2009 Minnesota Golden Gophers Game Preview
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Preface
Minnesota is in their first season of playing their home games in the new on-campus TCF Bank Stadium. Due to a Big Ten scheduling quirk, the Buckeyes are hosting the Gophers for the second straight year, so tOSU's first visit to the new stadium isn't until next year.
This will be the seventh time that the Buckeyes have played a Big Ten opponent in the same location in consecutive years since the change in scheduling brought about by Penn State joining in 1993. Here is what has happened in those previous pairs of games.
Consecutive years of Big Ten opponents at the same site, since 1992:
(L, T) 1992 tOSU 16, at Wiscy 20; 1993 tOSU 14, at Wiscy 14
(W, W) 1993 tOSU 31 at NW'ern 7; 1993 tOSU 51, at NW'ern 3
(L, W) 1994 at tOSU 10, Illini 24; 1995 at tOSU 41, Illini 3
(L, W) 1994 tOSU 14, at PSU 63; 1995 tOSU 28, at PSU 25
(W, W) 1994 at tOSU 48, Purdue 14; 1995 at tOSU 28, Purdue 0
(W, L) 2002 tOSU 19, at Wiscy 14; 2003 OSU 14, at Wiscy 21
(W, ?) 2008 at tOSU 34. Minny 21; 2009 TBD
The Buckeyes fared well in the Metrodome, winning all 11 contests since the stadium opened in the early 1980s, including an epic comeback from a 31-0 deficit at Minnesota in 1989, which was a 1-A record shared with Maryland's 1984 comeback over Miami, until it was exceeded in 2006 by Sparty turning a 38-3 third quarter deficit into a 41-38 victory that ruined Northwestern's homecoming.
Speaking of 31-point comebacks, that was the size of the lead that the Gophers surrendered to Texas Tech in the 2006 Insight Bowl, when Tech erased a 31 point deficit with 7:47 left to play in the 3rd quarter to mount the greatest comeback in Bowl game history, winning 44-41 in overtime. That broke the bowl game comeback mark of 30, when Byron Leftwich led Marshall back against East Carolina in the 2001 GMAC Bowl.
Blowing that lead in the Insight Bowl was apparently also the deciding factor in Glen Mason losing the head coaching job - he was fired two days later, despite having the best winning percentage of any Minnesota coach since 1950.
Third year coach Tim Brewster, previously the tight end coach for the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers, has turned things after a 1-11 opening campaign. They went 7-6 last year and are currently 4-3 in 2009, with a 2-2 conference mark.
The Golden Gophers' last two 10 win seasons occurred in '03 and '05. That would be 2003 and unfortunately for them, 1905. They had a brilliant stretch from '00 through '05; they actually compiled a record of 65-4-5 from 1900 through 1905. In both 1903 and 1904, they gave up less points over the course of the season than the number of games they won. Those years included a 28-game win streak and a 35-game unbeaten streak. Impressive stuff, but obviously ancient history.
In order to balance the historical look at the Gophers, it's only fair to point out their rich football history:
They were the very first team ever voted #1 in the AP football poll, back in November of 1934. In the first full year for the poll, 1936, they went on to claim their third straight national title. The most recent national championship in 1960 was their sixth.
Minnesota is actually tied with tOSU as the Big Ten teams with the most AP national titles in football, with 4. Michigan has 2, Michigan State has 1, and Penn State won two in the 1980s before joining the conference.
Minnesota has a winning record against the current members of the SEC, the Big-12, and the Pac-10.
Their list of coaches included Fritz Crisler (1930-31), who left for Princeton and then brought along their winged helmet when he arrived in Ann Arbor in 1938. Crisler was succeeded by in Minnesota by Bernie Bierman, who had a .716 winning percentage from 1932-1950 (with a break during World War II), winning 5 national championships in his first decade leading the Golden Gophers. He is also known for teaching the game of football to Bud Wilkinson, who coached Oklahoma to its record 47-game winning streak in the 1950s.
Other Minnesota head coaches include Wes Fesler, who succeeded Bierman after losing tOSU's Snow Bowl in 1950; and Lou Holtz, who went 10-12 in 1984-85 despite some scintillating pep talks.
Glen Mason, in 10 years, guided the team to 7 of their 13 all-time bowl appearances (they never went to a bowl during their glory days under Bierman).
Counting all games ever played against current Big Ten opponents, Ohio State's winning percentage against Minnesota (.854) is higher than that against any other team in the conference. It's .825 against Indiana and .804 against Northwestern.
Date and TimeConsecutive years of Big Ten opponents at the same site, since 1992:
(L, T) 1992 tOSU 16, at Wiscy 20; 1993 tOSU 14, at Wiscy 14
(W, W) 1993 tOSU 31 at NW'ern 7; 1993 tOSU 51, at NW'ern 3
(L, W) 1994 at tOSU 10, Illini 24; 1995 at tOSU 41, Illini 3
(L, W) 1994 tOSU 14, at PSU 63; 1995 tOSU 28, at PSU 25
(W, W) 1994 at tOSU 48, Purdue 14; 1995 at tOSU 28, Purdue 0
(W, L) 2002 tOSU 19, at Wiscy 14; 2003 OSU 14, at Wiscy 21
(W, ?) 2008 at tOSU 34. Minny 21; 2009 TBD
The Buckeyes fared well in the Metrodome, winning all 11 contests since the stadium opened in the early 1980s, including an epic comeback from a 31-0 deficit at Minnesota in 1989, which was a 1-A record shared with Maryland's 1984 comeback over Miami, until it was exceeded in 2006 by Sparty turning a 38-3 third quarter deficit into a 41-38 victory that ruined Northwestern's homecoming.
Speaking of 31-point comebacks, that was the size of the lead that the Gophers surrendered to Texas Tech in the 2006 Insight Bowl, when Tech erased a 31 point deficit with 7:47 left to play in the 3rd quarter to mount the greatest comeback in Bowl game history, winning 44-41 in overtime. That broke the bowl game comeback mark of 30, when Byron Leftwich led Marshall back against East Carolina in the 2001 GMAC Bowl.
Blowing that lead in the Insight Bowl was apparently also the deciding factor in Glen Mason losing the head coaching job - he was fired two days later, despite having the best winning percentage of any Minnesota coach since 1950.
Third year coach Tim Brewster, previously the tight end coach for the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers, has turned things after a 1-11 opening campaign. They went 7-6 last year and are currently 4-3 in 2009, with a 2-2 conference mark.
The Golden Gophers' last two 10 win seasons occurred in '03 and '05. That would be 2003 and unfortunately for them, 1905. They had a brilliant stretch from '00 through '05; they actually compiled a record of 65-4-5 from 1900 through 1905. In both 1903 and 1904, they gave up less points over the course of the season than the number of games they won. Those years included a 28-game win streak and a 35-game unbeaten streak. Impressive stuff, but obviously ancient history.
In order to balance the historical look at the Gophers, it's only fair to point out their rich football history:
They were the very first team ever voted #1 in the AP football poll, back in November of 1934. In the first full year for the poll, 1936, they went on to claim their third straight national title. The most recent national championship in 1960 was their sixth.
Minnesota is actually tied with tOSU as the Big Ten teams with the most AP national titles in football, with 4. Michigan has 2, Michigan State has 1, and Penn State won two in the 1980s before joining the conference.
Minnesota has a winning record against the current members of the SEC, the Big-12, and the Pac-10.
Their list of coaches included Fritz Crisler (1930-31), who left for Princeton and then brought along their winged helmet when he arrived in Ann Arbor in 1938. Crisler was succeeded by in Minnesota by Bernie Bierman, who had a .716 winning percentage from 1932-1950 (with a break during World War II), winning 5 national championships in his first decade leading the Golden Gophers. He is also known for teaching the game of football to Bud Wilkinson, who coached Oklahoma to its record 47-game winning streak in the 1950s.
Other Minnesota head coaches include Wes Fesler, who succeeded Bierman after losing tOSU's Snow Bowl in 1950; and Lou Holtz, who went 10-12 in 1984-85 despite some scintillating pep talks.
Glen Mason, in 10 years, guided the team to 7 of their 13 all-time bowl appearances (they never went to a bowl during their glory days under Bierman).
Counting all games ever played against current Big Ten opponents, Ohio State's winning percentage against Minnesota (.854) is higher than that against any other team in the conference. It's .825 against Indiana and .804 against Northwestern.
Date: Saturday, October 24th, 2009
Time: Noon EDT Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 102,329 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Time: Noon EDT Kick-off
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 102,329 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Events: Homecoming Weekend, Captains Breakfast
Broadcast Information:
TV Broacast: ESPN: Dave Pasch (Play-by-play), Bob Griese and Chris Spielman (Analysis)
Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (WBNS 97.1 and 1460TheFan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline)
2009 Minnesota Golden Gophers Offensive PreviewBroadcast Information:
TV Broacast: ESPN: Dave Pasch (Play-by-play), Bob Griese and Chris Spielman (Analysis)
Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (WBNS 97.1 and 1460TheFan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline)
Returning starters: 9
After a horribly disappointing loss to Purdue, Ohio State returns home to face Minnesota on homecoming weekend. The Gophers, like the Buckeyes, have been struggling mightily on offense in stretches, and are coming off of a shutout at Penn State. Despite having what some consider the best offensive player in the conference, the Gophers still have one of the nation's poorer offenses. It is a testament to the grittiness of the team and the quality of their specialty teams that their record is as good as it is. The Gophers come into their eighth contest having racked up only 293.7 yards a game, ranking 114/120 FBS teams. Within that, the Gophers aren't particularly good passing the ball (206.3 YPG, T84th) or running it (103.4 YPG, 105th). They also aren't scoring many points (23.1 PPG, 90th) or getting many first downs (102, 107th). They also have an abysmal 3rd down conversion rate (35.2%, 78th), turn the ball over too much (9 INTs, turnover margin of -0.14), and give up too many sacks (2.3 per game, 80th). All in all, this is an offensive football team that has had several poor showings, making the exploits of Eric Decker all the more impressive considering everyone knows who the Gophers are going to try and get the ball too. The Buckeye defense will need to clamp down hard this weekend, much as Penn State's defense did to Minnesota last weekend, in order to control the tempo and to give their own offense a chance to jumpstart a moribund season.
