Big Party's B1G Word of the Day

Posted by Big Party

Littoral
lit·to·ral (adjective) - on or near a shore, especially the zone between the high and low tide marks

I found myself standing on the bank of a mighty river, watching the water rush by me.  There was serenity in the violent current, and I lost myself in a meditative state, staring deep through the surface and trying to metaphysically touch the bottom.  Then, another big rush of wind came through and I had to grab the tailgate tent pole so our shelter didn’t blow away.

With Floyd headed South again, the Classy Gentlemen
focused their celebrating on a 30th birthday surprise.

The mini-Mississippi I’m referring to was flowing right through Lot 37 during the not-so-mini-monsoon that blessed all of the tailgaters on Saturday.  It was probably the most miserable weather day to hit a Gopher tailgate since The Bank opened. Many a tent were lost that day, but the Classy Gentlemen and friends were able to work together to hold strong and prevent a rush of opposing force from making it a complete disaster.  It’s too bad that the same could not be said about our beloved Gophers.

I’m going to go light on the analysis today since Higgy and Butler generally pay a little better attention than I do.  Also, I decided not to take any notes this week after what happened last time. 

Things I liked:
     · The Gophers defense did a pretty good job digging in their heels when Iowa got near the goal line. Obviously, they struggled to get the Iowa offense off the field between the 20s and forced only 2 punts, but they did keep them out of the end zone on 5 trips deep into Gopher territory.  Classic bend but don’t break.  If the offense would have been moving the ball at all, it might have worked.
     · The pass catchers actually seemed to do a pretty good job creating separation on their routes.  They just needed the balls to get there.
     · Excellent work on the meats, Flony.  I’ll be dreaming about “Meat Floyd” for weeks.
     · I’m turning 30 soon (too soon), and that old jerk Curly is already on the wrong side of that scenario by a few days.  My wife Kara and Curly’s girlfriend Kate did an amazing job of putting together a day full of surprises for us, including a birthday card from Goldy, a delicious dinner at Ginger Hop, and  a surprise party at 612 Brew.  Thank you so much ladies!  It turned out to be a pretty fantastic day in spite of the weather and lack of enjoyable football.

Things I didn’t like:
     · The battle in the trenches. It wasn’t even close. Our DTs should not be making tackles 5 yards downfield, but that was the only time they could even get close to touching the free running Weisman.  Amazing how good the Iowa line could play once they finally got rid of all of the Ferentz boys.
     · QB accuracy.  There will be plenty of words written about the brewing QB controversy in every news outlet that is even aware of the Gophers, so I’ll leave this discussion to the so-called experts.  The jury is still out for me.

     · Whoever the heck owns the 1st row tickets in 117. It is guaranteed to be filled with opposing fans for every big game.  We should really send a letter to the Gopher Athletic Dept. to have them take the tickets away from whatever Benedict Arnold owns those seats. THE STATE OF MINNESOTA CLAIMS IMMINENT DOMAIN OVER YOUR SEATS, A-HOLES!  The police had to actually be sent to our section to break up a heated argument between a Gopher fan that looked like Santa Claus and a dirty Iowa fan in row 1 that stole Beau Bridges’ haircut.  I don’t know who started it, but I know who I wanted to finish it (Hint: Not Faux Bridges).

I’m sure many Gopher fans found themselves on their own metaphorical bridges or littoral regions Saturday night, pondering taking the plunge into the icy waters and end all of the heartache.  Back away from the edge my brothers and sisters of Minnesota.  There are still opportunities to grab some wins on the schedule and make it to another bowl game.  All is not yet lost.

It could be worse. You could be turning 30.

Gophers vs. (Who hates) Iowa: Four Downs

Posted by Higgy

 

We hate Iowa. And here they come. Those hated Hawkeyes arrive Saturday at our glorious new stadium where they're currently 0-2. The black-and-gold clad fans were so fond of our old home, the HHH Metrodome, they used to call it: "Kinnick North." They'd even tear down our goalposts and commit adultery in the bathroom.

 

Fortunately for us, public restroom patrons and Iowa marriages, life in our new home has been less friendly to our visitors from the South.

 

A year ago, Minnesota entered the Iowa game brimming with optimism. The Hawkeyes already had two losses, and we were 4-0, coming off a stalwart defensive performance against Syracuse. But we fell apart in our huge rivalry game, as Iowa Mark Weisman-ed and flea-flicker-ed its way to victory in Iowa City.

 

The hated Hawkeyes are 0-2 at The Bank.

Once again, we enter the game 4-0 with the Hawkeyes coming in at 3-1. Their only loss? To Jerry Kill's former squad, Northern Illinois. However, both teams appear to be improved over a season ago, setting up an intense rivalry game to kick off the B1G slate. Here are this week's "Four Downs" about our beloved Gophers and their quest to win back Floyd of Rosedale.

