well, and those people are taking more shots than anybody else.”
Minnesota emphasized post play this week after a sub-par performance against Baylor. Loberg responded with a great night, shooting 6-for-8 for 15 points and adding seven rebounds against the Falcons.
Best Buy Classic
Minnesota will take on Harvard and Alcorn State this weekend at Williams Arena. These games will end the Gophers’ four-game home stand.
Harvard has been best known for academics, but its women’s basketball team has had recent success as well.
It finished with an 18-10 record last season. Harvard is 3-4 this season and has won two straight, but lost its only game against Big Ten competition to Iowa 90-81.
Alcorn State is winless on the season and scored only 36 points in its last game against Oklahoma State.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/12/08/gophers-dominate-air-force
Published: 2011-12-08
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers women’s basketball team has leaned on its two top guards for much of the season. After getting thrashed by Baylor on Sunday, head coach Pam Borton rolled out a three-guard set to start.
It worked out Wednesday, as Rachel Banham, Kiara Buford and Leah Cotton lead the Minnesota to an 81-46 win against Air Force at home.
Buford had 13 points, four rebounds and six assists. The senior guard has been the most consistent player for the Gophers (5-5) this season. She is averaging 13 points per game along with four rebounds and three assists.
Buford has scored in double figures in every game this season and has done so in 10 straight games, which leads the Big Ten.
Banham continued her assent through the college ranks against Air Force. She followed up a 19-point performance against Baylor with an 18-point performance against the Falcons.
She added six rebounds, six assists and four steals. Banham also learned some valuable lessons against the full-court press of the Falcons while improving her shooting to 57 percent in the win
She said Wednesday that her confidence is “getting better now that I’m starting to make shots; before I was struggling. I’m more confident shooting the ball and thinking that it’s going to go in.”
After the Baylor loss, Borton said that the Gophers’ guards are capable of taking over every game. In an effort to get more guards on the court, she started Cotton for the first time this year.
Cotton didn’t disappoint. She maintained her defensive intensity and had a smooth stroke on the offensive side of the court.
She finished with 14 points on 6-for-9 shooting but didn’t play much of the second half. Cotton said she had some breathing problems in the second half.
Borton said the three guards starting against Air Force got the team off to a much better start.
“They really handled the pressure and were getting easy baskets on the other end and changing the tide from how we have started games,” Borton said.
She added that she will start the trio of guards this weekend and in the foreseeable future.
“If we’re going to go anywhere this year, we have to do it with our guard play,” Borton said.
Minnesota improved its fouling troubles and poor shooting Wednesday. The Gophers committed only 12 personal fouls in the game and shot 48 percent from the floor.
“I think the fouls are down because we’re playing smarter basketball,” Borton said. “Rachel’s been shooting better; Leah shot a great percentage tonight; Katie [Loberg] shot a great percentage. That’s three players that shot the ball pretty well, and those people are taking more shots than anybody else.”
Minnesota emphasized post play this week after a sub-par performance against Baylor. Loberg responded with a great night, shooting 6-for-8 for 15 points and adding seven rebounds against the Falcons.
Best Buy Classic
Minnesota will take on Harvard and Alcorn State this weekend at Williams Arena. These games will end the Gophers’ four-game home stand.
Harvard has been best known for academics, but its women’s basketball team has had recent success as well.
It finished with an 18-10 record last season. Harvard is 3-4 this season and has won two straight, but lost its only game against Big Ten competition to Iowa 90-81.
Alcorn State is winless on the season and scored only 36 points in its last game against Oklahoma State.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/12/08/gophers-dominate-air-force
Minn. greets fast-paced Air Force
Minnesota will look to bounce back from its loss to No. 1 Baylor.
Published: 2011-12-07
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers host Air Force on Wednesday night at Williams Arena at 7 p.m. and will look to bounce back against the Falcons after losing Sunday to No. 1 Baylor.
Air Force and Minnesota have identical records of 4-5. The Falcons most recently lost to South Florida, a team the Gophers lost to Nov. 13.
Head coach Pam Borton said she believes the Gophers are primed to succeed after some early season struggles.
“Playing the second half with a lot more confidence and aggression against Baylor — I think we ended the game feeling better about ourselves as a team,” Borton said. “It probably took us a little too long to get there.”
Minnesota’s two-headed guard attack of freshman Rachel Banham and senior Kiara Buford has emerged as a consistent force on offense.