Quarterbacks
QB #8 Adam Weber (6-3, 221, JR, Mounds View HS, Shoreview, MN)
There were high hopes for Weber entering his 3rd season as the starting QB. He had been consistent the past 2 seasons (2895 yards in 2007, 2761 yards in 2008), showing some improvement last season by making better throws and cutting down on his INTs (19 in 2007, 8 last season). This year, his numbers are down, and the past 2 weeks especially have been poor performances in the passing game. He opened the season by throwing for 248 yards and a TD against Syracuse, then threw for 219 against Air Force and 226 against Cal. He threw for 186 and a pair of TDs against Northwestern and then threw for 271 and a TD against Wisconsin. After those games, he, like Pryor, struggled mightily against Purdue, throwing for only 74 yards and 2 INTs on just 5 completions, though he did add a TD on the ground. Last weekend against Penn State was basically a listless performance, throwing for 101 yards and an INT. There's little doubt that Weber can still be effective against average defenses, but against better competition he hasn't excelled. He threw for 187 yards, a TD and an INT in a loss to Ohio State last year, and based on the past 2 weeks, it's difficult to see him besting those numbers Saturday. At his best, he is a shifty QB who can buy time with his feet and find an open man downfield or gain some critical yards with a scramble. On the other hand, he has regressed in throwing INTs (9 already), has a relatively low completion % (55.8), and takes too many sacks (31 last season, 15 this season so far). If the Buckeyes can pressure him early, it could be another long game for the Gophers.
The backup is freshman dual threat sensation MarQueis Gray (#5). He has attempted only one pass, but has 10 carries (including 5 for 33 yards against Northwestern) and has caught a TD pass from WR Eric Decker (?! yes, you read that right, WR to QB) versus Cal, so he will probably see the field in some capacity (The Wild Gopher??!!), but probably not at QB.
QB Rating: D+
Head-to-Head: Minnesota versus Ohio State QBs
Weber: 106/190 (55.8%), 1325 yards, 6 TDs, 9 INTs, 115.3 rating; 32/-27, 1 TD
Pryor: 89/159 (56.0%), 1169 yards, 10 TDs, 8 INTs, 128.4 rating; 86/367, 4 TDs
Everyone in Buckeye Nation has seen the struggles of Pryor, and Weber has had similar difficulty this year. Both players seem to try and do too much on occasion instead of being able to distribute the ball and let the playmakers do their part. Despite all of Pryor's struggles, Weber's numbers are similar or worse almost across the board, including completion %, TDs, INTs, rating, and sacks, and he hasn't really played against better competition. There is really no way to establish which player is better at the moment, as neither has had much of a 2009 and both are coming off of tough losses. Weber throws the ball a bit better, but Pryor is a constant running threat and can hit a big play downfield on occasion. Neither team has much else to turn to at the moment either.
Edge: Even
Running Backs
TB #22 Duane Bennett (5-9, 203, SO, O'Fallon Township HS, Fairview Heights, IL)
FB #35 John Hoese (6-2, 233, JR, Glencoe-Silver Lake HS, Glencoe, MN)
The Gopher running game is a shell of its former self this season, with the leading rusher having less than 300 yards through 8 games. Bennett is the starter, but fellow sophomore DeLeon Eskridge (#23) also sees regular carries. That is the reverse order from last season, when Eskridge was the team's leading rusher (678 yards, 7 TDs) after Bennett was lost for the season due to injury in early September (140 yards, 2 TDs). Bennett is a young runner with reasonable vision and a good frame, enabling him to run between the tackles effectively. His highlights include 89 yards and 3 TDs in the win over Northwestern, 78 yards and a score in the win over Syracuse and 53 yards against Purdue in only 9 carries. Last week he was held to just 9 yards on 4 carries by Penn State. He isn't much of a threat out of the backfield, though he does catch a few passes (3 for 18 yards last weekend, 9 on the season). Eskridge is a smaller (5-11, 189) and faster runner who can break one to the outside if given the chance. He gained 53 yards and scored a TD against Air Force, picked up 60 yards against Wisconsin, and gained 44 yards and scored twice in the win over Purdue. Expect both players to split the carries fairly evenly, unless one gets a hot hand. Neither player strikes fear into an opposing defense, and neither has a 100 yard performance this year.
One player to keep an eye out for is freshman Kevin Whaley (#6). He is an explosive young talent who has emerged recently. He gained 31 yards against Northwestern and had 79 with a TD against Purdue in just 8 carries. He had 6 carries for 11 yards last weekend in Happy Valley, so it is likely the Buckeyes will see him in the backfield Saturday. He is fast and looks to have tremendous upside, and given the production thus far, expect him to get a significant shot moving forward.
Hoese is a former walk-on who switched from safety and is a reasonable fullback, with 12 carries and 4 catches on the season. Seven of those carries have gone for first downs, so he is a decent blocker that can contribute to the short yardage offense as well.
RB Rating: D+
Head-to-Head: Minnesota versus Ohio State RBs
Bennett: 66/292 yards, 5 TDs, 4.4 YPC; 9 rec/35 yards, 0 TDs, 3.9 YPR
Eskridge: 52/212 yards, 3 TDs, 4.1 YPC; 2 rec/10 yards, 0 TDs, 5.0 YPR
Saine: 70/381 yards, 0 TDs, 5.4 YPC; 10 rec/143 yards, 0 TDs, 14.3 YPR
Herron: 66/241 yards, 5 TDs, 3.7 YPC; 5 rec/34 yards, 0 TDs, 6.8 YPR
In years past this would pit some excellent players against one another. This season both teams have struggled to establish the running game, and Minnesota's has been almost non-existent except for the Purdue and Northwestern games. Bennett and Eskridge are decent players, but neither has established himself as a consistent go-to back in 2009. Saine has emerged following the injury problems of Herron, and it looks like Herron will not be able to go again this weekend. The wild card could be the freshmen, as Whaley could see more time and Hall could conceivably contribute after not seeing a carry the past 2 weekends. The bottom line is neither team is lighting it up on the ground from the tailback position. On one hand, against a Purdue team that Minnesota torched on the ground the week before, Saine had only 32 yards, and on the other hand, Whaley was Minnesota's leading rusher last weekend against Penn State with all of 11 yards. Saine is probably the best player of the group, but Minnesota has 3 interchangeable parts it can look to for a spark...if one can be forthcoming against a defense that is at least as good as the one it faced last weekend on the road.
Edge: Even
Wide Receivers
WR #7 Eric Decker (6-3, 220, SR, Rocori HS, Cold Spring, MN)
WR #11 Troy Stoudermire (5-10, 183, SO, Skyline HS, Dallas, TX)
WR #1 Brandon Green (6-0, 183, SO, Robeson HS, Chicago, IL)
Welcome to Eric Decker land. The senior has broken every major receiving record at Minnesota, and is going out with a flourish despite being on a weak offensive unit. After catching 84 passes last season, his numbers are down a bit this year, though he is more or less on pace to reach last season's numbers, but that is zero measure of how effective he is or how much talent he has in any event. Decker is tall, strong, uses his frame well to shield defenders, runs excellent routes, and is absolutely lethal in the red zone on the fade. He is one of the best in recent memory at making critical red zone and late game catches, and he also racks up big and consistent numbers, despite all the extra attention he receives from defenses, particularly this season. He was a semi-finalist for the Biletnikoff Award last year, and he should improve upon that this season. The past 2 games, the passing game has deserted the Gophers, but in the first 5, he caught at least 8 balls in each. He started the year with 9 catches for 183 yards against Syracuse, followed that with 10 receptions for 113 yards against Air Force and 8 catches for 199 yards and 2 TDs against Cal. When conference play started, he caught 8 passes for 84 yards and 2 TDs against Northwestern and 8 passes for 140 yards and a TD against Wisconsin. His numbers the past 2 weeks have been small, of course, but even then he has produced (3 of the 5 total team receptions in the Purdue game for 50 yards, 1 catch for 42 yards against Penn State), indicating he never quits, doesn't pout, and gives everything he has every game. The bottom line is if Weber can get the football near him, virtually no one can cover him for an entire game, no matter how much attention he gets. The key to keeping the ball out of his hands is to not allow it to be thrown there, because when it is, Decker is going to get it more often than not. He has also been successful on end arounds in previous seasons and even tossed a TD pass in the Cal game for good measure, so one never knows where exactly he'll be or what exactly he'll do when he gets the football.
Decker hasn't gotten a whole lot of help, however. Green is back after catching 20 passes last season, and he is about on that pace again. He's had 2-3 receptions in 5 games, usually for between 25 and 40 yards. Stoudermire has the only passing TD Decker wasn't involved in, which he nabbed in the opener against Syracuse. His contributions have been sporadic, however, catching 3-4 passes in 4 of the first 5 games before only netting one reception in the previous 2 games. Both players have good speed and should have some open field to work with because of all the attention that Decker receives. It is somewhat of an indictment on the passing game as a whole that the production from both players has not been higher as a result.
Highly touted junior college transfer (93 catches last year) Hayo Carpenter (#4) is the primary backup and the only other receiver with a regulation reception this season. He caught a pass against Cal and a pass against Wisconsin. Sophomore Da'Jon McKnight (#83) caught a 2 point conversion against Wisconsin and two-sport star Bryant Allen (#81) also serves as a backup but plays sparingly.
