Offense will change, but much will remain the same on game day

By KENT YOUNGBLOOD, Star Tribune

Last update: December 30, 2008 - 7:33 AM

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TEMPE, ARIZ. - The power-running attack of the Gophers under new offensive line coach/running game coordinator Tim Davis will make its debut in Wednesday's Insight Bowl against Kansas.

But coach Tim Brewster said the game-day operation won't change much. Offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar will still be up in the press box calling plays. Davis will be at field level.

A lot of consultation will take place as the game progresses. Brewster and Davis will both have input as the action unfolds.

"We're all on the same page,'' Brewster said after the Gophers finished practice Monday on the Arizona State University practice fields. "We've collaborated. We've got a game plan in place. Mike will call the plays with input from myself and other coaches on the staff. We have a game-plan call list and Mike will call the plays.''

The Gophers have had 14 practices to prepare for the Insight Bowl. Monday's practice was run without pads as Brewster tapers the team for the game. Today, the Gophers will do a pregame walkthrough. Brewster seems confident 14 practices are enough to make the tweaks in his offense he decided were needed after the regular season ended.

"It's important that we finish this the right way, the way it began, with success,'' Brewster said of the season's final game.

A good fit

Honestly, Nick Tow-Arnett couldn't have drawn it up better.

Tow-Arnett is a 6-2, 249-pound tight end for the Gophers, who has seen success playing with or backing up Jack Simmons this season. When Brewster brought in Davis and informed the team of the changes to be made in the offense, it seemed a perfect fit for Tow-Arnett.

Tow-Arnett and 6-2, 221-pound John Hoese figure to get on the field a lot more when the Gophers go to the power-running game. They will be used as lead blockers, both out of the backfield and in motion, like an NFL H-back.

"Just getting out there is going to be a lot of fun,'' Tow-Arnett said. "But going on and off the line of scrimmage? The motion stuff? That's been fun.''

Said Hoese: "It created a spot for me. This is a great opportunity.''

The offense seems to fit them both. Hoese can be a physical between-the-tackles presence, and coaches already have asked him to work on adding size and strength heading into next season. Tow-Arnett, who has been a reliable downfield receiver, is also very good blocking on the run on the edge.

Etc.

• So who is working harder in Tempe, the players or Brewster? Long before the players took the field for Monday's practice Brewster was out doing wind sprints up and down the field.

• Wide receiver Eric Decker said his surgically repaired knee will be very close to 100 percent by game time Wednesday.

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