The two guards have combined to average 25 points, nine rebounds, six assists and four steals a game. Buford is the captain of the young Minnesota team.
“I have a great feeling about this team, especially talent-wise,” Buford said. “I think we’re still learning, we’re still trying to find the gel we need as a team.”
The Gophers’ defense has been a constant nuisance to its opponents this season. It has generated 19 turnovers and 10 steals per game.
Minnesota will likely focus its defensive effort on Air Force guard Alicia Leipprandt, who scored 32 points on 11-for-18 shooting against South Florida. She’s averaged more than 18 points per game on the season.
“She’s a great player, definitely a player that can play in our league,” Borton said. “She’s a prolific scorer, she’s got a great pull-up [jump shot] and can get to the rim.”
Air Force plays with an up-tempo style.
Borton said Air Force is an aggressive team and that she expects a series of defensive traps and pressure from the Falcons.
“It’s going to be 40 minutes of full-court pressure, run-and-jump defense, and they are very good at it,” Borton said.
Gophers post players Katie Loberg and Micaella Riche were ineffective against Baylor. Loberg made only one of her six shots and Riche didn’t make a single shot in seven attempts. The post play will have to improve for the Gophers to succeed this season.
“We just need to produce more because the guards do a really good job,” Riche said. “Pressuring the ball, rebounding, scoring — in general we need to step up our game. It’s just a question about being tougher.”
The two teams haven’t played since 2002, when the Gophers won 88-75 with strong performances from Lindsay Whalen and Janel McCarville.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/12/07/minn-greets-fast-paced-air-force
Published: 2011-12-07
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers host Air Force on Wednesday night at Williams Arena at 7 p.m. and will look to bounce back against the Falcons after losing Sunday to No. 1 Baylor.
Air Force and Minnesota have identical records of 4-5. The Falcons most recently lost to South Florida, a team the Gophers lost to Nov. 13.
Head coach Pam Borton said she believes the Gophers are primed to succeed after some early season struggles.
“Playing the second half with a lot more confidence and aggression against Baylor — I think we ended the game feeling better about ourselves as a team,” Borton said. “It probably took us a little too long to get there.”
Minnesota’s two-headed guard attack of freshman Rachel Banham and senior Kiara Buford has emerged as a consistent force on offense.
The two guards have combined to average 25 points, nine rebounds, six assists and four steals a game. Buford is the captain of the young Minnesota team.
“I have a great feeling about this team, especially talent-wise,” Buford said. “I think we’re still learning, we’re still trying to find the gel we need as a team.”
The Gophers’ defense has been a constant nuisance to its opponents this season. It has generated 19 turnovers and 10 steals per game.
Minnesota will likely focus its defensive effort on Air Force guard Alicia Leipprandt, who scored 32 points on 11-for-18 shooting against South Florida. She’s averaged more than 18 points per game on the season.
“She’s a great player, definitely a player that can play in our league,” Borton said. “She’s a prolific scorer, she’s got a great pull-up [jump shot] and can get to the rim.”
Air Force plays with an up-tempo style.
Borton said Air Force is an aggressive team and that she expects a series of defensive traps and pressure from the Falcons.
“It’s going to be 40 minutes of full-court pressure, run-and-jump defense, and they are very good at it,” Borton said.
Gophers post players Katie Loberg and Micaella Riche were ineffective against Baylor. Loberg made only one of her six shots and Riche didn’t make a single shot in seven attempts. The post play will have to improve for the Gophers to succeed this season.
“We just need to produce more because the guards do a really good job,” Riche said. “Pressuring the ball, rebounding, scoring — in general we need to step up our game. It’s just a question about being tougher.”
The two teams haven’t played since 2002, when the Gophers won 88-75 with strong performances from Lindsay Whalen and Janel McCarville.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/12/07/minn-greets-fast-paced-air-force
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
No. 1 Baylor routs Gophers at Williams Arena
Minnesota was dominated inside by Brittney Griner and the Lady Bears.
Published: 2011-12-05
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
Minnesota was unable to keep up with Brittney Griner and the No. 1 Baylor Lady Bears on Sunday, losing 89-60. The loss dropped the Gophers to 4-5.
Griner led Baylor with 20 points, nine rebounds and five blocks along with her immense defensive presence.
She consistently beats double-teams and did so against the Gophers on Sunday.
