The Minnesota Gophers finally had their opportunity to prove to everyone that their non-conference performance was no fluke. Yesterday they proved it by dominating the Michigan State Spartans 34-7 in East Lansing. Minnesota had a complete performance, not allowing the Spartans to do anything from start to finish. With that, let’s take a look at my takeaways from the Gophers week 4 win over the Spartans.
The Gophers Are For Real
Coming into this week, the question was, are the Gophers for real? The Gophers answered definitively: they are. Minnesota dominated a good Spartans team on the road 34-7. Minnesota out gained them 508 to 240 (268-yard difference) and had 32 first downs to Michigan State’s 14. Time of possession again was showcased as Minnesota had the ball for almost three quarters with 42:30 to 17:30. The Gophers had three takeaways including what likely sealed the game with a fumble recovery in the third quarter.
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After that there was nothing Michigan State could do but watch as the Gophers cruised to 4-0. This game should put Minnesota on the map. This was not close, even for a little bit. Michigan State just couldn’t find an answer for the Gophers’ offense who didn’t punt once. In fact, the only time the Spartans stopped them was when they stripped the ball from Mohamed Ibrahim in the second quarter. The Gophers have now outscored their opponents this season 183-24.
Complete Dominance
The Gophers continued what they’ve done through the first three games and completely dominated the Spartans en-route to their 34-7 win. Minnesota’s defense especially dominated by not allowing the Spartans to score until 0:17 seconds left in the fourth quarter. The Gophers allowed just 240 yards of total offense with 202 passing and 38 rushing. Minnesota gave up only 14 first downs and the Spartans only held the ball for 17:30. On the offensive side, Minnesota had 508 yards of total offense with 268 passing and 240 rushing. No one has had an answer for the Gophers starting offense who has only punted once this season (the Gophers have punted more than this but the starting offense has only done it one time against Colorado).
The Gophers Passing Game Looks Fine Without Autman-Bell
Minnesota came out throwing and continued to expose the Spartan secondary. Tanner Morgan was on point going 23 of 26, throwing for 268 yards and three touchdowns. Minnesota had ten players with a reception and seven had ten or more yards. The Gophers were led by three receivers: Michael Brown-Stephens, Dylan Wright, Daniel Jackson, and tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford who all had at least three receptions for 40-yards or more. Jackson had two touchdowns while Nick Kallerup caught his first of his college career. This was a spectacular performance from the passing game after losing wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell last week against Colorado.
The Offensive Line Is Great
Probably the biggest question going into this season was how the offensive line would look after losing four of its five starters. Minnesota faced its toughest test and the offensive line shined. Morgan was given all the time he needed, and Mohamed Ibrahim rushed for 100 yards again. They proved that even after losing four starters, they are just as good as last year’s group. Morgan was never pressured once, showing just how good this group is. Minnesota can attribute a lot of their offensive success to their offensive line who has created big lanes for their running backs and pockets free of pressure for Tanner Morgan. They will need to keep up this level of play if they want to continue their great run.
Turnovers
Minnesota has had some turnovers over their three games, but today was different. The Gophers had two interceptions and fumble recovery. Cornerback Justin Walley and defensive linemen Danny Striggow each had interceptions. Walley also recovered a forced fumble as well. Minnesota did see Mohamed Ibrahim fumble the ball, but that was more of a good defensive play than it was his fault. The Gophers also kept opponents from getting any points off of their turnovers. Minnesota on the other hand had 14 points off of their three turnovers. The other possession they got off a turnover resulted in Ibrahim fumbling, but they were driving and would have likely gotten points off of the drive.
A Look At Next Week
Next week the Gophers will host Purdue at home. Minnesota is now ranked 21st in the AP poll and 23rd in the Coaches. Minnesota is a -10-point favorite right now against the Boilermakers who are coming off a close home win against Florida Atlantic 28-26.