Wow. The way Mike Kafka was throwing the ball, I never would have thought he could overthrow an open receiver like that.
But he did, missing an open Drake Dunsmore running a post route. And Kim Royston came up with the key interception late in the first half, preserving the 14-10 Gophers lead.
Reflections on the first half"
--What incredible inconsistency by the Gophers offense. It has, at times, looked marvelous. Other times not so much. Quarterback Adam Weber has been very good or looked a bit confused.
--Hello running game. When the Gophers moved the ball in the first half it was because of efficient running. Kevin Whaley, finally healthy after being slowed by a turf toe, has looked very good. And it should be noted that both DeLeon Eskridge and Duane Bennett, on consecutive plays, did a nice job of pass protection on big Weber completions on the drive that ended with Bennett's 3-yard touchdown run. Whaley has averaged 8 yards on three runs.
--MarQueis Gray looked good in limited action, running twice for 21 yards. On the first run he was very close to breaking it all the way.
--The Gophers defense is being worn down by the no-huddle Northwestern attack. Minnesota has to get off the field on third down; Northwestern was 7-for-11 on third downs in the first half.
Matt Stommes started at left tackle in place of Dom Alford. Backup defensive tackle Brandon Kirksey, who has a cut toe, is not playing.
