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drew -> RE: Gopher Football (9/16/2012 10:59:58 PM)

Agreed, especially on the not beating ourselves. We're definitely not athletically able to match up with upper level team in the conference, but I think it's looking pretty soft this year and we should be able to scrape a few wins out of conference play if we keep improving. I definitely think a bowl game is a reachable goal, which would be a huge step in the right direction.



Karl Juhnke -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 1:25:53 AM)

They are saying Gray is out for a month. Could have been worse. Just a high ankle sprain with no ligament tear or broken bone.

So Shortell will get his extended chance to show if he's for real. My guess is one way or another, there won't be near the qb controversy people are expecting once Gray is healthy again. By then it will either be obvious that Shortell is the man and he'll play out the season getting most of the snaps...especially if they're winning and a 'don't rock the boat' mentality has set in, or else he'll fail to seize the chance and everyone will be glad to see Gray again.

Either way I bet the decision will be obvious a month from now.



SoMnFan -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 7:49:19 AM)

Every Gopher report last night said the same thing we are saying
Shortell and then we'll see what happens in 4 weeks
Nelson will be the back-up option.
As drew said ... one play away from losing eligibility? Better not happen.
Nothing that happens this season would be worth him losing a year on the end of his career.



SoMnFan -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 7:53:09 AM)

Its pretty much a replay of last season at this point ... Gray struggles early, Shortell comes in and impresses early, then cools off.
Hopefully things click with Shortell and he stays effective.
The 'Cuse on Saturday night, should be a fun test.



panndder -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 10:06:22 AM)

Nelson is most likely our QB next year, but if we need a 3rd stringer this year I vote Dexter Foreman.



TJSweens -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 10:17:14 AM)

According to Kill there is no reluctance in having Gray throw the ball. They call the same plays where the QB has the run / pass option. The difference is that Gray is quicker to pull it down and run while Shortell is more prone to excersise the pass option.

Shortell is going to be the guy for the next few weeks and I hope he just blows it up and turns the Gophers into an offensive powerhouse. I just remember last year when everyone jumped on the play Shortell and move Gray to WR bandwagon after USC and later found out that there was a big difference when Shortell played when teams game planned for him. My gut tells me that if Kill and his staff thought Shortell gave them the best chance to win he would have started against UNLV.



Dave E -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 10:55:02 AM)

Was at the game Saturday (it was the kids first game -- what a day for football; they had a great time, and even watched a few plays!), and have nothing to add that hasn't been said already.

I like Gray, incredibile athlete, but needs to throw it more (whether it's him pulling the ball down or the play calling, he just has to throw more). The defense was all over him with no threat of the pass. The injury really wasn't surprising in that respect.

Was awesome watching Shortell those first two drives, but I too ask the question of whether he can be successful long-term. Now he's got a stretch where we'll find out.

Hasn't Kill been willing to use two QBs in a game fairly regularly? Wonder if that's where we'll end up when Gray is back.

As are others, I'm freaked out about blowing a year of Nelson's eligibility if Shortell gets hurt.

If nothing else, there's improvement here compared to last year, which is great to see. No doubt that thus far, Kill has this program moving the right way. No guarantees, of course, but we're on a path, which we haven't had for a long time.



twinsfan -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 11:08:15 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dave E

Was at the game Saturday (it was the kids first game -- what a day for football; they had a great time, and even watched a few plays!), and have nothing to add that hasn't been said already.

I like Gray, incredibile athlete, but needs to throw it more (whether it's him pulling the ball down or the play calling, he just has to throw more). The defense was all over him with no threat of the pass. The injury really wasn't surprising in that respect.

Was awesome watching Shortell those first two drives, but I too ask the question of whether he can be successful long-term. Now he's got a stretch where we'll find out.

Hasn't Kill been willing to use two QBs in a game fairly regularly? Wonder if that's where we'll end up when Gray is back.

As are others, I'm freaked out about blowing a year of Nelson's eligibility if Shortell gets hurt.

If nothing else, there's improvement here compared to last year, which is great to see. No doubt that thus far, Kill has this program moving the right way. No guarantees, of course, but we're on a path, which we haven't had for a long time.

Is there another QB we could throw out there (other than Nelson) if Shortell gets hurt the next few weeks? If not, can we add a walk-on?



SoMnFan -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 11:23:22 AM)

Mitch Leidner had come in basically in the same spot as Nelson ... in-coming freshman
Is he still rostered?
Thats the only other QB I know
panndder threw out Dexter Foreman



SoMnFan -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 11:25:34 AM)

Whats Alipate doing these days?  [:D]



SoMnFan -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 11:32:53 AM)

http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/roster/_/id/135/minnesota-golden-gophers

We list
Leidner
Gray
Foreman
Shortell



SoMnFan -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 11:57:01 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dave E

Was at the game Saturday (it was the kids first game -- what a day for football; they had a great time, and even watched a few plays!), and have nothing to add that hasn't been said already.

