Minnesota got back above .500 this weekend by taking home their first conference win of the season, beating Maryland 31-10. Backup quarterback Conor Rhoda got the start as Mitch Leidner recovers from a concussion suffered the previous week against Iowa. Between Maryland’s anemic defense (made more so when outstanding cornerback William Likely left the game early and didn’t return) and the Gophers’ strong run game, Rhoda’s job was essentially to not lose the game. He completed seven of 15 pass attempts for 82 yards and a touchdown, and fumbled once (the Gophers recovered it). Rodney Smith rushed for 144 yards and two scores, Shannon Brooks for 86 yards and a receiving touchdown. On the other side, backup quarterback Tyrrell “Piggy” Pigrome threw the ball quite a bit more, going 18 of 37 for 161 yards and a touchdown. However, Minnesota’s defense picked him off twice and also recovered two fumbles.
Top to bottom, this was easily the best game the Gophers have played this season (not counting the Indiana State game because, well, FCS). They were even out-penalized by the Terps, whose penalties extended multiple drives for the Gophers. My excitement was tempered by the fact that Minnesota, yet again, took an awful lot of penalties themselves (seven for 50 yards, compared to nine for 75 yards for Maryland).
At mid-season, Minnesota appears to be in excellent position to make a bowl game. They would need two more wins to be eligible, and a third one to be on the safe side. The next three games on the slate are Rutgers, at Illinois, and at home against Purdue, all of which are very winnable. Barring unforeseen circumstances, Northwestern at home on November 19th is a winnable game also. Their chances of winning the division have pretty much slipped away, but that was a long shot to begin with. My only real complaint at this point is the lack of discipline and the propensity for penalties.
Coming up… Rutgers, Saturday at Noon on ESPNU
The Scarlet Knights are going to start Giovanni Rescigno at quarterback over Chris Laviano this week. Zach Allen replaced Laviano against Michigan but couldn’t spark the offense either. Perhaps the third QB will be the charm.
You’ve probably seen the ridiculous stats from Rutgers’ 78-0 loss to Michigan. The Gophers won’t run rampant the way the Wolverines did, but I do expect a big day for both Shannon Brooks and Rodney Smith. Rhoda and Demry Croft are again listed on the position chart as the number one and two quarterbacks for this week, but it’s early enough that that could change. Should Rhoda get the start, his directions against Rutgers’ 94th-ranked defense will be the same as last week – just don’t lose the game. Up front, the lineup is the same as last week, with Garrison Wright replacing Jonah Pirsig at right tackle, and Donnell Green at left tackle spot.
On defense, I’d like to see them get after a quarterback making his first start. Rutgers ranks 127 out of 128 teams in total offense, so this isn’t a game where you want the defense overthinking things. The one change I’d like to see is – stop me if you’ve heard this before – fewer penalties. That goes for both sides of the ball.
Bottom line: There is no earthly reason for Minnesota to lose this game. With road games at both Nebraska and Wisconsin next month, the Gophers cannot afford to give away games they’re capable of winning.
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