3 takeaways as Minnesota Football looks legit in win over Michigan State
The Minnesota football team looks like a Big Ten Contender and here are three takeaways from the Gophers’ overwhelming road victory over Michigan State.
East Lansing was dead quiet on Saturday afternoon as PJ Fleck and the Minnesota football team dominated the Michigan State Spartans in all aspects of the game.
This game was all Gophers from start to finish. Minnesota football began the game with a 5-minute, 75-yard drive that ended in a rushing touchdown for Mo Ibrahim. This rushing touchdown not only gave the Gophers an early lead, but it cemented Mo Ibrahim in Minnesota Football history.
This opening rushing touchdown was the 41st of Mo Ibrahim’s storied career placing him atop the Minnesota Football career rushing touchdown leaderboard.
This opening drive by the Gophers offense wrote the script for the remainder of the game, as they controlled the pace despite being on the road in a sold-out house.
It was an impressive win and there are three takeaways for the Minnesota Gophers.
All aspects of the Gopher’s defense are strong
Entering Saturday’s game the Gopher’s defense ranked fifth in the FBS in points allowed per game and 2nd in the FBS in yards allowed. The majority of people chalked these rankings to the Gopher’s lackluster schedule and discredited Minnesota’s defense.
After today’s performance, Minnesota’s defense should be viewed as a top 15 FBS defense as they proved they can play at all levels.
The Gopher’s secondary was phenomenal once again as they held Payton Thorne, who threw for 323 passing yards last week, to a measly 132 yards. Defensive lineman Danny Striggow and defensive back Justin Walley also made two spectacular plays to intercept Thorne.
The Gopher’s defensive line answered all doubts critics may have had entering today. The Gopher’s stout defensive front held the Spartans to just 39 yards on the ground and did not allow any of Michigan State’s 14 carries to go for more than 9 yards.
Minnesota’s defense is full of veteran leaders who know how to play together. And as they proved today, forcing three turnovers, they are ready to make big plays when called upon.