I like Gray, incredibile athlete, but needs to throw it more (whether it's him pulling the ball down or the play calling, he just has to throw more). The defense was all over him with no threat of the pass. The injury really wasn't surprising in that respect.

Was awesome watching Shortell those first two drives, but I too ask the question of whether he can be successful long-term. Now he's got a stretch where we'll find out.

Hasn't Kill been willing to use two QBs in a game fairly regularly? Wonder if that's where we'll end up when Gray is back.

As are others, I'm freaked out about blowing a year of Nelson's eligibility if Shortell gets hurt.

If nothing else, there's improvement here compared to last year, which is great to see. No doubt that thus far, Kill has this program moving the right way. No guarantees, of course, but we're on a path, which we haven't had for a long time.


Is the beer flowing like wine these days Dave?
I'm assuming there isn't much sign of a change in many sections?
Early Sat games shoudl be pretty mellow I'd assume.



Karl Juhnke -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 1:43:15 PM)

I think the beer sales have been great so far. They are doing it right. They've struck a good balance by not making beer prevelant everywhere...you certainly don't want a booze soaked college football game, but still it is easy enough to get a beer, and enjoy it like an adult.

The lines were pretty long the first game. But they moved fast. It settled down a bit for the second game. There are two beer areas. One, the open area under the big scoreboard, there is a great vibe there. Drink a beer while soaking in the sun, and still keep an eye on the game. The other area is actually just outside one of the stadium gates. They have it fenced off so you can go out there, get a beer and come back in. This is the most convenient for me to get a beer to take back to my seat. Lines are much shorter out there.

I have not seen any problems at all.



Karl H -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 1:46:13 PM)

Although some don't agree, I think after 3 games we have a pretty good idea of what kind of team we have. With that, here's my assessment so far…

Overall I’m actually just a bit disappointed. I thought we would be at least this good and expected 3-0 to this point (although possibly 3-1 after next week). The spots I thought we would be better: Gray’s passing. He was at around 55% passing last year, and is at 59% right now. That’s just not good enough versus the teams we have played. Run blocking. Yes, we start 2 JR’s, 2 SO’s and FR, but we’re not where I hoped. At times, we’ve struggled against teams we shouldn’t struggle with. Defensively against the run. Again struggled at times. Punting. Couldn’t get much worse than last year but the improvement isn’t what I had hoped for. Penalties and general miscues. Just too many for a Kill coached team.

QB: Again, I expected that Gray’s passing would have greatly improved but haven’t see it yet. I’ve heard that QB’s in Kill’s system make a big jump in year 2. Hopefully that’s true with Shortell & Nelson.

RB: Kirkwood seems to have firmly grabbed the #1 spot. Not sure many folks expected that. Gillum hasn’t had much success the last 2 weeks.

WR: This group has been a pleasant surprise. And not because of the true freshman. Unless something significantly changes, it looks like McDonald wasted a redshirt year. Too bad, he probably could have been huge as a 5th year Senior. At least we should have Harbison for 5 years.

TE: About as expected. Nothing fantastic but solid.

OL: Still a work in progress. Pass blocking has been excellent at times. Nobody will graduate but I’d look for a change in this group next year. Probably Bobek at Center.

DE: Wilhite has been a major surprise with the pass rush. He’s been the main guy (with Hageman) getting pressure. Perry, Amaefula, and Cochran have been rather quiet.

DT: What can you say about Hageman? He can be a total beast. At 6’6” he sometimes plays too high and ends up downfield (not by design). But he can simply dominate at times. Botticelli, Johnson, and Ekpe have been serviceable. Haven’t seen a lot of Jacques or Legania, which is a bit of a surprise.

LB: I guess they’ve been about what I expected. A pretty average group IMO.

CB: I think we’ve gotten decent play from Stoudemire, Carter, and the b/u’s. I actually think Carter is our best cover corner.

S: I’ve been fairly happy with their play. Wells is really good vs the run. Has a ways to go with the passing game but he’s young. This is going to be a strength the next couple of years.

ST: Well, they haven’t cost us a game….yet. I expected better all around play here.

Biggest surprise: Has to be AJ Barker. He easily leads the team in receiving and pretty much came out of nowhere this fall. He reminds me of Wisconsin’s Jared Abbrederis. Both are home state walk-ons, both are redshirt Juniors. Both around 6-1 or 6-2. Both around 190. Honorable Mention goes to defensive guys Wilhite, Manuel, Carter, and Wells.

