UFOT090907.NOTES
On the homepage
Gophers
Out There
Sunday's paper
9/11 trial
Special teams have wrong kind of impact
The Gophers had three missed field goals, a blocked punt, a fumble on a punt return (and a personal foul on a punt return.
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on DiggRelated Content
More from Gophers
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.
Etc.
• Overshadowed by the late-game fireworks was the fact the Gophers rushed for 306 yards on 53 carries.
• Tight end Jack Simmons (toe) and defensive end Derrick Onwuachi (ankle) did not play.
• The Gophers have played three consecutive overtime games, dating to the Insight Bowl, the first time that has happened in school history.
• Redshirt freshman kicker Eric Ellestad has rejoined the team now that school has started, but did not dress.
Chip Scoggins • ascoggins@startribune.com
Recent Gophers stories
QB Hall matches Detmer's victory mark as No. 22 BYU beats New Mexico 24-19 - September 8, 2007
QB Hall matches Detmer's victory mark as No. 22 BYU beats New Mexico 24-19 - A landmark victory for BYU quarterback Max Hall was important to his coach for another reason — it was another hard-fought win for the Cougars. More
 Open House ShowcaseThousands of homes open this weekend!View all open houses >> View all homes for sale >> |
Win tickets to see Brett Dennen at Pantages Theatre.Vita.mn presents Brett Dennen with Grace Potter and The Nocturnals at Pantages Theatre on Nov. 27. |
Comment on this story | Be the first to comment | Hide reader comments