“I’m so used to having two or three on me, it’s kind of like that’s my one-on-one,” Griner said.
Griner played for Team U.S.A. in the Olympics and was the Player of the Year in the Big 12 last season. Griner attributed her experience with Team U.S.A. to her improvement this season.
“It helped me step up my game. Playing against bigger players, stronger, smarter veterans,” Griner said.
When Griner wasn’t leading the attack, she passed it to open teammates such as guard Odyssey Sims. Sims had 15 points and nine assists along with four steals.
“[Griner] ran the floor pretty good, just knowing to give it to her and know who’s open, and they did a great job finishing,” Sims said.
The Lady Bears beat the Gophers in almost every statistical category and dominated inside, out-rebounding Minnesota 58-39. Baylor also outscored the Gophers 44-22 in the paint.
Minnesota head coach Pam Borton said the Gophers need to have a better mindset and focus when playing in the paint.
“In the first half, we missed 15 shots in the paint,” Borton said. “We have to start off a little better offensively and make some easy baskets.”
Freshman Rachel Banham put together a decent game against the No. 1 team in the nation. She had 19 points, five rebounds and three steals.
“Coach said to me right before half that I need to start making plays and I need to start playing like I’m one of the best players out there,” Banham said. “I think that really helped me.”
Banham shot 60 percent from the floor in the second half.
Baylor’s defense was the story of the afternoon. Led by Griner, the Lady Bears had nine blocks, 10 steals and many tips on Minnesota passes.
Baylor led the Gophers 48-21 at halftime, but only outscored Minnesota 41-39 in the second half.
Lady Bears’ head coach Kim Mulkey said that Baylor didn’t play very well.
“I don’t want to sound like I’m not appreciative of a 29-30 point victory. I am,” Mulkey said. “I thought we didn’t defend very well in the second half.”
The swarming Baylor defense forced the Gophers to shoot only 18.9 percent in the first half and 30 percent for the game. Borton said she was encouraged by the improvement in the second-half shooting.
“I think in the second half we were very comfortable offensively,” Borton said. “I think we found our rhythm, and our guards did a great job making shots and making plays. We need better post play.”
Senior Kiara Buford had a tough start, but finished the day with 13 points on 6-for-16 shooting.
Banham, Buford and Leah Cotton all scored in double figures. Cotton shot only 4-for-17 from the floor.
“They have great defense, but I missed my shots because I didn’t hit them,” Cotton said.
The three Gophers guards led the team in the second half.
“Our guards can take over games,” Borton said. “The guards have the ball in their hands the majority of the game, and I think they need to take more responsibility in knowing they can do this every single game, and it’ll open up our post players.”
Shooting has been the Gophers’ weakness this season. They shot 34 percent against Wake Forest in an 82-65 loss Thursday night.
The Gophers will play their next three games at home after playing six of nine on the road. Borton said it will be nice to have a string of games at home this week.
Minnesota will host Air Force at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Sports Pavilion.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/12/05/no-1-baylor-routs-gophers-williams-arena
Published: 2011-12-05
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
Minnesota was unable to keep up with Brittney Griner and the No. 1 Baylor Lady Bears on Sunday, losing 89-60. The loss dropped the Gophers to 4-5.
Griner led Baylor with 20 points, nine rebounds and five blocks along with her immense defensive presence.
She consistently beats double-teams and did so against the Gophers on Sunday.
“I’m so used to having two or three on me, it’s kind of like that’s my one-on-one,” Griner said.
Griner played for Team U.S.A. in the Olympics and was the Player of the Year in the Big 12 last season. Griner attributed her experience with Team U.S.A. to her improvement this season.
“It helped me step up my game. Playing against bigger players, stronger, smarter veterans,” Griner said.
When Griner wasn’t leading the attack, she passed it to open teammates such as guard Odyssey Sims. Sims had 15 points and nine assists along with four steals.
“[Griner] ran the floor pretty good, just knowing to give it to her and know who’s open, and they did a great job finishing,” Sims said.
The Lady Bears beat the Gophers in almost every statistical category and dominated inside, out-rebounding Minnesota 58-39. Baylor also outscored the Gophers 44-22 in the paint.
Minnesota head coach Pam Borton said the Gophers need to have a better mindset and focus when playing in the paint.
“In the first half, we missed 15 shots in the paint,” Borton said. “We have to start off a little better offensively and make some easy baskets.”
