Gophers football coach Tim Brewster has vowed to have strong special-teams play, so he was understandably disappointed with his team's performance in that area in a 41-35 three-overtime victory against Miami (Ohio) on Saturday at the Metrodome.
The Gophers had three missed field goals, a blocked punt, a fumble on a punt return (they recovered it) and a personal foul penalty on a punt return.
"I'm not happy," Brewster said. "That's my area. I'm a special teams guy and I spend a tremendous amount of time on special teams. I'm very disappointed when special teams are not a factor to really help us."
Brewster was particularly disappointed in kicker Jason Giannini, who missed three field goals (45, 43, and 26 yards). Giannini's final miss came in the second overtime and could have cost the Gophers, but Miami's Trevor Cook missed his 33-yard attempt, too.
Brewster said the coaching staff was considering using backup/kickoff specialist Joel Monroe in the third overtime if the Gophers needed a field goal. (They didn't.) That position will be evaluated in practice this week.
Brewster also was not happy with freshman returner Harold Howell, who returned four punts for only 15 yards. He also fumbled once but recovered it. Brewster thought Howell did "too much dancing. He was a little loose with the football."
Another tough day
One week after giving up 412 passing yards, the Gophers allowed 418 passing yards and three touchdowns. The Gophers allowed 316 passing yards in the second half.
The RedHawks followed Bowling Green's model and used some four and five wide-receiver sets against Minnesota's suspect secondary.
Senior cornerback Jamal Harris had two interceptions (including one in the third overtime), a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. But it was another long day for the secondary.
"We've got a long way to go," Brewster said. "We've got help those guys out on the back end with pressure up front."
Miami clearly wanted to test true freshman Ryan Collado, who made his first career start. Collado had two pass breakups and seven tackles but he gave up several big plays on double moves by Miami receivers.
"They were seeking him out," Brewster said. "It was a tremendous education for Ryan Collado. He'll be better for it."
Sherels injured
Senior middle linebacker Mike Sherels left the game late in the first half with what Brewster described as a "chest contusion." Sherels did not return, and Brewster said he did not know the severity of the injury or how long Sherels might be sidelined.
Change of plans
Brewster said he wanted quarterback Adam Weber to get six to eight carries after he had 18 last week. But Weber finished with 16 carries for 97 yards and one touchdown.
"In this offense sometimes the best play is the quarterback run," Weber said.
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