WR Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Minnesota versus Ohio State WRs
Decker: 47 catches, 731 yards, 5 TDs, 15.6 YPR
Stoudermire: 14 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD, 9.0 YPR
Green: 12 catches, 140 yards, 0 TDs, 11.7 YPR
Posey: 30 catches, 355 yards, 4 TDs, 11.8 YPR
Sanzenbacher: 16 catches, 326 yards, 4 TDs, 20.4 YPR
Small: 10 catches, 136 yards, 0 TDs, 13.6 YPR
Yes, let's be clear, Decker is the best of this group, and quite possibly the best receiver in the Big Ten. There is, however, very little behind or around him. On the flip side, the Buckeyes have 2 legitimate threats in Sanzenbacher, who established himself early in the season, and Posey, who has developed more of a rapport with Pryor in recent weeks. Decker and Posey both seem to be excellent "junk ball" receivers, meaning that they can make a big catch when the play breaks down and the QB has to get rid of the football. Decker is clearly better, more experienced, and more refined at this stage, but Posey has shown tremendous upside and has performed well. Decker is extremely impressive, especially since everyone knows he's getting the ball since the running game and the other receivers have not stepped up consistently. He is a strong weapon and is perhaps the best "dagger" receiver (one who makes a big, game-clinching catch) that the Big Ten has seen in many years. The edge goes to the Gophers for Decker, but the Buckeyes can more or less hold their own otherwise.
Edge: Minnesota
Tight Ends
TE #48 Nick Tow-Arnett (6-3, 248, SR, Redwood Valley HS, Redwood Falls, MN)
Tow-Arnett is a quality player with 9 career starts who is a good blocker and is 2nd on the team in receptions (16). He caught 5 passes for 65 yards against Northwestern and can be a factor in the passing game, which could take some pressure off of Decker. It will be important for him to both block effectively and get open over the middle against the tough Buckeye defense. Eric Lair (#85) is the backup.
TE Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Minnesota versus Ohio State TEs
Tow-Arnett: 16 catches, 216 yards, 0 TDs, 13.5 YPR
Ballard: 8 catches, 88 yards, 0 TDs, 11.0 YPR
Tow-Arnett is a good player for the Gophers, and they should attempt to utilize his talent more. Ballard is also a good player but the Buckeyes rarely utilize him in the passing game. He is a good blocker. Both players have good fundamentals.
Edge: Minnesota
Offensive Line
LT #76 Dom Alford (6-3, 336, JR, Shaker Heights HS, Cleveland, OH)
LG #68 Chris Bunders (6-3, 322, SO, Osseo HS, Maple Grove, MN)
C #61 Trey Davis (6-2, 281, SO, Farmington HS, Farmington, MN)
RG #73 Matt Carufel (6-5, 302, JR, Notre Dame HS, Forest Lake, MN)
RT #71 Jeff Wills (6-7, 365, JR, Lackawanna College, Laurelton, NY)
This line is made up of a combination of physical specimens on the ends and more mobile linemen in the middle, but has been beset by inconsistent play and a rash of injuries to key players. At LT, Alford is a big and intimidating player who has 13 career starts. He has started 3 games this season while splitting duty with Matt Stommes (#79), a senior who stands at 6-7, 312. At LG, Bunders has been one of two players consistently in the lineup, starting all 7 games. He is a young, strong run blocker who continues to develop. In the middle, The Gophers have been devastated by injuries. Senior Jeff Tow-Arnett broke his ankle in the Wisconsin game and was replaced by Davis, who promptly got hurt the following week against Purdue. Stepping in last week was junior D.J. Burris (#53), who started the game despite not playing center since he was a freshman. Davis is back this week, and he is a quick and agile blocker, though he is short on experience. Burris has a similar build (6-2, 290) and offers much the same. He also started one game at RG earlier in the season. At RG, Notre Dame transfer Carufel has made 6 starts and has offered some quality play. He also started 3 games at Notre Dame, so he offers some previous experience. At RT, Wills is a physical beast who transferred from junior college. He is a bulldozer who could be a significant force for the Gophers with more game experience. He is one of only 2 linemen to start all 7 games. Collectively, this unit has some nice pieces, but as a whole, the running game hasn't been very good and the passing game has produced too many sacks and turnovers, both of which partially reflect the line play. The loss of Tow-Arnett really stings, and the passing game in particular has significantly regressed in his absence the past 2 weeks.
In addition to Stommes and Burris, the Gophers have sophomore Ryan Orton (#78), who played in 12 games last year, and senior Ryan Ruckdashel (#74) who has played in 24 career games, in reserve. Collectively this group gives the Gophers some quality depth.
OL Rating: D+
Head-to-Head: Minnesota versus Ohio State OL
Neither line has played particularly well in recent weeks. Both have been dinged by injuries, which is to be expected at this stage of the season. But the players that have been in there haven't produced as expected, and the offenses have played poorly at midseason, which is a bad sign. Neither running game has been especially good and both passing games have also struggled. It's hard to see either of these units with a clear advantage.
Edge: Even
Overall Offensive Analysis
This is more or less a poor offensive unit in 2009. Eric Decker is obviously a bright spot, but he isn't surrounded by much help and he doesn't have a QB who can maximize his talent by getting him the ball effectively on a consistent basis. Still, despite all of that, he still shines as one of the best players in the conference. The vaunted Gopher running game that has produced such NFL luminaries as Marion Barber III and Laurence Maroney has been virtually non-existent, and a playmaker hasn't really stepped up opposite of Decker either. The TE is decent, but the line, though full of big and physical players, is young and still trying to find its way as a unit. All of this leads to Weber running for his life and a lot of 3rd and long situations, none of which bode well for Saturday, when Minnesota will have to face a Buckeye defense eager to prove that last week was an aberration. Ohio State will be able to take away Decker if he's all they have, so the Gophers will have to establish some quick throws to other players and some semblance of a running game early, or it will be a second straight long weekend for the Minnesota offense.
Overall Offensive Rating: D+
2009 Minnesota Golden Gophers Defensive PreviewQuarterbacks
QB #8 Adam Weber (6-3, 221, JR, Mounds View HS, Shoreview, MN)
There were high hopes for Weber entering his 3rd season as the starting QB. He had been consistent the past 2 seasons (2895 yards in 2007, 2761 yards in 2008), showing some improvement last season by making better throws and cutting down on his INTs (19 in 2007, 8 last season). This year, his numbers are down, and the past 2 weeks especially have been poor performances in the passing game. He opened the season by throwing for 248 yards and a TD against Syracuse, then threw for 219 against Air Force and 226 against Cal. He threw for 186 and a pair of TDs against Northwestern and then threw for 271 and a TD against Wisconsin. After those games, he, like Pryor, struggled mightily against Purdue, throwing for only 74 yards and 2 INTs on just 5 completions, though he did add a TD on the ground. Last weekend against Penn State was basically a listless performance, throwing for 101 yards and an INT. There's little doubt that Weber can still be effective against average defenses, but against better competition he hasn't excelled. He threw for 187 yards, a TD and an INT in a loss to Ohio State last year, and based on the past 2 weeks, it's difficult to see him besting those numbers Saturday. At his best, he is a shifty QB who can buy time with his feet and find an open man downfield or gain some critical yards with a scramble. On the other hand, he has regressed in throwing INTs (9 already), has a relatively low completion % (55.8), and takes too many sacks (31 last season, 15 this season so far). If the Buckeyes can pressure him early, it could be another long game for the Gophers.
The backup is freshman dual threat sensation MarQueis Gray (#5). He has attempted only one pass, but has 10 carries (including 5 for 33 yards against Northwestern) and has caught a TD pass from WR Eric Decker (?! yes, you read that right, WR to QB) versus Cal, so he will probably see the field in some capacity (The Wild Gopher??!!), but probably not at QB.
QB Rating: D+
Head-to-Head: Minnesota versus Ohio State QBs
Weber: 106/190 (55.8%), 1325 yards, 6 TDs, 9 INTs, 115.3 rating; 32/-27, 1 TD
Pryor: 89/159 (56.0%), 1169 yards, 10 TDs, 8 INTs, 128.4 rating; 86/367, 4 TDs
Everyone in Buckeye Nation has seen the struggles of Pryor, and Weber has had similar difficulty this year. Both players seem to try and do too much on occasion instead of being able to distribute the ball and let the playmakers do their part. Despite all of Pryor's struggles, Weber's numbers are similar or worse almost across the board, including completion %, TDs, INTs, rating, and sacks, and he hasn't really played against better competition. There is really no way to establish which player is better at the moment, as neither has had much of a 2009 and both are coming off of tough losses. Weber throws the ball a bit better, but Pryor is a constant running threat and can hit a big play downfield on occasion. Neither team has much else to turn to at the moment either.
Edge: Even
Running Backs
TB #22 Duane Bennett (5-9, 203, SO, O'Fallon Township HS, Fairview Heights, IL)
FB #35 John Hoese (6-2, 233, JR, Glencoe-Silver Lake HS, Glencoe, MN)
The Gopher running game is a shell of its former self this season, with the leading rusher having less than 300 yards through 8 games. Bennett is the starter, but fellow sophomore DeLeon Eskridge (#23) also sees regular carries. That is the reverse order from last season, when Eskridge was the team's leading rusher (678 yards, 7 TDs) after Bennett was lost for the season due to injury in early September (140 yards, 2 TDs). Bennett is a young runner with reasonable vision and a good frame, enabling him to run between the tackles effectively. His highlights include 89 yards and 3 TDs in the win over Northwestern, 78 yards and a score in the win over Syracuse and 53 yards against Purdue in only 9 carries. Last week he was held to just 9 yards on 4 carries by Penn State. He isn't much of a threat out of the backfield, though he does catch a few passes (3 for 18 yards last weekend, 9 on the season). Eskridge is a smaller (5-11, 189) and faster runner who can break one to the outside if given the chance. He gained 53 yards and scored a TD against Air Force, picked up 60 yards against Wisconsin, and gained 44 yards and scored twice in the win over Purdue. Expect both players to split the carries fairly evenly, unless one gets a hot hand. Neither player strikes fear into an opposing defense, and neither has a 100 yard performance this year.
