Greetings.

Well, the Gophers are still in this thing, despite being massively out-gained and holding the ball for about half the time California has. Minnesota gets the ball to start the second half, and momentum is currently on the Gophers side. Having said that, here are some impressions from the first half of play, in no particular order:

--The Gophers have to figure out how to run the ball. Late in the half they had some success going in the power-I formation, with fullback Jon Hoese leading the way.

--A much, much better job has to be done protecting Adam Weber. He has been under pressure from the start. Cal defensive end Tyson Alualu has been giving Gophers tackle Jeff Wills fits. The Gophers had great field position for their first possession, down 7-0, and the first play is ruined by Wills' false start.

Weber has been dodging would-be tacklers all day. I'll say this: When he's had even a few seconds to look downfield, he has found somebody.

--After several views at the replay, I think Cal safety Sean Catthouse did not go full helmet-first on Decker. It was a high hit, but the play was high. One angle made it look like he turned his head and went helmet first into Decker. Whatever happened, it was a play I will remember for a long time. To have that body control, make the catch, get a foot down, and then hold onto the ball after that hit? What an incredible play by Decker. Amazing. But, after taking a hit like that, should the Gophers have had him trying an option pass on their next play from scrimmage? I'm just saying.

--Jahvid Best is as advertised. On that first TD run three Gophers had angles on him and Best just ran away from them. On the last TD it looked like it was easy, as he was untouched. But that's because he hit the hole so darned fast.

--The personal foul penalty on the punt return that set up the Gophers' final score of the half was just a dirty play.

--Cal quarterback Kevin Riley is the one relative weak link on the Cal offense.

That's about it. Get back to you after the game.