Gophers' 3-4 defense befuddles Falcons

By KENT YOUNGBLOOD, Star Tribune

Last update: September 7, 2008 - 3:53 PM

BOWLING GREEN, OHIO - Simoni Lawrence's parents drove from Philadelphia to Bowling Green to watch him play Saturday night. Here's what they saw:

Their son was a key cog in defensive coordinator Ted Roof's scheme. Last week Northern Illinois was able to pick on the Gophers when Minnesota removed a linebacker for an extra defensive back. Roof came up with a plan so he didn't have to do that anymore.

The Gophers played a lot of 3-4 defense on Saturday, with three down linemen and four linebackers. That scheme featured Lawrence as a starting linebacker on the strong side. He, for one, is certain the new look kept Bowling Green a little off-balance.

"This was our new package we were going to show them,'' Lawrence said. "It was great.''

In the 3-4, the Gophers were able either to drop all four linebackers into coverage or rush a fourth man. During the course of the game that fourth rusher came from all over the place. The Gophers got only one sack but had six tackles for loss. Lawrence was in on that sack and finished second on the team with seven tackles.

"Ted and the defensive coaches had a great plan coming in,'' coach Tim Brewster said. "We knew we had to keep [Falcons quarterback Tyler] Sheehan off-balance. I know he was 29-for-44. But I credit the coaches.''

Maybe the scheme gave the players more confidence. Maybe the Falcons weren't ready for the game. For whatever reason the Gophers forced five turnovers, the most since they had five against Iowa in the final game of the 2006 season.

"There are things we can get better in,'' Lawrence said. "We're looking for a shutout.''

Special forces

That's what Brewster calls his special teams. They were pretty special Saturday. Punter Justin Kucek averaged 40.5 yards on six punts, with two downed inside the 20. Troy Stoudermire's 48-yard kickoff return led to a score.

But perhaps the biggest special teams play came on the second-half kickoff, when Jay Thomas' hit forced Roger Williams to fumble. It was recovered by Ryan Collado. The Gophers turned it into a touchdown and a 21-10 lead.

Collado had a difficult game a week ago as the Gophers' sixth defensive back. Saturday he made one of the game's biggest plays.

"It was a great feeling after, obviously, a frustrating first week,'' he said. "To go out and make a play like that, get momentum in our favor, it was a great feeling.''

Three hurt

Three Gophers players left the game because of injuries Saturday. First was right guard Ned Tavale, who was replaced by Chris Bunders. In the fourth quarter running back Duane Bennett and center Jeff Tow-Arnett were hurt. All left the field under their own power, but Brewster said he wouldn't know more about the injuries until today.

Bennett left the game with 100 receiving yards and 48 rushing. In his place, freshman Shady Salamon played well. He finished with 12 carries for 64 yards and his first collegiate touchdown.

Etc.

• Eight Gophers made their debut Saturday: Salamon, defensive back Tim Dandridge, receivers Brodrick Smith, Brandon Green, David Pittman, Xzavian Brandon, Johnny Johnson and Da'Jon McKnight.

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