One player to keep an eye out for is freshman Kevin Whaley (#6). He is an explosive young talent who has emerged recently. He gained 31 yards against Northwestern and had 79 with a TD against Purdue in just 8 carries. He had 6 carries for 11 yards last weekend in Happy Valley, so it is likely the Buckeyes will see him in the backfield Saturday. He is fast and looks to have tremendous upside, and given the production thus far, expect him to get a significant shot moving forward.
Hoese is a former walk-on who switched from safety and is a reasonable fullback, with 12 carries and 4 catches on the season. Seven of those carries have gone for first downs, so he is a decent blocker that can contribute to the short yardage offense as well.
RB Rating: D+
Head-to-Head: Minnesota versus Ohio State RBs
Bennett: 66/292 yards, 5 TDs, 4.4 YPC; 9 rec/35 yards, 0 TDs, 3.9 YPR
Eskridge: 52/212 yards, 3 TDs, 4.1 YPC; 2 rec/10 yards, 0 TDs, 5.0 YPR
Saine: 70/381 yards, 0 TDs, 5.4 YPC; 10 rec/143 yards, 0 TDs, 14.3 YPR
Herron: 66/241 yards, 5 TDs, 3.7 YPC; 5 rec/34 yards, 0 TDs, 6.8 YPR
In years past this would pit some excellent players against one another. This season both teams have struggled to establish the running game, and Minnesota's has been almost non-existent except for the Purdue and Northwestern games. Bennett and Eskridge are decent players, but neither has established himself as a consistent go-to back in 2009. Saine has emerged following the injury problems of Herron, and it looks like Herron will not be able to go again this weekend. The wild card could be the freshmen, as Whaley could see more time and Hall could conceivably contribute after not seeing a carry the past 2 weekends. The bottom line is neither team is lighting it up on the ground from the tailback position. On one hand, against a Purdue team that Minnesota torched on the ground the week before, Saine had only 32 yards, and on the other hand, Whaley was Minnesota's leading rusher last weekend against Penn State with all of 11 yards. Saine is probably the best player of the group, but Minnesota has 3 interchangeable parts it can look to for a spark...if one can be forthcoming against a defense that is at least as good as the one it faced last weekend on the road.
Edge: Even
Wide Receivers
WR #7 Eric Decker (6-3, 220, SR, Rocori HS, Cold Spring, MN)
WR #11 Troy Stoudermire (5-10, 183, SO, Skyline HS, Dallas, TX)
WR #1 Brandon Green (6-0, 183, SO, Robeson HS, Chicago, IL)
Welcome to Eric Decker land. The senior has broken every major receiving record at Minnesota, and is going out with a flourish despite being on a weak offensive unit. After catching 84 passes last season, his numbers are down a bit this year, though he is more or less on pace to reach last season's numbers, but that is zero measure of how effective he is or how much talent he has in any event. Decker is tall, strong, uses his frame well to shield defenders, runs excellent routes, and is absolutely lethal in the red zone on the fade. He is one of the best in recent memory at making critical red zone and late game catches, and he also racks up big and consistent numbers, despite all the extra attention he receives from defenses, particularly this season. He was a semi-finalist for the Biletnikoff Award last year, and he should improve upon that this season. The past 2 games, the passing game has deserted the Gophers, but in the first 5, he caught at least 8 balls in each. He started the year with 9 catches for 183 yards against Syracuse, followed that with 10 receptions for 113 yards against Air Force and 8 catches for 199 yards and 2 TDs against Cal. When conference play started, he caught 8 passes for 84 yards and 2 TDs against Northwestern and 8 passes for 140 yards and a TD against Wisconsin. His numbers the past 2 weeks have been small, of course, but even then he has produced (3 of the 5 total team receptions in the Purdue game for 50 yards, 1 catch for 42 yards against Penn State), indicating he never quits, doesn't pout, and gives everything he has every game. The bottom line is if Weber can get the football near him, virtually no one can cover him for an entire game, no matter how much attention he gets. The key to keeping the ball out of his hands is to not allow it to be thrown there, because when it is, Decker is going to get it more often than not. He has also been successful on end arounds in previous seasons and even tossed a TD pass in the Cal game for good measure, so one never knows where exactly he'll be or what exactly he'll do when he gets the football.
Decker hasn't gotten a whole lot of help, however. Green is back after catching 20 passes last season, and he is about on that pace again. He's had 2-3 receptions in 5 games, usually for between 25 and 40 yards. Stoudermire has the only passing TD Decker wasn't involved in, which he nabbed in the opener against Syracuse. His contributions have been sporadic, however, catching 3-4 passes in 4 of the first 5 games before only netting one reception in the previous 2 games. Both players have good speed and should have some open field to work with because of all the attention that Decker receives. It is somewhat of an indictment on the passing game as a whole that the production from both players has not been higher as a result.
Highly touted junior college transfer (93 catches last year) Hayo Carpenter (#4) is the primary backup and the only other receiver with a regulation reception this season. He caught a pass against Cal and a pass against Wisconsin. Sophomore Da'Jon McKnight (#83) caught a 2 point conversion against Wisconsin and two-sport star Bryant Allen (#81) also serves as a backup but plays sparingly.
WR Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Minnesota versus Ohio State WRs
Decker: 47 catches, 731 yards, 5 TDs, 15.6 YPR
Stoudermire: 14 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD, 9.0 YPR
Green: 12 catches, 140 yards, 0 TDs, 11.7 YPR
Posey: 30 catches, 355 yards, 4 TDs, 11.8 YPR
Sanzenbacher: 16 catches, 326 yards, 4 TDs, 20.4 YPR
Small: 10 catches, 136 yards, 0 TDs, 13.6 YPR
Yes, let's be clear, Decker is the best of this group, and quite possibly the best receiver in the Big Ten. There is, however, very little behind or around him. On the flip side, the Buckeyes have 2 legitimate threats in Sanzenbacher, who established himself early in the season, and Posey, who has developed more of a rapport with Pryor in recent weeks. Decker and Posey both seem to be excellent "junk ball" receivers, meaning that they can make a big catch when the play breaks down and the QB has to get rid of the football. Decker is clearly better, more experienced, and more refined at this stage, but Posey has shown tremendous upside and has performed well. Decker is extremely impressive, especially since everyone knows he's getting the ball since the running game and the other receivers have not stepped up consistently. He is a strong weapon and is perhaps the best "dagger" receiver (one who makes a big, game-clinching catch) that the Big Ten has seen in many years. The edge goes to the Gophers for Decker, but the Buckeyes can more or less hold their own otherwise.
Edge: Minnesota
Tight Ends
TE #48 Nick Tow-Arnett (6-3, 248, SR, Redwood Valley HS, Redwood Falls, MN)
Tow-Arnett is a quality player with 9 career starts who is a good blocker and is 2nd on the team in receptions (16). He caught 5 passes for 65 yards against Northwestern and can be a factor in the passing game, which could take some pressure off of Decker. It will be important for him to both block effectively and get open over the middle against the tough Buckeye defense. Eric Lair (#85) is the backup.
TE Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Minnesota versus Ohio State TEs
Tow-Arnett: 16 catches, 216 yards, 0 TDs, 13.5 YPR
Ballard: 8 catches, 88 yards, 0 TDs, 11.0 YPR
Tow-Arnett is a good player for the Gophers, and they should attempt to utilize his talent more. Ballard is also a good player but the Buckeyes rarely utilize him in the passing game. He is a good blocker. Both players have good fundamentals.
Edge: Minnesota
Offensive Line
LT #76 Dom Alford (6-3, 336, JR, Shaker Heights HS, Cleveland, OH)
LG #68 Chris Bunders (6-3, 322, SO, Osseo HS, Maple Grove, MN)
C #61 Trey Davis (6-2, 281, SO, Farmington HS, Farmington, MN)
RG #73 Matt Carufel (6-5, 302, JR, Notre Dame HS, Forest Lake, MN)
RT #71 Jeff Wills (6-7, 365, JR, Lackawanna College, Laurelton, NY)
This line is made up of a combination of physical specimens on the ends and more mobile linemen in the middle, but has been beset by inconsistent play and a rash of injuries to key players. At LT, Alford is a big and intimidating player who has 13 career starts. He has started 3 games this season while splitting duty with Matt Stommes (#79), a senior who stands at 6-7, 312. At LG, Bunders has been one of two players consistently in the lineup, starting all 7 games. He is a young, strong run blocker who continues to develop. In the middle, The Gophers have been devastated by injuries. Senior Jeff Tow-Arnett broke his ankle in the Wisconsin game and was replaced by Davis, who promptly got hurt the following week against Purdue. Stepping in last week was junior D.J. Burris (#53), who started the game despite not playing center since he was a freshman. Davis is back this week, and he is a quick and agile blocker, though he is short on experience. Burris has a similar build (6-2, 290) and offers much the same. He also started one game at RG earlier in the season. At RG, Notre Dame transfer Carufel has made 6 starts and has offered some quality play. He also started 3 games at Notre Dame, so he offers some previous experience. At RT, Wills is a physical beast who transferred from junior college. He is a bulldozer who could be a significant force for the Gophers with more game experience. He is one of only 2 linemen to start all 7 games. Collectively, this unit has some nice pieces, but as a whole, the running game hasn't been very good and the passing game has produced too many sacks and turnovers, both of which partially reflect the line play. The loss of Tow-Arnett really stings, and the passing game in particular has significantly regressed in his absence the past 2 weeks.
In addition to Stommes and Burris, the Gophers have sophomore Ryan Orton (#78), who played in 12 games last year, and senior Ryan Ruckdashel (#74) who has played in 24 career games, in reserve. Collectively this group gives the Gophers some quality depth.
