Michigan Game Recap:
After fighting hard to come back against Michigan and bringing the score to 27-24, Minnesota successfully converted an onside kick that would have put them well within field goal range while also having a shot at a game winning touchdown. Unfortunately, the referees mistakingly called the Gophers offsides on the onside kick attempt. This is something that cannot be reviewed and sadly ended the great game and comeback by the Gophers. Due to this mistake, the Big Ten decided to immediately change how onside kicks are reviewed. It sucks to lose that way, but it isn't the end of the world. There are plenty of positives in life!
USC Game Recap:
This last weekend, the 2-3 Gophers took on the 3-1 USC Trojans in Minneapolis. QB Max Brosmer has seemingly found another gear. He threw for 258 yards and a TD against Michigan, and then followed up that performance going 15/19 for 169 passing yards and 3 rushing TDs to take down the 11th ranked USC Trojans! This was only the second time Minnesota has ever beaten USC (first time was in 1955). This Minnesota Gophers team is definitely hitting its stride, improving to 3-3, as we reach the halfway point of the season. When I looked at the schedule at the start of the year, I had predicted that we would either be 4-2 or 3-3 at this point. So, even though we lost to UNC and Iowa, beating USC gives a HUGE boost to the program and its fans in 2024! The Gophers are in a good position as we start the second half of the year! Let's GO!
Positive Vibes:
As frustrating as the Gophers can be, especially with early season struggles and horrible in-game decision making, PJ Fleck has absolutley brought this program to another level in terms of overall winning, off the field success, and getting players to the next level. PJ Fleck has the 3rd highest winning percentage in Gopher Football history behind Bernie Bierman and Henry Williams and has won all 5 bowl appearances he's led the Gophers to. The football program has had no major off the field controversies under Fleck, the players are always volunteering at children's hospitals and donation centers, and the team GPA is the highest it has ever been. Finally, the Gophers have produced more NFL talent in the recent years under PJ Fleck than they ever have in the past. Fleck, who took over the program in 2017, has emphasized developing NFL talent. There are currently 20 active former Gophers football players on NFL rosters: Rashod Bateman (Ravens), Daniel Faalele (Ravens), Terrell Smith (Bears), Brevyn Spann-Ford (Cowboys), Eric Murray (Texans), Esezi Otomewo (Jaguars), Chris Collins (Chargers), Tyler Johnson (Rams), Blake Cashman (Vikings), Jordan Howden (Saints), Carter Coughlin (Giants), Tyler Nubin (Giants), John Michael Schmitz Jr (Giants), Boye Mafe (Seahawks), De'Vondre Campbell Sr (49ers), Ko Kieft (Buccaneers), Antoine Winfield Jr (Buccaneers), Bucky Irving (Buccaneers), Jack Gibbens (Titans), and Benjamin St-Juste (Commanders). This is an incredible accomplishment! When I think back to when I was young, I could dang near count the number of former Gophers in the NFL on one hand. Now, there are only about 20 other schools that have more active players in the NFL than Minnesota. I would imagine this will continue to rise as players wanting to get to the next level usually consider schools that show a recent history of success as a pipeline to the next level.
UCLA Game Preview:
Next up, the 3-3 Gophers will travel to the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, CA to take on the 1-4 UCLA Bruins. It would be nice to see the Gophers get out to an early lead and take care of business after seeing how much better they have played the last couple weeks against 2 top 12 teams in the nation. The Gophers defense will win the turnover battle and the Gophers offense, led by Brosmer and Taylor, will move the ball consistently and efficiantly to help secure a 27-13 victory and improve to 4-3 on the season. Let's go, Gophers! Beat the Bruins! Show them what Big Ten Football is all about!
I think we will beat UCLA, too! #Row
Let's go, Gophers! 😎