Michigan Football: Coach’s Corner — Michigan at Minnesota — An Initial Preview
Posted at 6:00am — 11/1/2012
Michigan Football: Coach’s Corner — Michigan at Minnesota — An Initial Preview
Minnesota is 5-3 and so is Michigan. That of course does not tell the complete set-up for Saturday’s game at Minnesota.
Minnesota blew out Purdue, big time last week. Some thinking is that Ohio State left residual damage to Purdue in a game that the Boilers flat blew in Columbus: never mind the comeback of the Eon stuff floating in one corner of the world. Another thought is that Purdue does what many teams do when on the road for a second straight game; play worse than the week before. Some attribute Purdue’s troubles to a growing state of “Hope-itis.” But the folks in Minnesota wish to believe the blow out was the result of the great play of freshman Philip Nelson.
Oct 20, 2012; Madison, WI, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Philip Nelson (9) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin defeated Minnesota 38-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRENelson is a true freshman and had his red-shirt pulled two weeks ago. The results the first week were good, and the results the second week were pleasantly positive. Nelson had a great game against Purdue. The pass protection was great; a super gift for a freshman, and Nelson threw three first-half touchdown passes.
The defense got to Caleb TerBush and the Gopher secondary had a very good game. Michael Carter achieved one pick-six and several breakups.
The old turnover bugaboo that earlier this year hammered Minnesota took some time off last week. The result was a near storybook game, one that has the Gopher faithful filled with hope for the future.
Nelson had help from his receiving corps and Purdue left the Gopher receivers pretty much open all day long. TerBush was removed, but too little, too late, as the Gophers rolled.
Michigan is not coming off a high point, but instead suffered a defeat that may be more difficult to overcome mentally than physically. The offense of Michigan, one Denard Robinson, injured a nerve and red-shirt freshman, Russell Bellomy, had a night to quickly forget, as should the rest of the offense.
Oct 20, 2012; Madison, WI, USA; A Minnesota Golden Gophers helmet during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin defeated Minnesota 38-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIREEvery week is different this season in the Big Ten, baring one constant, that the unexpected should be expected. One thing that is still in doubt is Denard Robinson’s status and his ability to finish the game. This injury can flare up again in a New York minute.
Both teams are playing for bowl eligibility. Minnesota is playing for the future and hopefully Michigan shows up and plays for a championship.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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