OL Rating: D+
Head-to-Head: Minnesota versus Ohio State OL
Neither line has played particularly well in recent weeks. Both have been dinged by injuries, which is to be expected at this stage of the season. But the players that have been in there haven't produced as expected, and the offenses have played poorly at midseason, which is a bad sign. Neither running game has been especially good and both passing games have also struggled. It's hard to see either of these units with a clear advantage.
Edge: Even
Overall Offensive Analysis
This is more or less a poor offensive unit in 2009. Eric Decker is obviously a bright spot, but he isn't surrounded by much help and he doesn't have a QB who can maximize his talent by getting him the ball effectively on a consistent basis. Still, despite all of that, he still shines as one of the best players in the conference. The vaunted Gopher running game that has produced such NFL luminaries as Marion Barber III and Laurence Maroney has been virtually non-existent, and a playmaker hasn't really stepped up opposite of Decker either. The TE is decent, but the line, though full of big and physical players, is young and still trying to find its way as a unit. All of this leads to Weber running for his life and a lot of 3rd and long situations, none of which bode well for Saturday, when Minnesota will have to face a Buckeye defense eager to prove that last week was an aberration. Ohio State will be able to take away Decker if he's all they have, so the Gophers will have to establish some quick throws to other players and some semblance of a running game early, or it will be a second straight long weekend for the Minnesota offense.
Overall Offensive Rating: D+
Returning Starters: 8
The revolving door at Defensive Coordinator spun again this past off-season as last year's defensive coordinator, Ted Roof, left Minnesota after his first year (having replaced 1st year coach Everett Withers) to take the same position at Auburn. Instead of giving the job to one man, the Gophers now have two with Ronnie Lee and Kevin Cosgrove sharing the responsibilities. Lee was a member of Washington State's 1988 Aloha Bowl team as a player, before taking a position with the 1989 Miami Hurricanes to begin his coaching career. In 1993, Lee became the DB coach for the Colorado State Rams, where he helped win 5 conference titles, while also coaching 1995 Thorpe Award winner Greg Myers. From there, Lee became San Jose State's defensive coordinator for the 2001 and 2002 seasons, before then coaching DBs at Wisconsin from 2003 to 2005. After a 1 year stay in Ann Arbor in 2006 as DBs coach, Lee Joined Minnesota's staff as DBs coach. While a co-defensive coordinator now, he also continues to work with the DBs. Cosgrove has been coaching since 1980 when he was a graduate assistant at Illinois. After working his way through the ranks as a Linebackers coach at various school, including Colorado State and Wisconsin, Cosgrove was named Defensive Coordinator in 1995 at Wisconsin. He continued as DC, and with the LBs until 2003, when he left Madison for Nebraska. He was Nebraska's DC until 2007. He joins Minnesota with 13 years of experience as defensive coordinator and will hopefully be able to provide the Gophers with some stability.
Stats.......|Score..|Tot.Yds..|Rush..|Pass..|INT.| Fum.|Sack.|1stD..|3rd D..|PCT...|Red Zone.|PCT.|RZ TDs.|PCT.|TOF..|
Minnesota...|.23.3..|..393.0..|164.7.|228.3.|.5..| .5..|.12..|.146..|56-110.|51%...|.18-20...|90%.|.13-20.|65%.|33:17|
Ohio State..|.14.0..|..284.6..|.87.9.|196.7.|.12.|..8..|.19..|.117..|40-110.|36%...|.11-14...|79%.|..8-14.|57%.|31:13|
* TOF = Time on Field (Opponent's T.O.P)
Minnesota has struggled on defense in the recent past, and those struggles continue this year, though there has been an overall improvement over some of the units Minnesota has had since 2006. Still, Minnesota finds itself at or near the bottom of the Big Ten in most statistical categories, and well behind Ohio State's defense in any event. As much as Ohio State fans want to think that the Minnesota defense gives Ohio State's offense a chance to get healthy, as Purdue showed last week, it is Minnesota's hope that this week is the Minnesota defense's chance to get healthy. Still, one should feel better about Ohio State's chances of showing offensive improvement than Minnesota's chances of showing defensive gains. The Gophers have had trouble getting pressure on opposing QBs, give up a boatload of yards on the ground, while creating few turnovers. Not only do the Gophers have incredible difficulty getting off the field on 3rd downs, they are allowing far too many scores in the red zone while also being susceptible to the big play. Perhaps the clearest indication that there is some reason for hope with the Gophers is that despite beings 10th in the league in yards per game, they do not give up as many points per contest as you'd probably expect.
Defensive Line
RE #55 Cedric McKinley (6-5, 262, Sr.)
DT #98 Eric Small (6-2, 295, Sr.)
DT #99 Garrett Brown (6-2, 310, Sr.)
LE #97 Anthony Jacobs (6-2, 286, So.)
Minnesota has a senior laden line lead by JUCO transfer Cedric McKinley who had 10.5 sacks last season. While he's the line's quickest option in to the backfield, he's also big enough to be a run stopping force. Though his 2009 production reveals just 12 tackles, 3.5 for loss with a sack, he has the potential to make life difficult for opposing tackles. On the other end, Jacobs is a former high school running back in the mold of Ron Dayne in terms of size. Just a sophomore, he needs to establish himself as a backfield presence before he lives up to his potential, but is a solid run defender. The former #1 recruit in Minnesota has 16 tackles, 4 for loss with 2 sacks this season, second among all linemen. The interior is big, strong and experienced. The line's leader in tackles this season, Small has worked on improving his run stopping ability which was an area of concern last season - his first as a starter after transferring from the junior college ranks. He has 17 stops, 3.5 for loss with 3 sacks thus far in 2009. Brown is a sizeable space eater at the other tackle position who excels in plugging up the middle. He can occasionally get pressure from the tackle position, but will have to establish more consistency if he's to live up to his potential. He has 15 tackles this year.
Minnesota's depth is provided by reserve ends: #93 Derrick Onwuachi (6-5, 253, Sr.), and #90 Raymond Henderson (6-5, 272, Sr.), and tackles; #68 Jewhan Edwards (6-2, 324, So.), and #96 Brandon Kirksey (6-2, 281, So.). Onwuachi has the size and speed to be a good pass rushing presence, but hasn't quite been able to put it all together. He has 7 stops this year. Henderson also brings senior experience to the rotation, but has just 6 tackles in 6 games this season, and one sack. Sophomore interior linemen Edwards and Kirksey are the future of the Minnesota line with Edwards providing the beef, and Kirksey the speed. Kirksey has 12 tackles, 3 behind the LOS and Edwards 4 with half a stop for a loss.
DL Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Minnesota versus OSU DL
Despite good size, experience, and experienced depth, along with decent speed and potential, the Minnesota line has been gashed by opposing running attacks, and has not been very productive in the offensive backfield. The interior is the stronger component than the end positions as Minnesota has yet to find a consistent replacement to Willie VanDeSteeg who has since graduated. While there is nothing inherently wrong with having a stronger middle than edge, inasmuch as Pryor likes to take things outside, the ends will have to come up big on Saturday. Ohio State has had trouble the last couple of weeks from the tackle positions and Minnesota will have to try and exploit them as well if they are to have success. Compared to the Buckeye line, the Minnesota line is inferior, as the Buckeyes get more pressure on QBs, make more backfield stops, have given up significantly less yardage to opposing ground attacks, and have more raw talent through the two deep. While the Buckeyes had some trouble getting to the QB against Purdue, unless Minnesota also goes with the quick passing game, Ohio State fans should enjoy another dominating performance out of the front four.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
SLB #21 Simoni Lawrence (6-1, 218, Sr.)
MLB #30 Lee Campbell (6-3, 246, Sr.)
WLB #32 Nate Triplett (6-3, 239, Sr.)
The team's returning leading tackler is Lee Campbell, who has a good nose for the football and doesn't miss very often. He can't be expected to cover large areas of the field in passing situations, but is quick enough to get behind the LOS when asked. He leads the team in tackles with 77, with a team leading 8 for loss, half a sack and a 32 yard INT return. On the weakside, Triplett replaces the departed Deon Hightower. A former walk-on, Triplett has earned his way into a starting role and he's taken advantage of it. He is second on the team in tackles with 70, 4 of which are for loss, and is the team leader in INTs with 2. 17 of those tackles came in one game (against Air Force, 9/12/09). Rounding out the ;inebacking corps is another senior, Simoni Lawrence, who worked his way into a starting role last season. A bit undersized, Lawrence relies on speed and thus is able to account for a good chunk of territory for the defense. He is third on the team with 54 tackles, 3.5 for loss with a sack.
Reserve linebackers include: #33 Rex Sharpe (6-1, 231, Sr.), #4 Keanon Cooper (6-0, 206, rFr.), and #51 Gary Tinsley (6-1, 224, So.). The most talented of the reserves is redshirt freshman Keanon Cooper, who brings 4.46 speed and a nose for the football. More of a safety in terms of size, Cooper could stand to improve in coverage, but has plenty of time to do so before he's finished. He is first among reserves with 28 stops, 2.5 for loss with a sack. Sharpe has seen action in 6 of Minnesota's 7 games and has made 5 tackles, while Tinsley, also in 6 games, has made 4.
LB Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Minnesota versus OSU LBs
While Minnesota's linebackers have made more tackles, there is little dispute that Ohio State will be fielding the stronger LB unit on Saturday. Behind Minnesota's experienced starting unit, there is limited depth with Cooper being the only real potential playmaker among it, while the Buckeyes can rotate 5 or 6 deep if necessary. On the whole, Minnesota's LBs have done a better job this season tackling than in years past, but still do not force the issue with opposing offenses as much as you'd like. The Buckeye backers, owing to better line play, are able to cover more area, but unless Ohio State rediscovers the middle of the field - for example the TE - this advantage may not materialize on Saturday.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
CB #15 Traye Simmons (5-11, 179, Sr.)
