Yesterday, the University of Minnesota dominated FCS Western Illinois 62-10. The offense was firing on all cylinders scoring eight touchdowns and two field goals in a impressive performance. The Gopher’s defense was lights out again allowing 194 yards of total offense and eight first downs. Now let’s take a look at my takeaways from the Gophers dominant win.
Staying Focused
After turning the ball over on the second play of the game, Minnesota didn’t even flinch. In fact, it was as if it never happened. After the turnover, the Gophers forced a turnover on downs in four plays and didn’t step off the gas until the game was over. It was good to see the Gophers be unfazed by the fumble and just dominated everything after that play. It was a good sign to see how the team will react and handle a situation when it doesn’t go the way they planned it.
Gophers Find Balance On Offense
Last week Minnesota had 188 yards passing and no touchdowns on 23 attempts. This week the Gophers had 372 yards passing and one touchdown on 25 attempts. Minnesota also saw more production on the ground than last week when they rushed for 297 yards and five touchdowns on 57 carries. Against Western Illinois the Gophers rushed for 307 yards and seven touchdowns on 52 carries. Minnesota had 679 yards of total offense with a split of 372 (passing) and 307 (rushing). A much better balance than the 188 (passing) and 297 (rushing) from last week. The Gophers definitely answered any questions about the passing game.
Gophers Starting Offense Has Yet To Punt
That’s right, in two games against New Mexico State and Western Illinois the Gophers starting offense hasn’t punted. In fact, the Gophers haven’t scored on five out of their 21 possessions this season; with two being kneel downs to end the game, another two were punts when the backups were in and the last was the fumble on the first drive of the game yesterday. Minnesota has been very efficient on offense this season, scoring 13 touchdowns and three field goals on their remaining 16 offensive possessions.
Our First Real Look At Athan Kaliakmanis
Athan Kaliakmanis came into the game with the Gophers up 45-3, late in the third quarter. Kaliakmanis went 3-3, throwing for 67 yards and one rushing touchdown. It was a better look than last week as Kaliakmanis was able to play with some of the starters like Trey Potts and Dylan Wright. It was great to see him with a chance to play without backups. Kaliakmanis looks like he is ready to go for next year. Hopefully the Gophers can keep routing their opponents so we can see more of him throughout the year.