Gophers take advantage when given opportunity

A number of players went down to injury, but the Gophers found capable replacements.

By KENT YOUNGBLOOD, Star Tribune

Last update: October 12, 2008 - 12:49 AM

CHAMPAIGN, ILL. — Over and over, Gophers football coach Tim Brewster has said it: Next man up.

That's what he says whenever he is asked about an injury. It's an opportunity, Brewster said. Saturday was further proof.

Without top cornerback Marcus Sherels, out because of an injured shoulder, the Gophers started Ryan Collado in his place. But defensive coordinator Ted Roof wasn't done tinkering.

For the second time this season, the Gophers made extensive use of the 3-4 defense in an attempt to corral Illinois quarterback Juice Williams. There were times in the second half when Roof moved Tremaine Brock to corner and inserted Mike Rallis at safety. Roof mixed and matched and managed to keep Williams just enough off-balance to win the game.

"You've got to give credit to the coaches," middle linebacker Lee Campbell said after the Gophers' 27-20 victory. "Look at the way they prepare us. We're in position to make plays."

The result was three takeaways, including a fumble that was returned by Simoni Lawrence for a fourth-quarter touchdown.

Perhaps it's only right, then, that the game-sealing interception was Collado's, which came after defensive end Willie VanDeSteeg hit Williams as he was throwing the ball.

The Gophers offensive line took a couple of hits, too, losing both guard Ned Tavale and tackle Dom Alford. In addition, wide receiver Eric Decker suffered a sprained shoulder, but he stayed in the game.

Looks as if the Gophers' upcoming bye couldn't come at a better time.

"We need the bye; we're nicked up," Brewster said. "I'm going to give these kids a good rest."

Call from the past

Brewster got a call during the week from former Gophers All-America defensive lineman Bobby Bell, who called to say he was proud of the way the Gophers defense had played against Indiana.

"You don't know how much that means to me, to have Bobby Bell tell me he's proud of our defense," Brewster said. "I bet Bobby's smiling right now, too."

OK, it mattered

During the week Brewster downplayed his return to Illinois, where he played and went to a Rose Bowl. But after Saturday's victory, he fessed up: It mattered.

"There is significance, sure," he said. "It's like competing against your brother. You don't want to lose."

Recent Gophers stories

Hobson has career-high 30 points to lead New Mexico over Louisiana Tech 81-52 - October 12, 2008

Hobson has career-high 30 points to lead New Mexico over Louisiana Tech 81-52 - Junior-college transfer Darington Hobson scored a career-high 30 points Saturday to lead New Mexico to an 81-52 victory over Louisiana Tech in the Basketball Travelers World Vision Classic. More