Freshman Rachel Banham put together a decent game against the No. 1 team in the nation. She had 19 points, five rebounds and three steals.
“Coach said to me right before half that I need to start making plays and I need to start playing like I’m one of the best players out there,” Banham said. “I think that really helped me.”
Banham shot 60 percent from the floor in the second half.
Baylor’s defense was the story of the afternoon. Led by Griner, the Lady Bears had nine blocks, 10 steals and many tips on Minnesota passes.
Baylor led the Gophers 48-21 at halftime, but only outscored Minnesota 41-39 in the second half.
Lady Bears’ head coach Kim Mulkey said that Baylor didn’t play very well.
“I don’t want to sound like I’m not appreciative of a 29-30 point victory. I am,” Mulkey said. “I thought we didn’t defend very well in the second half.”
The swarming Baylor defense forced the Gophers to shoot only 18.9 percent in the first half and 30 percent for the game. Borton said she was encouraged by the improvement in the second-half shooting.
“I think in the second half we were very comfortable offensively,” Borton said. “I think we found our rhythm, and our guards did a great job making shots and making plays. We need better post play.”
Senior Kiara Buford had a tough start, but finished the day with 13 points on 6-for-16 shooting.
Banham, Buford and Leah Cotton all scored in double figures. Cotton shot only 4-for-17 from the floor.
“They have great defense, but I missed my shots because I didn’t hit them,” Cotton said.
The three Gophers guards led the team in the second half.
“Our guards can take over games,” Borton said. “The guards have the ball in their hands the majority of the game, and I think they need to take more responsibility in knowing they can do this every single game, and it’ll open up our post players.”
Shooting has been the Gophers’ weakness this season. They shot 34 percent against Wake Forest in an 82-65 loss Thursday night.
The Gophers will play their next three games at home after playing six of nine on the road. Borton said it will be nice to have a string of games at home this week.
Minnesota will host Air Force at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Sports Pavilion.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/12/05/no-1-baylor-routs-gophers-williams-arena
Gophers blown out by Deacons
Minnesota's poor shooting lead to a lopsided loss to Wake Forest.
Published: 2011-12-01
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
Minnesota had a dreadful shooting performance and was in foul trouble yet again in a 82-65 loss to Wake Forest. The team fell to 4-4 on the season with the loss.
Wake Forest beat the Gophers at their own game. The Deacons out-hustled Minnesota up and down the court in transition.
Minnesota couldn’t hit a shot for the first 10 minutes of the game and started with 20-0 deficit that it was never able to overcome.
The Gophers shot 0-for-13 and had 10 turnovers before they made their first field goal with 10:03 left in the first half.
Astonishingly, Minnesota was only down 40-31 at halftime. After starting with the 20-point deficit, the Gophers went on a 31-15 run to get back into the game.
Senior Kiara Buford and freshman Rachel Banham led the mini-comeback. Buford and Banham hit three shots from behind the arc and had three steals to make the contest close before the half.
Minnesota couldn’t get over the final hurdle and overcome the early deficit to the Deacons and Wake Forest pulled away in the second half.
Banham was reprimanded by the referee for her language and had to keep her composure to avoid a technical foul. She finished the night with 12 points on 4-for-16 shooting and five turnovers.
Minnesota had 26 turnovers on the night and the Deacons scored 29 points off those turnovers.
The Gophers continued to have trouble with fouls. They put Wake Forest on the free throw line 24 times and had 19 fouls on the night. Senior Jackie Voigt fouled out of the game with more than 10 minutes remaining in the game.
All the missed shots and foul trouble left plenty of opportunity for Katie Loberg and Micaella Riche to wrangle rebounds.
Loberg finished with ten points and 11 rebounds. It was her third straight double-double. Riche scored in double digits for the first time in her career. She had 11 points and seven rebounds.
The Gophers were outscored in the paint 40-24.
Minnesota shot only 30 percent in the first half and 34 percent for the game.
Buford finished with 15 points and was the only Gophers player with a good shooting percentage, 4-for-5.
The Gophers welcome Baylor to Williams Arena on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/12/01/gophers-blown-out-deacons
Published: 2011-12-01
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
Minnesota had a dreadful shooting performance and was in foul trouble yet again in a 82-65 loss to Wake Forest. The team fell to 4-4 on the season with the loss.
Wake Forest beat the Gophers at their own game. The Deacons out-hustled Minnesota up and down the court in transition.