FS #3 Kim Royston (5-11, 182, Jr.)
SS #27 Kyle Theret (5-10, 186, Jr.)
CB #24 Marcus Sherels (5-11, 165, Sr.)
Royston began his career at rival Wisconsin, but left Madison to play with the Gophers. Having sat out a year, he's taken the starting job at free safety, replacing Tremaine Brock. While smallish at 182, he has good strength and corner-like quickness. He has 41 tackles, .5 for loss, and a pick this year. Theret leads all secondary players in tackles, after finishing 2nd on the whole team last season. Like Royston, Theret is undersized for his position, but brings good speed and sound tackling skills to the field. He is good with the ball in the air and isn't afraid to deliver the big hit to bigger men when he needs to. He has 45 tackles, with .5 for loss thus far in 2009. Simmons and Sherels are two more seniors, giving the Gophers 8 in the starting 11. Sherels is a former walk-on wide receiver who also returns punts. Small at 165, Sherels has improved since moving over to the defensive side of the ball, but needs to play more consistently to be considered among the league's better corners. He has 32 tackles this season and returned a fumble 88 yards for a TD in the game against Wisconsin. On the other corner will be Traye Simmons, another JUCO transfer. He led the Gophers with 4 picks last season, and he can run with just about anyone. That said, he can also be pushed around by bigger wide outs and isn't much of a big hitter. Nonetheless, he was 2nd team All Big Ten a season ago, and is the secondary's chief playmaker. He has 23 tackles, 1 for loss and a 37 yard INT this season.
Depth is provided by corners: # 2 Ryan Collado (5-9, 176, Jr.), and #1 Michael Carter (5-11, 154, Fr.), and safeties; #25 Tim Dandridge (6-1, 181, So.) and #36 Kerry Lewis (5-9, 178, Fr.). Like the other units, behind a veteran starting group, Minnesota's secondary is young and inexperienced, with the exception of Collado who was a starter last season. Now the nickel back, Collado has to show improvement in his coverage skills if he wants to stay on the field more, though he is sound in run support. He has 16 tackles with 1 for loss this season. Carter is tiny at 150, but the true freshman has done enough to convince the coaches that he should see the field instead of taking a redshirt. He's got 3 tackles in 6 games of action. Dandridge and Lewis are listed as the backups at safety, but only Dandridge has recorded a tackle.
DB Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Ohio State versus OSU DBs
Minnesota has come a long way from being a secondary that was among the worst in the nation, let alone the Big Ten. But, despite these gains, they still have a good distance to go before they can be considered among the league's better units. Small, but experienced, the Gophers need to do a better job creating turnovers. The Buckeyes were dinked and dunked by Purdue's quick passing game last week, but are still among the leaders in virtually every defensive category. While the Buckeyes have 12 interceptions this season, it is notable that only half of them have come from the DBs. The Buckeyes are just as fast as Minnesota's smaller DBs, but also provide more size and power. The Gophers do not have anyone who compares to Kurt Coleman, and do not have a lockdown corner quite the same as Chimdi Chekwa. The Buckeyes will have to keep an eye on Eric Decker, who leads the Big Ten in receiving, however, while the Gophers might be licking their chops at the prospects of errant throws from Terrelle Pryor who needs to show improvement this week after throwing 2 picks against Purdue.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
Minnesota fans probably feel like this defense is better than this preview is indicating, simply because the defense used to be so dreadful there was nowhere to go but up. It's true, the Gopher stop-forces has improved, but there is still a long way to go. Minnesota has placed a premium on speed, as the above measurables attest, but there is still a bit of a talent gap which needs to be over \come before Minnesota can find its name among the league's better defenses. It'll be interesting to see what happens to the Gopher defense next year when they lose 8 senior starters off the current unit. But, until then, this group is pointing the future in the right direction and is good enough to give the Buckeyes some trouble this Saturday. As Ohio State fans know, Pryor loves to bounce plays to the outside, and that may be exactly how to best attack this defense; as the line's strength comes up the gut, and only Tripplet - at 239 - is within 40 pounds of Pryor among non-linemen who play on the edge. Ohio State was forced into being a one-dimensional unit by Purdue last week, owing in no small part to poor play at the tackle position, but the Buckeyes should be able to have a successful day on the ground if they stick with the run. Inasmuch as the Defense has been overworked the past two Saturday's, it is up to the Buckeye offense to sustain a couple of drives this week. Minnesota, of course, has other intentions and can't be anything but cautiously optimistic in having watched Purdue stifle the Buckeyes despite being among the league's worst defenses.
Overall Defensive Rating: C
2009 Minnesota Golden Gophers Special Teams PreviewStats.......|Score..|Tot.Yds..|Rush..|Pass..|INT.| Fum.|Sack.|1stD..|3rd D..|PCT...|Red Zone.|PCT.|RZ TDs.|PCT.|TOF..|
Minnesota...|.23.3..|..393.0..|164.7.|228.3.|.5..| .5..|.12..|.146..|56-110.|51%...|.18-20...|90%.|.13-20.|65%.|33:17|
Ohio State..|.14.0..|..284.6..|.87.9.|196.7.|.12.|..8..|.19..|.117..|40-110.|36%...|.11-14...|79%.|..8-14.|57%.|31:13|
* TOF = Time on Field (Opponent's T.O.P)
Minnesota has struggled on defense in the recent past, and those struggles continue this year, though there has been an overall improvement over some of the units Minnesota has had since 2006. Still, Minnesota finds itself at or near the bottom of the Big Ten in most statistical categories, and well behind Ohio State's defense in any event. As much as Ohio State fans want to think that the Minnesota defense gives Ohio State's offense a chance to get healthy, as Purdue showed last week, it is Minnesota's hope that this week is the Minnesota defense's chance to get healthy. Still, one should feel better about Ohio State's chances of showing offensive improvement than Minnesota's chances of showing defensive gains. The Gophers have had trouble getting pressure on opposing QBs, give up a boatload of yards on the ground, while creating few turnovers. Not only do the Gophers have incredible difficulty getting off the field on 3rd downs, they are allowing far too many scores in the red zone while also being susceptible to the big play. Perhaps the clearest indication that there is some reason for hope with the Gophers is that despite beings 10th in the league in yards per game, they do not give up as many points per contest as you'd probably expect.
Defensive Line
RE #55 Cedric McKinley (6-5, 262, Sr.)
DT #98 Eric Small (6-2, 295, Sr.)
DT #99 Garrett Brown (6-2, 310, Sr.)
LE #97 Anthony Jacobs (6-2, 286, So.)
Minnesota has a senior laden line lead by JUCO transfer Cedric McKinley who had 10.5 sacks last season. While he's the line's quickest option in to the backfield, he's also big enough to be a run stopping force. Though his 2009 production reveals just 12 tackles, 3.5 for loss with a sack, he has the potential to make life difficult for opposing tackles. On the other end, Jacobs is a former high school running back in the mold of Ron Dayne in terms of size. Just a sophomore, he needs to establish himself as a backfield presence before he lives up to his potential, but is a solid run defender. The former #1 recruit in Minnesota has 16 tackles, 4 for loss with 2 sacks this season, second among all linemen. The interior is big, strong and experienced. The line's leader in tackles this season, Small has worked on improving his run stopping ability which was an area of concern last season - his first as a starter after transferring from the junior college ranks. He has 17 stops, 3.5 for loss with 3 sacks thus far in 2009. Brown is a sizeable space eater at the other tackle position who excels in plugging up the middle. He can occasionally get pressure from the tackle position, but will have to establish more consistency if he's to live up to his potential. He has 15 tackles this year.
Minnesota's depth is provided by reserve ends: #93 Derrick Onwuachi (6-5, 253, Sr.), and #90 Raymond Henderson (6-5, 272, Sr.), and tackles; #68 Jewhan Edwards (6-2, 324, So.), and #96 Brandon Kirksey (6-2, 281, So.). Onwuachi has the size and speed to be a good pass rushing presence, but hasn't quite been able to put it all together. He has 7 stops this year. Henderson also brings senior experience to the rotation, but has just 6 tackles in 6 games this season, and one sack. Sophomore interior linemen Edwards and Kirksey are the future of the Minnesota line with Edwards providing the beef, and Kirksey the speed. Kirksey has 12 tackles, 3 behind the LOS and Edwards 4 with half a stop for a loss.
DL Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Minnesota versus OSU DL
Despite good size, experience, and experienced depth, along with decent speed and potential, the Minnesota line has been gashed by opposing running attacks, and has not been very productive in the offensive backfield. The interior is the stronger component than the end positions as Minnesota has yet to find a consistent replacement to Willie VanDeSteeg who has since graduated. While there is nothing inherently wrong with having a stronger middle than edge, inasmuch as Pryor likes to take things outside, the ends will have to come up big on Saturday. Ohio State has had trouble the last couple of weeks from the tackle positions and Minnesota will have to try and exploit them as well if they are to have success. Compared to the Buckeye line, the Minnesota line is inferior, as the Buckeyes get more pressure on QBs, make more backfield stops, have given up significantly less yardage to opposing ground attacks, and have more raw talent through the two deep. While the Buckeyes had some trouble getting to the QB against Purdue, unless Minnesota also goes with the quick passing game, Ohio State fans should enjoy another dominating performance out of the front four.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
SLB #21 Simoni Lawrence (6-1, 218, Sr.)
MLB #30 Lee Campbell (6-3, 246, Sr.)
WLB #32 Nate Triplett (6-3, 239, Sr.)
