The Gophers have wrapped up their non-conference schedule with a blowout of the Pac-12’s Colorado. Minnesota routed the Buffaloes 49-7, a trend that has become normal to Gopher fans through the first three weeks of the season. Minnesota has now outscored their opponents 149-17. They are now averaging 49.6 points per game and holding their opponents to 5.6. Now, I have to say that New Mexico State, Western Illinois, and Colorado are a combined 0-10 on the year. Not a good look, but just for comparison 4th ranked Michigan’s non-conference opponents are a combined 2-9. We shouldn’t worry too much at the moment because of it with teams like Michigan with just as bad of a non-conference schedule as us.
We Have Wide Receiver Depth
With Chris Autman-Bell leaving the game in the second quarter, Minnesota fans were wondering what we would do without our sixth year senior on the field. Fortunately, for the Gophers we had plenty of receivers to step up. Yesterday, six different wide receivers caught passes and three had touchdowns. Chris Autman-Bell, Dylan Wright, and Clay Geary caught touchdowns from Morgan as the Gophers lit it up passing yesterday. Minnesota also had four receivers with over two receptions and 25 yards receiving in Autman-Bell (3 for 58), Wright (2 for 31), Spann-Ford (3 for 34), and Jackson (2 for 26). While these numbers are low for both catches and receptions, it shows we have numerous receivers who have shown they can produce when called upon. Minnesota will need to see more production next week as they take on the Spartans.
Can Anyone Stop Ibrahim?
Seriously, I mean I know the teams we’ve played are bad, but even Ohio State couldn’t slow him down last year. So, for right no, no one can. Mohamed Ibrahim has been a beast this year racking up 464 yards on 67 attempts and seven touchdowns. Ibrahim is way above his career yards per carry average with 6.9 on the season. So far this year, Ibrahim has been averaging 154 yards per game by himself. Yesterday Ibrahim hit a milestone, tying the Gophers record for the most rushing touchdowns in school history with Darrell Thompson.
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Next week, the Gophers and Ibrahim have a big test in Michigan State who so far has only allowed 89.7 yards rushing per game. Minnesota will be by far their toughest opponent when it comes to running the ball, so we’ll see who is better, Ibrahim or the Spartan run defense.
The Gophers Found There Passing Game
When you think of Minnesota this year, the passing game isn’t what comes to mind. What does is the running game and defense. This week the Gophers made it known to add the passing game to that list. Morgan went 11-of-16 for 157 yards and three touchdowns with an interception (that was tipped). Autman-Bell also had a good game with three catches for 58 yards and a touchdown. Minnesota hasn’t been as explosive with their passing game. Against New Mexico State the Gophers had only 188 yards. They were more active throwing the ball against Western Illinois racking up 372 yards and a touchdown. This week what was different was the shots to the endzone that scored 21 points and took Colorado out of the game for good. Minnesota will need a combination of their performance against Western Illinois and Colorado when they play Michigan State next week.