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
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.
All content © 1900 - 2011
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.
All content © 1900 - 2011
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.
All content © 1900 - 2011
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.
All content © 1900 - 2011
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.
All content © 1900 - 2011
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.
All content © 1900 - 2011
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.
All content © 1900 - 2011
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.
All content © 1900 - 2011
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.
All content © 1900 - 2011
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.
All content © 1900 - 2011
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.
All content © 1900 - 2011
ARTICLE URL: http://www.mndaily.com/2011/11/23/minnesota-heads-california-st-mary’s-hilton-tournament
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)