The team's returning leading tackler is Lee Campbell, who has a good nose for the football and doesn't miss very often. He can't be expected to cover large areas of the field in passing situations, but is quick enough to get behind the LOS when asked. He leads the team in tackles with 77, with a team leading 8 for loss, half a sack and a 32 yard INT return. On the weakside, Triplett replaces the departed Deon Hightower. A former walk-on, Triplett has earned his way into a starting role and he's taken advantage of it. He is second on the team in tackles with 70, 4 of which are for loss, and is the team leader in INTs with 2. 17 of those tackles came in one game (against Air Force, 9/12/09). Rounding out the ;inebacking corps is another senior, Simoni Lawrence, who worked his way into a starting role last season. A bit undersized, Lawrence relies on speed and thus is able to account for a good chunk of territory for the defense. He is third on the team with 54 tackles, 3.5 for loss with a sack.
Reserve linebackers include: #33 Rex Sharpe (6-1, 231, Sr.), #4 Keanon Cooper (6-0, 206, rFr.), and #51 Gary Tinsley (6-1, 224, So.). The most talented of the reserves is redshirt freshman Keanon Cooper, who brings 4.46 speed and a nose for the football. More of a safety in terms of size, Cooper could stand to improve in coverage, but has plenty of time to do so before he's finished. He is first among reserves with 28 stops, 2.5 for loss with a sack. Sharpe has seen action in 6 of Minnesota's 7 games and has made 5 tackles, while Tinsley, also in 6 games, has made 4.
LB Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Minnesota versus OSU LBs
While Minnesota's linebackers have made more tackles, there is little dispute that Ohio State will be fielding the stronger LB unit on Saturday. Behind Minnesota's experienced starting unit, there is limited depth with Cooper being the only real potential playmaker among it, while the Buckeyes can rotate 5 or 6 deep if necessary. On the whole, Minnesota's LBs have done a better job this season tackling than in years past, but still do not force the issue with opposing offenses as much as you'd like. The Buckeye backers, owing to better line play, are able to cover more area, but unless Ohio State rediscovers the middle of the field - for example the TE - this advantage may not materialize on Saturday.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
CB #15 Traye Simmons (5-11, 179, Sr.)
FS #3 Kim Royston (5-11, 182, Jr.)
SS #27 Kyle Theret (5-10, 186, Jr.)
CB #24 Marcus Sherels (5-11, 165, Sr.)
Royston began his career at rival Wisconsin, but left Madison to play with the Gophers. Having sat out a year, he's taken the starting job at free safety, replacing Tremaine Brock. While smallish at 182, he has good strength and corner-like quickness. He has 41 tackles, .5 for loss, and a pick this year. Theret leads all secondary players in tackles, after finishing 2nd on the whole team last season. Like Royston, Theret is undersized for his position, but brings good speed and sound tackling skills to the field. He is good with the ball in the air and isn't afraid to deliver the big hit to bigger men when he needs to. He has 45 tackles, with .5 for loss thus far in 2009. Simmons and Sherels are two more seniors, giving the Gophers 8 in the starting 11. Sherels is a former walk-on wide receiver who also returns punts. Small at 165, Sherels has improved since moving over to the defensive side of the ball, but needs to play more consistently to be considered among the league's better corners. He has 32 tackles this season and returned a fumble 88 yards for a TD in the game against Wisconsin. On the other corner will be Traye Simmons, another JUCO transfer. He led the Gophers with 4 picks last season, and he can run with just about anyone. That said, he can also be pushed around by bigger wide outs and isn't much of a big hitter. Nonetheless, he was 2nd team All Big Ten a season ago, and is the secondary's chief playmaker. He has 23 tackles, 1 for loss and a 37 yard INT this season.
Depth is provided by corners: # 2 Ryan Collado (5-9, 176, Jr.), and #1 Michael Carter (5-11, 154, Fr.), and safeties; #25 Tim Dandridge (6-1, 181, So.) and #36 Kerry Lewis (5-9, 178, Fr.). Like the other units, behind a veteran starting group, Minnesota's secondary is young and inexperienced, with the exception of Collado who was a starter last season. Now the nickel back, Collado has to show improvement in his coverage skills if he wants to stay on the field more, though he is sound in run support. He has 16 tackles with 1 for loss this season. Carter is tiny at 150, but the true freshman has done enough to convince the coaches that he should see the field instead of taking a redshirt. He's got 3 tackles in 6 games of action. Dandridge and Lewis are listed as the backups at safety, but only Dandridge has recorded a tackle.
DB Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Ohio State versus OSU DBs
Minnesota has come a long way from being a secondary that was among the worst in the nation, let alone the Big Ten. But, despite these gains, they still have a good distance to go before they can be considered among the league's better units. Small, but experienced, the Gophers need to do a better job creating turnovers. The Buckeyes were dinked and dunked by Purdue's quick passing game last week, but are still among the leaders in virtually every defensive category. While the Buckeyes have 12 interceptions this season, it is notable that only half of them have come from the DBs. The Buckeyes are just as fast as Minnesota's smaller DBs, but also provide more size and power. The Gophers do not have anyone who compares to Kurt Coleman, and do not have a lockdown corner quite the same as Chimdi Chekwa. The Buckeyes will have to keep an eye on Eric Decker, who leads the Big Ten in receiving, however, while the Gophers might be licking their chops at the prospects of errant throws from Terrelle Pryor who needs to show improvement this week after throwing 2 picks against Purdue.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
Minnesota fans probably feel like this defense is better than this preview is indicating, simply because the defense used to be so dreadful there was nowhere to go but up. It's true, the Gopher stop-forces has improved, but there is still a long way to go. Minnesota has placed a premium on speed, as the above measurables attest, but there is still a bit of a talent gap which needs to be over \come before Minnesota can find its name among the league's better defenses. It'll be interesting to see what happens to the Gopher defense next year when they lose 8 senior starters off the current unit. But, until then, this group is pointing the future in the right direction and is good enough to give the Buckeyes some trouble this Saturday. As Ohio State fans know, Pryor loves to bounce plays to the outside, and that may be exactly how to best attack this defense; as the line's strength comes up the gut, and only Tripplet - at 239 - is within 40 pounds of Pryor among non-linemen who play on the edge. Ohio State was forced into being a one-dimensional unit by Purdue last week, owing in no small part to poor play at the tackle position, but the Buckeyes should be able to have a successful day on the ground if they stick with the run. Inasmuch as the Defense has been overworked the past two Saturday's, it is up to the Buckeye offense to sustain a couple of drives this week. Minnesota, of course, has other intentions and can't be anything but cautiously optimistic in having watched Purdue stifle the Buckeyes despite being among the league's worst defenses.
Overall Defensive Rating: C
Returning Starters: 0
Minnesota NCAA Rankings
Punting: 34 for 1472, 43.29 avg, 2 touchbacks
PR Defense: #14, 13 for 46, 3.54 avg
Net Punting: #6, 40.76 net avg
Punt Returns: #6, 3 for 57, 19.0 avg
Kickoff Returns: #17, 29 for 747, 25.76 avg
KR Defense: #61, 29 for 612, 21.1 avg, 4 touchbacks
Ohio State NCAA Rankings
Punting: 30 for 1187, 39.57 avg, 1 touchback
PR Defense: #26, 3 for 15, 5.0 avg
Net Punting: #18, 38.4 net avg
Punt Returns: #105, 19 for 78, 4.11 avg
Kickoff Returns: #14, 23 for 597, 1 TD, 25.96 avg
KR Defense: #43, 37 for 744, 20.11 avg, 2 touchbacks
Well, folks, it had to end some time. Ohio State's streak of games against teams who don't do well in the area of Special Teams play ends at 7 this week with a game against the Golden Gophers of Minnesota. The Gophers are strong up and down the line in all areas of special teams play. They match the Buckeyes in every facet.
Special Teams
PK #37 Eric Ellestad (6-3, 204, Jr., Armstrong HS, Brooklyn Park, MN)
P #41 Dan Orseske (6-3, 199, Fr., Brother Rice HS, Chicago, IL)
P #38 Blake Haudan (6-1, 216, Sr., St John's Jesuit HS, Toledo, OH)
LS #47 Ryan Coleman (6-1, 227, Jr., Brookfield East HS, Brookfield, WI)
PR #24 Marcus Sherels (5-11, 172, Sr., John Marshall HS, Rochester, MN)
PR #11 Troy Stoudermire (5-10, 183, So., Skyline HS, Dallas, TX)
KR #11 Troy Stoudermire (5-10, 183, So., Skyline HS, Dallas, TX)
KR #2 Bryant Allen (6-0, 167, Fr., Maplewood-Richmond Heights HS, Maplewood MO)
KR #20 Jay Thomas (6-0, 209, Sr., Tartan HS, Oakdale, MN)
Head-to-Head FG Kicking:, Ellestad vs. Pettrey
Ellestad FGs: 7 of 8, long of 39, 1 miss from 47 yards (indoors)
Pettrey FGs: 12 of 15, long of 52, 2 misses from 20-29, 1 miss from 30-39, 2 makes 50+
Pettrey is on the Groza Watch List but has been somewhat inconsistent on shorter kicks this year. Ellestad has been reliable, making all 7 of his kicks from 20-39 yards, but missed his only attempt at more than 40, which was from 47 yards in Syracuse's Carrier Dome, so the strength of his leg is questionable. Minnesota sealed their win over Purdue with a blocked FG return for a TD, so the Buckeyes need to be tight in their protection schemes.
Edge: Even
Head-to-Head When OSU punts the ball: Stoudermire/Sherels vs. Thoma and the OSU punt return defense
tOSU Punting: 30 for 1187, 39.57 avg, 1 touchback
tOSU PR Defense: #26, 3 for 15, 5.0 avg
tOSU Net Punting: #18, 38.4 net avg
Minn Punt Returns: #6, 3 for 57, 19.0 avg
The Gophers rank 6th in the nation in punt returns, averaging 19 yards per return. That can be a bit misleading, however, as they have only 3 returns. The bottom line is that they have gotten it done when given the chance. The Buckeyes' coverage unit is #26 in the nation only allowing 5.0 yards per return. Again, that number is skewed a bit by only allowing 3 returns. But, as in the case with the Gophers, only allowing 3 returns in 7 games is impressive.