 

FIRST DOWN - TACKLE WEISMAN

There were a LOT of reasons Minnesota came up short in Iowa City a year ago. "Red Rocket" Max Shortell overthrew countless open receivers. Minnesota's offense struggled in basically all aspects. We gave up a back-breaking touchdown on the aforementioned flea flicker.

 

But our biggest problem? We couldn't tackle Iowa's relatively new workhorse back, Mark Weisman. The construction worker turned lineman turned fullback turned running back (I'm only guessing) bruised the Gopher defense to the tune of 177 yards and a score on just 21 carries. That's an 8.4 average. And that's not good enough against a team like Iowa that lives to be physical.

 

This time around, Weisman is much less of a surprise. He had a few big games prior to playing Minnesota a year ago, but now they've seen his combination of size, strength and speed. So far this season, he's got 468 yards on 95 carries (4.9 average) with three TDs.

 

Slowing him down will be a two-fold operation. This time, Minnesota HAS to tackle better. Expect to see a lot of Damien Wilson and DeVondre Campbell, who are physical and fundamental enough to handle the task. Everyone needs to wrap up and hang on and remember that low pad wins.

 

The other trick will be getting multiple defenders to the ball. If Hageman and the defensive line can do a good job occupying the linemen, we need more than one linebacker or secondary member getting to the big, bruising back. I'd like to see safeties Brock Vereen and Cedric Thompson stick their noses in against run game more. I'd love to see Weisman get hit in the backfield or at the line to allow other defenders to flow to the play. Let's unleash Derrick Wells. In most instances, our defense will need to work together to slow Iowa's big workhorse down.

 

If they can do that and put Iowa into some more-predictable second- and third-and-long situations, then we can work on getting some sacks, forcing some turnovers and getting off the field on third down. Containing Weisman could be Minnesota's biggest key to victory Saturday.

 

If the read option ain't broke, don't fix it.

SECOND DOWN - STICK WITH WHAT WORKS

Two weeks in a row (and really, all four) we saw Minnesota's ground game wear down an opponent and really take charge of the game in the second half. I don't think Kill and his staff are quick-trigger coaches who abandon or adapt the game plan (other than making smart adjustments), but I think we have to be able to run the ball to win this game, and we'll have to keep our defense fresh to handle Iowa's offense.

 

Continue to rely on Mitch "The Lamplighter" Leidner (as it looks like he'll start) as well as David Cobb, Roderick Williams and hopefully Donnell Kirkwood. The offensive line faces its biggest test and needs to continue to show growth. Plus, Saturday's forecast calls for a 70 percent chance of rain all day, so it could be wet and muddy conditions at The Bank. Yards through the air were already likely to be at a premium in this matchup, and the weather could make this even more of a turf war. Moving the chains on the ground is essential.

 

I certainly don't think we need to throw it 30 or even 20 times to win Saturday. And if we do, it likely means we're playing from behind and that's bad news. However, our passing game needs to be efficient. This is a game where the tight ends need to be involved in the passing game. KJ Maye could certainly use more touches to take advantage of his talents. Give Leidner some easy reads (with the option to tuck and run) and some high-percentage passes. Use play action on first and second down. When guys are open, HIT THEM (cough, cough, Shortell).

 

THIRD DOWN - "SPECIAL" TEAMS

Minnesota needs to win the battle on special teams. That doesn't necessarily mean (another) Marcus Jones return TD or (another) Ra'Shede Hageman blocked kick. But it does mean doing the little things right with a big play or two splashed in. Special teams need to be special.

 

First - no missed extra points. This figures to be a close, relatively low-scoring game, so the two missed PATs from a week ago (one blocked, one missed) can't happen for kicker Chris Hawthorne. Getting points when we cross the 30 will be important too, so a Hawthorne FG or two from beyond 35 would be great if we can't get into the end zone. Peter Mortell has done a good job punting thus far, and he'll need to continue that progress in a game where field position will be paramount. And if Jones can get us some decent field position in the return game, that would be another huge plus.

We're ready to hunt Hawkeyes.

FOURTH DOWN - HATE IOWA

Let me say this again. Soak it up. Drink it in ... Iowa is 0-2 at TCF Bank Stadium. That trend needs to continue.

 

So it might be a little rainy Saturday? Who cares. It's homecoming. This is football weather. This is the Big Ten. This is a true rivalry. This is Minnesota-Iowa with a bronze pig on the line. Get to the game. Be loud. Tailgate. Grill and consume pork products as an homage to Floyd. Remind Iowa fans that they're in an actual city.