Minnesota couldn’t hit a shot for the first 10 minutes of the game and started with 20-0 deficit that it was never able to overcome.
The Gophers shot 0-for-13 and had 10 turnovers before they made their first field goal with 10:03 left in the first half.
Astonishingly, Minnesota was only down 40-31 at halftime. After starting with the 20-point deficit, the Gophers went on a 31-15 run to get back into the game.
Senior Kiara Buford and freshman Rachel Banham led the mini-comeback. Buford and Banham hit three shots from behind the arc and had three steals to make the contest close before the half.
Minnesota couldn’t get over the final hurdle and overcome the early deficit to the Deacons and Wake Forest pulled away in the second half.
Banham was reprimanded by the referee for her language and had to keep her composure to avoid a technical foul. She finished the night with 12 points on 4-for-16 shooting and five turnovers.
Minnesota had 26 turnovers on the night and the Deacons scored 29 points off those turnovers.
The Gophers continued to have trouble with fouls. They put Wake Forest on the free throw line 24 times and had 19 fouls on the night. Senior Jackie Voigt fouled out of the game with more than 10 minutes remaining in the game.
All the missed shots and foul trouble left plenty of opportunity for Katie Loberg and Micaella Riche to wrangle rebounds.
Loberg finished with ten points and 11 rebounds. It was her third straight double-double. Riche scored in double digits for the first time in her career. She had 11 points and seven rebounds.
The Gophers were outscored in the paint 40-24.
Minnesota shot only 30 percent in the first half and 34 percent for the game.
Buford finished with 15 points and was the only Gophers player with a good shooting percentage, 4-for-5.
The Gophers welcome Baylor to Williams Arena on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/12/01/gophers-blown-out-deacons
Jerry Kill prepares for first full offseason with Minn.
Kill and his staff have already begun offseason measures.
Published: 2011-11-30
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers put their season to bed against Illinois last week with a 27-7 victory. The win was one of only three in the first year of the Jerry Kill era.
Minnesota can now look ahead to the 2012 season. Kill has had a full year in Minnesota and will be able to control the recruiting and offseason training for the first time going into next year.
Some of the Gophers’ issues have been corrected, but problems still exist.
For one, Kill has expressed concern throughout the year about the state of the team’s academic standing.
Kill said Minnesota was hovering close to falling below the required Academic Progress Rate guidelines. Kill and his staff enforced a check-in policy this season for the players to wake up and check-in with a team official before going to class.
The Gophers honored 24 seniors graduating from the team Saturday and will have to replace a large percentage of them. Quarterback MarQueis Gray played his first full season at the position and will be back, but most of his offensive weapons will depart, including starting running back Duane Bennett, wide receiver Da’Jon McKnight and both tight ends — Eric Lair and Collin McGarry.
“I’m still going to be the leader and help those new guys coming in,” Gray said.
The position battles have already begun as Kill and his staff had the team back in the training room Monday following the end of the season for lifting, running and conditioning. McKnight said he believes that the wide receiving corps will be able to step up in his absence.
“Most of them played this year, Devin [Crawford-Tufts], BG [Brandon Green], Ge’Shaun [Harris]. They’re going to be fine,” McKnight said. “They’ll be comfortable with the system and play fast.”
The offensive line is one position on the field that has some depth to look forward to next season. Eleven different offensive linemen played this season and Minnesota has two big recruits committed in Jonah Pirsig and Isaac Hayes.
“The offensive line has got a lot of young kids and they’re going to get bigger and stronger,” Kill said.
Minnesota’s defense was showing signs of life in the latter half of the season, but it will also be hit hard with departures. Starting defensive tackles Brandon Kirksey and Anthony Jacobs and five defensive backs graduate this year. The Gophers will have to depend on a lot of younger players to take over.
“They’ll grow up fast. You get not only spring ball and another fall camp, so they’ll get two good doses of it before we start again,” defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said.
Ra’Shede Hageman is one of the leading candidates to take over a defensive tackle position. He was recruited heavily out of high school as a tight end, but converted to the defensive line. He recorded two sacks in the final game against Illinois.
“He’s a big man and a hard guy to handle in there,” Kill said.
One defensive senior the Gophers hope to return is Troy Stoudermire, who missed most of the season with a broken arm. He would have to file for a medical hardship waiver and be granted another year of eligibility by the NCAA.