Edge: Ohio State, but just slightly
Head-to-Head When tOSU Kicks Off: Stoudermire/Allen/Thomas vs. Ohio State Kickoff Defense
tOSU KR Defense: #43, 37 for 744, 20.11 avg, 2 touchbacks
Minn KO Returns: #17, 29 for 747, 25.76 avg
Minnesota has a dangerous return man in Stoudermire, and while tOSU's coverage has been solid overall, there's been somewhat of a dropoff recently. With stuggling offenses, field position becomes more important, and containing Stoudermire will probably be the most important aspect of tOSU's special teams play on Saturday.
Edge: Minnesota
Head-to-head When Minnesota punts the ball: Small/Sanzenbacher/Posey vs. Orseske/Haudan and the Minnesota Punt Return Defense
Minn Punting: 34 for 1472, 43.29 avg, 2 touchbacks
Minn PR Defense: #14, 13 for 46, 3.54 avg
Minn Net Punting: #6, 40.76 net avg
tOSU Punt Returns: #105, 19 for 78, 4.11 avg
The Buckeyes are still looking to get something going in the punt return area, and Minnesota has contained returners while producing an excellent net average. When Orseke was injured, Haudan stepped in and there was no droppoff in their punting game.
Edge: Minnesota
Head-to-Head When Minnesota Kicks Off: Thomas/Saine/Herron vs. Minnesota Kickoff Defense
Minn KR Defense: #61, 29 for 612, 21.1 avg, 4 touchbacks
tOSU KO returns: #14, 23 for 597, 1 TD, 25.96 avg
The Buckeyes are much improved this year in the area of kickoff returns. To date, they are averaging almost 26 yards per return. Minnesota is average on kickoff coverage, giving up a little over 21 yards per return, so tOSU should get relatively good field position after Gopher kickoffs.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Special Teams Analysis
Minnesota has played very well on special teams this year to date. They have scored a TD on a blocked FG and won the battle for field position in practically every game so far. The only unit not among the leaders in the nation is the kickoff return defense, which at #61 is still in the middle of the pack. The Buckeyes must reverse their recent downturn in special teams play in addition to getting the punt return unit going. With the OSU offense struggling, this may turn out to be more of an important part of the game than had been originally thought.
Overall Special Teams Rating: A-
PredictionsPunting: 34 for 1472, 43.29 avg, 2 touchbacks
PR Defense: #14, 13 for 46, 3.54 avg
Net Punting: #6, 40.76 net avg
Punt Returns: #6, 3 for 57, 19.0 avg
Kickoff Returns: #17, 29 for 747, 25.76 avg
KR Defense: #61, 29 for 612, 21.1 avg, 4 touchbacks
Ohio State NCAA Rankings
Punting: 30 for 1187, 39.57 avg, 1 touchback
PR Defense: #26, 3 for 15, 5.0 avg
Net Punting: #18, 38.4 net avg
Punt Returns: #105, 19 for 78, 4.11 avg
Kickoff Returns: #14, 23 for 597, 1 TD, 25.96 avg
KR Defense: #43, 37 for 744, 20.11 avg, 2 touchbacks
Well, folks, it had to end some time. Ohio State's streak of games against teams who don't do well in the area of Special Teams play ends at 7 this week with a game against the Golden Gophers of Minnesota. The Gophers are strong up and down the line in all areas of special teams play. They match the Buckeyes in every facet.
Special Teams
PK #37 Eric Ellestad (6-3, 204, Jr., Armstrong HS, Brooklyn Park, MN)
P #41 Dan Orseske (6-3, 199, Fr., Brother Rice HS, Chicago, IL)
P #38 Blake Haudan (6-1, 216, Sr., St John's Jesuit HS, Toledo, OH)
LS #47 Ryan Coleman (6-1, 227, Jr., Brookfield East HS, Brookfield, WI)
PR #24 Marcus Sherels (5-11, 172, Sr., John Marshall HS, Rochester, MN)
PR #11 Troy Stoudermire (5-10, 183, So., Skyline HS, Dallas, TX)
KR #11 Troy Stoudermire (5-10, 183, So., Skyline HS, Dallas, TX)
KR #2 Bryant Allen (6-0, 167, Fr., Maplewood-Richmond Heights HS, Maplewood MO)
KR #20 Jay Thomas (6-0, 209, Sr., Tartan HS, Oakdale, MN)
Head-to-Head FG Kicking:, Ellestad vs. Pettrey
Ellestad FGs: 7 of 8, long of 39, 1 miss from 47 yards (indoors)
Pettrey FGs: 12 of 15, long of 52, 2 misses from 20-29, 1 miss from 30-39, 2 makes 50+
Pettrey is on the Groza Watch List but has been somewhat inconsistent on shorter kicks this year. Ellestad has been reliable, making all 7 of his kicks from 20-39 yards, but missed his only attempt at more than 40, which was from 47 yards in Syracuse's Carrier Dome, so the strength of his leg is questionable. Minnesota sealed their win over Purdue with a blocked FG return for a TD, so the Buckeyes need to be tight in their protection schemes.
Edge: Even
Head-to-Head When OSU punts the ball: Stoudermire/Sherels vs. Thoma and the OSU punt return defense
tOSU Punting: 30 for 1187, 39.57 avg, 1 touchback
tOSU PR Defense: #26, 3 for 15, 5.0 avg
tOSU Net Punting: #18, 38.4 net avg
Minn Punt Returns: #6, 3 for 57, 19.0 avg
The Gophers rank 6th in the nation in punt returns, averaging 19 yards per return. That can be a bit misleading, however, as they have only 3 returns. The bottom line is that they have gotten it done when given the chance. The Buckeyes' coverage unit is #26 in the nation only allowing 5.0 yards per return. Again, that number is skewed a bit by only allowing 3 returns. But, as in the case with the Gophers, only allowing 3 returns in 7 games is impressive.
Edge: Ohio State, but just slightly
Head-to-Head When tOSU Kicks Off: Stoudermire/Allen/Thomas vs. Ohio State Kickoff Defense
tOSU KR Defense: #43, 37 for 744, 20.11 avg, 2 touchbacks
Minn KO Returns: #17, 29 for 747, 25.76 avg
Minnesota has a dangerous return man in Stoudermire, and while tOSU's coverage has been solid overall, there's been somewhat of a dropoff recently. With stuggling offenses, field position becomes more important, and containing Stoudermire will probably be the most important aspect of tOSU's special teams play on Saturday.
Edge: Minnesota
Head-to-head When Minnesota punts the ball: Small/Sanzenbacher/Posey vs. Orseske/Haudan and the Minnesota Punt Return Defense
Minn Punting: 34 for 1472, 43.29 avg, 2 touchbacks
Minn PR Defense: #14, 13 for 46, 3.54 avg
Minn Net Punting: #6, 40.76 net avg
tOSU Punt Returns: #105, 19 for 78, 4.11 avg
The Buckeyes are still looking to get something going in the punt return area, and Minnesota has contained returners while producing an excellent net average. When Orseke was injured, Haudan stepped in and there was no droppoff in their punting game.
Edge: Minnesota
Head-to-Head When Minnesota Kicks Off: Thomas/Saine/Herron vs. Minnesota Kickoff Defense
Minn KR Defense: #61, 29 for 612, 21.1 avg, 4 touchbacks
tOSU KO returns: #14, 23 for 597, 1 TD, 25.96 avg
The Buckeyes are much improved this year in the area of kickoff returns. To date, they are averaging almost 26 yards per return. Minnesota is average on kickoff coverage, giving up a little over 21 yards per return, so tOSU should get relatively good field position after Gopher kickoffs.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Special Teams Analysis
Minnesota has played very well on special teams this year to date. They have scored a TD on a blocked FG and won the battle for field position in practically every game so far. The only unit not among the leaders in the nation is the kickoff return defense, which at #61 is still in the middle of the pack. The Buckeyes must reverse their recent downturn in special teams play in addition to getting the punt return unit going. With the OSU offense struggling, this may turn out to be more of an important part of the game than had been originally thought.
Overall Special Teams Rating: A-
BB73's prediction: 30-10, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 34-10, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 27-13, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: 27-10, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 13-3, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 17-10, Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
Previous Game's Results (tOSU 18, Purdue 26)
(118) BB73's prediction: 30-13, Ohio State (35 + 083 last week = 118)
(122) Bucky Katt's prediction: 27-6, Ohio State (39 + 083 last week = 122)
(139) JCOSU86's prediction: 42-7, Ohio State (53 + 086 last week = 139)
(146) jwinslow's prediction: 35-10, Ohio State (43 + 103 last week = 146)
(150) Bucklion's prediction: 31-13, Ohio State (36 + 114 last week = 150)
(160) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 42-3, Ohio State (57 + 103 last week = 160)
(176) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 45-10, Ohio State (53 + 123 last week = 176)
Adjusted scores for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 34-10, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 27-13, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: 27-10, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 13-3, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 17-10, Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
Previous Game's Results (tOSU 18, Purdue 26)
(118) BB73's prediction: 30-13, Ohio State (35 + 083 last week = 118)
(122) Bucky Katt's prediction: 27-6, Ohio State (39 + 083 last week = 122)
(139) JCOSU86's prediction: 42-7, Ohio State (53 + 086 last week = 139)
(146) jwinslow's prediction: 35-10, Ohio State (43 + 103 last week = 146)
(150) Bucklion's prediction: 31-13, Ohio State (36 + 114 last week = 150)
(160) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 42-3, Ohio State (57 + 103 last week = 160)
(176) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 45-10, Ohio State (53 + 123 last week = 176)
Adjusted scores for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
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