Minnesota Gophers Football: Indiana State week 2 Preview
By Ryan Palmer
The Minnesota Gophers barely snuck out a victory versus Oregon State last Thursday. If Tracy Claeys and company have any hope of making some noise in the Big Ten they need to take care of business against cupcake opponents.
Fan’s of the Minnesota Gophers were looking for a stronger showing to start the season. If the Indiana State Sycamores keep it close on Saturday, it may foreshadow troubling times ahead for the maroon and gold.
Minnesota Golden Gophers week two preview- Indiana State Sycamores
Offense
ESPN’s Todd McShay put out his way-too-early 2017 NFL mock draft predictions this summer. McShay predicted that Mitch Leidner could go as high as the first round, even comparing Minnesota’s QB to Carson Wentz.
If Mitch makes it to the NFL chances are he will be switching positions. Leidner appears to be struggling once again with his passing accuracy. The fifth year senior went 13-27 for 130 yards last week, averaging less than five yards per attempt.
It wasn’t all bad news for the Minnesota Gophers offense however. Minnesota showed their upgrades on the offensive line are paying off in the running game. Both Rodney Smith and Leidner averaged over five yards per carry, and scored two TD’s apiece in the Gophers 30-23 victory.
The Gophers will be heading into Saturday without Rashad Still at wide receiver. Still went out with an injury after only one reception. Rashad will likely be replaced in the starting line-up by Eric Carter.
Defense
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Minnesota’s run defense looked solid against the Beavers. The young secondary was another story however. Tracy Claeys lost some key player’s in their defensive backfield heading into 2016, and it showed. Oregon State’s Darell Garretson lit up the Gophers for three TD’s, and almost brought the Beavers back single-handedly. Look for Jalen Myrick and crew to make amends for the poor showing.
Special Teams
Emmit Carpenter looked solid in his kicking debut. Carpenter went 1-1, nailing a 45- yard field goal. Ryan Santoso made a seam-less transition from place kicker to punter. Santoso won the field position battle for Minnesota, dropping multiple kicks inside the twenty.
Prediction
It should be a walk-in-the-park for Minnesota, but I thought that last week as well. Gophers win 41-21.
Game Details
Next: Minnesota Vikings: Don't stop believing Viking' Fans
Where:
TCF Bank Stadium
Saturday September 10th
Kickoff 11:00 AM (CST)
Watch:
ESPN News
Listen:
KFAN 100.3 FM