 

If anyone visiting campus, or TCF Bank Stadium, or watching on ABC wonders to themselves, "Who hates Iowa?" we should be prepared to answer, loudly and emphatically, all afternoon long. Though we typically define our crew with class, this rivalry tends to lower our social standards. And we love it.

 

Who hates Iowa?

 

We hate Iowa.

 

Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta go home and put some water in Mark Weisman's mama's dish. See you at the Bank.

WILD CARD!
One final note ... the national media is starting to take notice of the good things going on at The Bank. SI.com's Stewart Mandel - aka one of the few national college football writers I actually enjoy reading - has declared Minnesota is his B1G "Wild Card." That's awesome, and there's only one way to celebrate...
 

Welcome home, JA$O!

Posted by Higgy

About a year-and-a-half ago, a key member of the Section 117 Classy Gentlemen decided to take his talents to South Beach. Wait, no, that's where LeBron went. Our friend took his talents to South Carolina. He's still shown tremendous (copyright Tim Brewster) effort from afar, making the trip from Bluffton, S.C., to Las Vegas for the season opener a year ago, and now he brings his magic act back to the Twin Cities for Homecoming and a serious dose of hating Iowa.

Welcome back, JA$O! To celebrate your return Friday, RECE$$ION PROOF takes a look at some of your classiest moments in Gopher Fandom, from an "M" shaped goatee for Road Trip 2011, to your spectacular Vegas antics and, of course, the time you disappeared midway through the second quarter during our first triumphant "Limo Game." Welcome back, friend!

Classin' up Las Vegas.

Those brainy kids at Northwestern didn't know how to
shave their goatees into an "M" 'til you showed up.

Goldy will be happy to see his old friend.

First-ever limo game, Gophers vs. Michigan State, 2009

Proud U of M alum.



Riot punch.

The gentlemen on Road Trip 2011.

Beer, Pretzels, Vegas and Gopher Football.

In addition to welcoming JA$O back, we also welcome back an adopted member from SEC country. Banta is a Florida alum, but we don't hold that against him. At least his alma mater put the final nail in Tubby's Minnesota coffin. After a stellar performance in Vegas, the tiniest of Tiny Dancers makes his first trip to The Bank to learn: "Who hates Iowa?" Welcome to the north, friend.

Even Florida hates Iowa.

If any of our fellow Gopher friends see these two returning heroes in Lot 37, Section 117, lost in the concourse, or carousing around town, welcome them warmly. Unless you're from Iowa. Then, you should probably start running. What happens if you get caught? Don't get caught!



Higgy's Handshake - LB Aaron Hill

We shake hands after touchdowns.

Each week I'll extend a classy handshake to one member of the Golden Gophers football program in recognition of a job well done. This seems fitting, as the handshake is the classy way our group celebrates touchdowns, big plays and Butler-induced false starts. Plus, alliteration is cool.

 

This recurring feature will also be my chance to share my views on the previous game, before moving forward to the next opponent with my weekly "Four Downs" post that started last week.

 

Drumroll please...

 

I'd like to extend the first-ever Section 117 Classy Gentlemen handshake to SENIOR LINEBACKER AARON HILL.

 

This selection may be surprising considering our offense was on the field for 41 of the 60 minutes and we had a pair of 100-yard rushers who combined to score six touchdowns, but this is not only a look at Saturday's result, but at the status of our defense overall.

 

Hill's final stats don't jump off the page. He had four tackles (one solo, three assists), 0.5 tackles-for-a-loss and an interception. However, that interception was the single biggest play in the entire game. We clung to a narrow 20-17 lead at the half and squandered our first offensive possession after getting the kickoff. If David Fales drives SJSU down the field to tie or take the lead, we're probably looking at a much different game.

 

Instead, Hill showed great awareness picking off the tipped pass and taking it back to the Spartans 12-yard-line. Three plays later, QB Mitch "The Lamplighter" Leidner had his third TD of the game and our lead swelled to 26-17. Suddenly, the Gophers were in control and never looked back. Hill's interception didn't just swing the momentum, it helped slam the door on a talented nonconference opponent.

 

Aaron Hill (57) has been crucial to the Gophers' defensive success.

Even considering his performance against SJSU and his big play, Hill is my choice this week for reasons that go far beyond that play and that box score. Over his career, he's the type of player that helps define college football teams. He didn't show up on campus with star status. Instead, he's gradually worked his way into more playing time each season, resulting in big minutes - and a big leadership role - this year as a senior.

 

Hill has shown a propensity for making big, and even game-changing plays. Saturday was a shining example. His fumble-recovery TD against New Mexico State certainly didn't change or define that game, but it certainly help us put away a team that was hanging around longer than it should've. And a year ago against Syracuse, I'd argue his diving interception in the red zone (again, off a tipped pass) was the biggest play in another big nonconference victory.