Before the season I predicted 5 wins for this team. Maybe 6 if things went well. What I didn’t expect was how weak the conference is turning out to be. I believe we are capable of playing any team on the schedule right down to the wire. That’s not to say, however; that we won’t get pasted a time or two. We probably will. But everyone (including us) have shown weaknesses. 3 & 6 the rest of the way gets us bowl bound!



Karl Juhnke -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 1:50:59 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Karl H

I actually think Carter is our best cover corner.



Carter was certainly one of the MVP's last game. Interception to set up the first score. And a couple of key breakups.



SoMnFan -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 2:04:20 PM)

Thanks for the beer info Karl
Was hoping it was going well
Always crazy to me that they didn't have it right away



Karl Juhnke -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 2:28:47 PM)

I wouldn't be surprised if other Big Ten schools follow Minnesota's model. Because it seems to be working well.



Dave E -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 3:25:19 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SoMnFan

http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/roster/_/id/135/minnesota-golden-gophers

We list
Leidner
Gray
Foreman
Shortell


I'm glad Nelson's not listed. No good reason to play him even if Shortell goes down. Go with one of the other two. I rather sacrifice wins this year for another year of the kid later.



Jim Frenette -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 3:27:57 PM)

Thanks for your report Karl H, always enlightening



Dave E -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 3:28:14 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SoMnFan

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dave E

Was at the game Saturday (it was the kids first game -- what a day for football; they had a great time, and even watched a few plays!), and have nothing to add that hasn't been said already.

I like Gray, incredibile athlete, but needs to throw it more (whether it's him pulling the ball down or the play calling, he just has to throw more). The defense was all over him with no threat of the pass. The injury really wasn't surprising in that respect.

Was awesome watching Shortell those first two drives, but I too ask the question of whether he can be successful long-term. Now he's got a stretch where we'll find out.

Hasn't Kill been willing to use two QBs in a game fairly regularly? Wonder if that's where we'll end up when Gray is back.

As are others, I'm freaked out about blowing a year of Nelson's eligibility if Shortell gets hurt.

If nothing else, there's improvement here compared to last year, which is great to see. No doubt that thus far, Kill has this program moving the right way. No guarantees, of course, but we're on a path, which we haven't had for a long time.


Is the beer flowing like wine these days Dave?
I'm assuming there isn't much sign of a change in many sections?
Early Sat games shoudl be pretty mellow I'd assume.


I agree with Karl, they seem to have a good handle on it. We were in club seats (obv -- what, I'm going to mix with the common folk?! [;)]) (actually, one of my wife's clients gave them to us), so stepping back into the DQ Club and grabbing a beer was easy enough (and appreciated on a warm-ish day). We met some friends on the scoreboard plaza at halftime, again, agree with Karl -- fun atmosphere, lots of folks came by to grab beer at halftime, but by no means was it out of control. Kids playing, people just killing a few beers -- seemed perfect for the atmosphere they're going for.



SoMnFan -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 3:28:58 PM)

Crap ... my fault Dave

Nelsons on the list
had him on the brain, forgot to put his name on the list
So there's 5 on the roster that I have ...



Dave E -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 3:30:25 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Karl Juhnke

I wouldn't be surprised if other Big Ten schools follow Minnesota's model. Because it seems to be working well.


Agreed. Just keep it away from the student sections if you're concerned and card hard. The freshmen will be drunk anyway by the time they arrive. No reason it has to be a problem if done right.



Jim Frenette -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 3:32:04 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dave E

quote:

ORIGINAL: Karl Juhnke

I wouldn't be surprised if other Big Ten schools follow Minnesota's model. Because it seems to be working well.


Agreed. Just keep it away from the student sections if you're concerned and card hard. The freshmen will be drunk anyway by the time they arrive. No reason it has to be a problem if done right.


How is it done at other Big 10 schools?



Dave E -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 3:41:01 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SoMnFan

Crap ... my fault Dave

Nelsons on the list
had him on the brain, forgot to put his name on the list
So there's 5 on the roster that I have ...


Either way...enough warm bodies between Shortell and Nelson that we should be able to get through. [8|]



Dave E -> RE: Gopher Football (9/17/2012 3:42:37 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Jim Frenette

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dave E

quote:

ORIGINAL: Karl Juhnke

I wouldn't be surprised if other Big Ten schools follow Minnesota's model. Because it seems to be working well.


Agreed. Just keep it away from the student sections if you're concerned and card hard. The freshmen will be drunk anyway by the time they arrive. No reason it has to be a problem if done right.


How is it done at other Big 10 schools?


As far as I know, we're the only Big 10 school that sells beer at all -- but I don't say that with certainty.



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