What we find out about Minnesota by means of 5 video games

MINNEAPOLIS – The College of Minnesota soccer group was 4-0 heading into Purdue, out-scoring opponents by a mixed 183-24 within the course of. The Gophers had been ranked for the primary time in practically two years, and it was Homecoming.

None of that mattered to Purdue in a 20-10 loss to the Boilermakers at Huntington Financial institution Stadium. It was Minnesota’s first lack of the season, and the trail to a Massive Ten West title bought extra difficult consequently.

All shouldn’t be misplaced with seven video games to play, however perhaps don’t ebook these tickets to Indianapolis in December simply but. Right here’s what we’ve discovered concerning the Gophers after their first lack of the season.

MO IBRAHIM NEEDS TO STAY HEALTHY

One factor is obvious after the Gophers’ first loss: They want Mo Ibrahim wholesome the remainder of the season. Ibrahim appeared to injure his left ankle in a win at Michigan State, a recreation the place he ran for 103 yards and a landing. He practiced all week main as much as Purdue, was dressed for pregame warm-ups and regarded able to go. Ibrahim then stood and watched the sport from the sidelines.

PJ Fleck mentioned after the sport he was near taking part in, however the Gophers managed solely 47 yards on the bottom with out him. They got here in averaging virtually 295 per recreation.

GOPHERS NEED MORE FROM OFFENSIVE LINE

Merely put, the offensive line has to play higher than the trouble towards Purdue. In Ibrahim’s absence, Bryce Williams had 11 carries for 38 yards. Trey Potts had 9 carries for 10 yards. The Gophers averaged simply 1.8 yards per carry, after averaging greater than 5 by means of the primary 4 video games.

Tanner Morgan additionally wants extra time to throw. He had Brevyn Spann-Ford open for what would’ve been a landing, however was underneath strain and bought sacked. Morgan gathered his offense at one level within the first half and advised them they weren’t taking part in onerous sufficient. For the Gophers to contend within the Massive Ten West, they need to win within the trenches.

A BIG FOURTH DOWN CALL GOES AWRY

PJ Fleck took an enormous gamble within the first quarter, going for it on 4th-and-1 from Minnesota’s personal 29-yard line. Wildcat quarterback Cole Kramer was stuffed up the center for no acquire, and a turnover on downs. If he appears to be like to his left, there’s a large enough gap between the guard and deal with for a primary down. Purdue turned the sector place right into a area objective.

Fleck is often risk-averse in these conditions, however the Gophers wanted a spark after a gradual begin. The transfer backfired, however he mentioned he would do it once more.

DEFENSE NEEDS TO PRESSURE QUARTERBACK MORE

Danny Striggow and Trill Carter every bought sacks in Saturday’s loss. Tyler Nubin and Jordan Howden every had interceptions, and Nubin compelled a fumble. After a troublesome opening drive, the Gophers’ protection figured some issues out till Purdue’s closing landing.

Coming off lacking a recreation resulting from a rib harm, the Gophers didn’t strain Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell sufficient. Aside from two sacks, he was hit simply two different instances. Minnesota’s protection performed properly sufficient for a win, however they’ll want to use extra constant strain up entrance going ahead to get different offenses off script.

PATH REMAINS FOR BIG TEN WEST TITLE

The Gophers have lots to repair after their first loss, however the backside line is that this: With seven video games to play, there may be completely zero motive to panic when it comes to the Massive Ten West. The Gophers are considered one of six groups at 1-1 within the Massive Ten West. Solely Wisconsin is 0-2, and Paul Chryst was fired as head coach Sunday night time.

As irritating because the loss to Purdue was, the Gophers are actually on their bye week, and have to be prepared to go to Illinois on Oct. 15. The Gophers and Illini are the highest two groups within the Massive Ten West, and the end result might be a crucial tiebreaker going ahead. Minnesota additionally travels to Penn State and hosts Rutgers earlier than the ultimate four-game stretch at Nebraska, internet hosting Northwestern and Iowa and touring to Wisconsin to finish the season.

The trail to Indianapolis continues to be very a lot in entrance of them.