Dave and Drew Thurman (12:03 pm)
Mascot: Golden Gophers
Stadium: TCF Bank Stadium (50,000)
2008 Record: 7-6 (Lost to Kansas 42-21 in Insight Bowl)
2009 Record: 4-3
Head Coach: Tim Brewster (3rd year at Minnesota, 12-20)
Letterman Returning: 54 (21 Lost)
Returning Starters: Offense - 9, Defense - 8, Specialists - 0
Base Defense: 4-3
Base Offense: Ace (3 Wideouts)
Returning Stars: QB Adam Weber, WR Eric Decker (pictured)
Notable Alumni:
Bob Dylan - Singer/Songwriter
Hubert H. Humphrey - Former U.S. Vice President
Jessica Lange - Actress
Tony Dungy - NFL Player and Coach
Tom Lehman - PGA Golfer
Dave Winfield - MLB Hall of Famer
Kevin McHale - NBA Player
Yanni - Grammy-nominated pianist and composer
Cheerleading Scouting Report:
Mascot: Golden Gophers
Stadium: TCF Bank Stadium (50,000)
2008 Record: 7-6 (Lost to Kansas 42-21 in Insight Bowl)
2009 Record: 4-3
Head Coach: Tim Brewster (3rd year at Minnesota, 12-20)
Letterman Returning: 54 (21 Lost)
Returning Starters: Offense - 9, Defense - 8, Specialists - 0
Base Defense: 4-3
Base Offense: Ace (3 Wideouts)
Returning Stars: QB Adam Weber, WR Eric Decker (pictured)
Notable Alumni:
Bob Dylan - Singer/Songwriter
Hubert H. Humphrey - Former U.S. Vice President
Jessica Lange - Actress
Tony Dungy - NFL Player and Coach
Tom Lehman - PGA Golfer
Dave Winfield - MLB Hall of Famer
Kevin McHale - NBA Player
Yanni - Grammy-nominated pianist and composer
Cheerleading Scouting Report:
Minnesota Overview:
Tim Brewster and company head into Columbus this Saturday, coming off a crushing 20-0 defeat at Penn State. Much like the Buckeyes on the other side of the ball, the Gophers are trying to get themselves established on the offensive.
Tim Brewster and company head into Columbus this Saturday, coming off a crushing 20-0 defeat at Penn State. Much like the Buckeyes on the other side of the ball, the Gophers are trying to get themselves established on the offensive.
Against Penn State they would only put up 138 total yards, and really struggled trying to get the running game going. This has been a trend all year for Brewster's squad, and the offense has not looked sharp in the team's biggest games. In fact, they are being outgained on the ground and through the air by their opponents. Not a very positive sign for a winning team.
They have weapons on the offensive side of the ball though. One is quarterback Adam Weber. In 2008, he had a great year for the Gophers showing off his arm (2761 yards, 15 TD, eight INT) and his legs (233 yards, four TD). Thus far in 2009, neither have looked as sharp. He efficiency and completion percentage are way down this season, and has struggled taking care of the ball.
On the year he has 1325 yards with six touchdowns and nine interceptions, and his completion percentage in down to 55.8 percent (62.2 in 08). He also has -27 rushing on the season, thanks to an offensive line that has struggled to protect him at times. When he does get the protection, Weber can make big plays though.
One of the main reasons Weber can make you pay is because of star wideout Eric Decker. He put up huge campaigns in his sophomore and junior seasons, and is on track to have his best year yet with 731 yards and five touchdowns.
One of the main reasons Weber can make you pay is because of star wideout Eric Decker. He put up huge campaigns in his sophomore and junior seasons, and is on track to have his best year yet with 731 yards and five touchdowns.
He has solid size at 6-2 215 pounds, and catches almost anything Weber throws his way. Joining Decker in the wide receiving core are Troy Stoudermire (126 yards, one TD) and Brandon Green (140 yards, 0 TD). Also the Buckeyes will have to watch Nick Tow-Arnett at tight end, who has 16 catches for 216 yards on the season.
The backfield has not been near as productive as the wide receiving core, as not one running back is even averaging 50 yards a game. The starter is sophomore Duane Bennett who has 292 yards and five touchdowns on the season, averaging 4.4 a carry. The Gophers will split his carries with fellow sophomore DeLeon Eskridge who has 212 yards and three touchdowns (4.1 a carry).
The backfield has not been near as productive as the wide receiving core, as not one running back is even averaging 50 yards a game. The starter is sophomore Duane Bennett who has 292 yards and five touchdowns on the season, averaging 4.4 a carry. The Gophers will split his carries with fellow sophomore DeLeon Eskridge who has 212 yards and three touchdowns (4.1 a carry).
Despite decent averages, both have been incredibly quiet in the team's biggest games. Besides these two the Buckeyes will also see freshmen quarterback MarQueis Gray attempting to run the ball. He has made an appearance in all seven games, and provides an athletic running option at quarterback. He has only attempted one pass on the season though, which is one of the reasons he has yet to have greater success making big plays.
The Gopher defense has had its fair share of problems as well. Their opponents are averaging 393 yards a game against them, and have an incredible 51% 3rd down percentage. Last week despite only giving up 20 points to Penn State, they were gashed for 464 yards.
The Gopher defense has had its fair share of problems as well. Their opponents are averaging 393 yards a game against them, and have an incredible 51% 3rd down percentage. Last week despite only giving up 20 points to Penn State, they were gashed for 464 yards.
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