“I’m very excited to get a chance to come back and play football,” Stoudermire said. “I haven’t heard anything. Hopefully it’s good news.”
Recruiting will be the next step for Kill and his staff to supplement the current Gophers roster.
“Not being in a bowl game, can we do more recruiting?” Kill asked rhetorically. “You bet. You’ve got more time to watch film.” He added, “I’ll be on the road as soon as I can get out on the road.”
Conditioning for the current roster will begin swiftly, according to Kill. After the win against Illinois, Kill was not shy about what needed to be done for Minnesota to compete at a higher level next season.
“We’re going to go back to work on Monday. We know we aren’t strong enough or fast enough yet,” Kill said. “We’re not going to take a lot of time off. Our offseason will be much different than it was a year ago. It will be much tougher and much different.”
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/30/jerry-kill-prepares-first-full-offseason-minn
Published: 2011-11-30
Adam Richard arichard@mndaily.com
The Gophers put their season to bed against Illinois last week with a 27-7 victory. The win was one of only three in the first year of the Jerry Kill era.
Minnesota can now look ahead to the 2012 season. Kill has had a full year in Minnesota and will be able to control the recruiting and offseason training for the first time going into next year.
Some of the Gophers’ issues have been corrected, but problems still exist.
For one, Kill has expressed concern throughout the year about the state of the team’s academic standing.
Kill said Minnesota was hovering close to falling below the required Academic Progress Rate guidelines. Kill and his staff enforced a check-in policy this season for the players to wake up and check-in with a team official before going to class.
The Gophers honored 24 seniors graduating from the team Saturday and will have to replace a large percentage of them. Quarterback MarQueis Gray played his first full season at the position and will be back, but most of his offensive weapons will depart, including starting running back Duane Bennett, wide receiver Da’Jon McKnight and both tight ends — Eric Lair and Collin McGarry.
“I’m still going to be the leader and help those new guys coming in,” Gray said.
The position battles have already begun as Kill and his staff had the team back in the training room Monday following the end of the season for lifting, running and conditioning. McKnight said he believes that the wide receiving corps will be able to step up in his absence.
“Most of them played this year, Devin [Crawford-Tufts], BG [Brandon Green], Ge’Shaun [Harris]. They’re going to be fine,” McKnight said. “They’ll be comfortable with the system and play fast.”
The offensive line is one position on the field that has some depth to look forward to next season. Eleven different offensive linemen played this season and Minnesota has two big recruits committed in Jonah Pirsig and Isaac Hayes.
“The offensive line has got a lot of young kids and they’re going to get bigger and stronger,” Kill said.
Minnesota’s defense was showing signs of life in the latter half of the season, but it will also be hit hard with departures. Starting defensive tackles Brandon Kirksey and Anthony Jacobs and five defensive backs graduate this year. The Gophers will have to depend on a lot of younger players to take over.
“They’ll grow up fast. You get not only spring ball and another fall camp, so they’ll get two good doses of it before we start again,” defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said.
Ra’Shede Hageman is one of the leading candidates to take over a defensive tackle position. He was recruited heavily out of high school as a tight end, but converted to the defensive line. He recorded two sacks in the final game against Illinois.
“He’s a big man and a hard guy to handle in there,” Kill said.
One defensive senior the Gophers hope to return is Troy Stoudermire, who missed most of the season with a broken arm. He would have to file for a medical hardship waiver and be granted another year of eligibility by the NCAA.
“I’m very excited to get a chance to come back and play football,” Stoudermire said. “I haven’t heard anything. Hopefully it’s good news.”
Recruiting will be the next step for Kill and his staff to supplement the current Gophers roster.
“Not being in a bowl game, can we do more recruiting?” Kill asked rhetorically. “You bet. You’ve got more time to watch film.” He added, “I’ll be on the road as soon as I can get out on the road.”
Conditioning for the current roster will begin swiftly, according to Kill. After the win against Illinois, Kill was not shy about what needed to be done for Minnesota to compete at a higher level next season.
“We’re going to go back to work on Monday. We know we aren’t strong enough or fast enough yet,” Kill said. “We’re not going to take a lot of time off. Our offseason will be much different than it was a year ago. It will be much tougher and much different.”
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/30/jerry-kill-prepares-first-full-offseason-minn
Monday, November 28, 2011
Quick hitters
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.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/28/quick-hitters
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.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/28/quick-hitters
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)