Big Ten Power Rankings: Ohio State or Michigan State at No. 1?
By Mark Rogers
Sep 19, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach Jerry Kill looks on during the first half against the Kent State Golden Flashes at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
One week after Jeff Kill promised to run, run, run, and run some more, the Gophers had to pass, pass, pass with Mitch Leidner and that’s not usually a good thing. Leidner hit on 26 for 40 for 301 yards. Most of that production was compiled after the Gophers were two or three scores in the rears and Kill’s favored ground game had been rendered useless. Minnesota’s two top rushers, Shannon Brooks and Rodney Smith totalled just 45 yards on 16 attempts.
The Gophers’ defense came into the game ranked 18th in the nation. The Gophers’ defense then yielded season highs in points (48) and yards (464).
Kill’s program has been on the ascent since he took over in 2011. The Gophers have hit a plateau for the first time during his tenure. That plateau may be a favorable place to be considering the Gophers likely pitfall in facing Michigan, Ohio State, Iowa and Wisconsin ahead.
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Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-3, 1-2)
Last week: L Nebraska 48-25
Last rank: 10
Minnesota is sinking fast and the schedule may not aid upward mobility.
Sure the Gophers made quick work of a Purdue team that’s proven pesky against Michigan State and Wisconsin. But Minnesota’s other two Big Ten games have been miserable affairs against two teams that have proven pretty flawed otherwise in Northwestern (27-0) and Nebraska (48-25).
One week after Jeff Kill promised to run, run, run, and run some more, the Gophers had to pass, pass, pass with Mitch Leidner and that’s not usually a good thing. Leidner hit on 26 for 40 for 301 yards. Most of that production was compiled after the Gophers were two or three scores in the rears and Kill’s favored ground game had been rendered useless. Minnesota’s two top rushers, Shannon Brooks and Rodney Smith totalled just 45 yards on 16 attempts.
The Gophers’ defense came into the game ranked 18th in the nation. The Gophers’ defense then yielded season highs in points (48) and yards (464).
Kill’s program has been on the ascent since he took over in 2011. The Gophers have hit a plateau for the first time during his tenure. That plateau may be a favorable place to be considering the Gophers likely pitfall in facing Michigan, Ohio State, Iowa and Wisconsin ahead.
Next: Rutgers