 

I don't think anyone would argue Hill is the most physically gifted player on our team. Hell, he's not even the most physically gifted linebacker with Damien Wilson, DeVondre Campbell and James Manuel playing alongside him. But he's certainly the most opportunistic of the bunch.

 

Also, linebacker was arguably Minnesota's biggest question mark heading into the season. Now, one could argue it's one of our bigger strengths as B1G play is set to open. We lost Mike Rallis and Keanon Cooper a year ago - two leaders who played a ton of snaps throughout their careers. However, Hill has clearly filled the leadership void while assimilating the immensely talented Wilson and Campbell to their important roles on our team. Muhamnmad Ali was, "the straw that stirs the drink," but to the Gopher defense, Hill is at least one of those little stirring sticks. His impact on this year's defense reminds me of the effect Lee Campbell had in 2009, or Kim Royston (one of my all-time favorite Gophers) in 2011.

 

For all those reasons, good sir Hill, hats off to thee and a firm handshake from Section 117 to No. 57.

 

EXTRA POINTS

-Congrats to The Lamplighter on your B1G Freshman-of-the-Week honor in your first career start. Another four TDs against Iowa would be great, although feel free to get a few of them through the air this time. I still think Philip Nelson is the starter at QB, he won the job for a reason, but wow is it nice to know The Lamplighter can step in at any time and we won't miss a beat. I certainly think we could see both guys play in meaningful games going forward in a productive way. They have similar skill sets, but a few subtle differences that could keep our offense humming, but throw a change-up to defenses while working to keep both healthy.

 

-I love what the emergence of David Cobb does for our offense. He's shifty, quick, but still big and strong enough to consistently go between the tackles. Hopefully Kirkwood comes back, and suddenly a team who was relying on the supremely mediocre DeLeon Eskridge in the recent past has three solid options at running back. And that's without Berkely Edwards, who might be Jakari Wallace-fast.

 

Eggs taste better with Gopher Pride.

-Ben Lauer, new left tackle. Huge kid. Could be a difference-maker in the B1G. Hope to see him out there and doing well against Iowa Saturday.

 

-KJ Maye. Back as a focal point in the offense. I love it, and still think he needs even more touches.
 

-I think the second half - and specifically the third quarter - was the best half we've played in the Jerry Kill era. I think we're starting to see his blueprint - as Butler's Backtrack mentioned earlier this week - in all its glory. I think we'll start to see more of that identity become apparent this season, and by next season we'll really be built in Kill's coaching image. Where will that get us in the B1G? I can't wait to find out.

 

-We continue to try and revolutionize tailgating, one Gopher-themed food item at a time. Last week, it was M-shaped fried eggs (along with Von Hanson's double-smoked bacon and maple sausage). This week? Stay tuned to the blog for details, but let's just say we're buying into the Floyd of Rosedale theme in a big way.

 

-Hasn't it been nice to just focus on football this week?

 

-Has anyone heard if Richard Pitino is planning to retire Jeff "House of" Hagen's No. 42 this season? It's long overdue.

 

-Saturday can't get here fast enough.

 

-Who hates Iowa? So far, 100 percent of people voting in the latest RECE$$ION PROOF Poll.

The Constable and The Kellen - Ep. 2

Posted by Constable Butler

The definitive web series about Gopher football somehow finds a way to top itself with a humongous rivalry game with Iowa on the horizon. Kellen is back, and this time he's wearing a hat with GOPHER EARS! It's time to "smush" the hated Hawkeyes.

RECE$$ION PROOF TV Presents: The Constable and The Kellen - Ep. 2. Who hates Iowa?

Back in the High Life Again

Posted by Higgy

The Section 117 Classy Gentlemen get a little help from old friend Steve Winwood to celebrate a great 43-24 win over San Jose State and improve to 4-0 on a beautiful Minnesota fall Saturday.

Butler’s Backtrack

Style points, and why they don’t matter
Posted by Constable Butler

To date, the Gophers are 4-0 and they beat their toughest non-conference opponent handily Saturday afternoon at The Bank.  Sure, many Gopher fans say, but they’re in trouble when they get to the B1G unless they can show a stronger passing game.

Maybe that’s true.  But I had a little déjà vu on Saturday.  My buddy Dave was in the stands for this game, just as he was in 2010 when the Tim Brewster-led Gophers lost 34-23 to Jerry Kill’s Northern Illinois squad early in the final season of Brewball.  I remember Dave turning and looking at me early in the fourth quarter and saying, “They’re just flat out better than us.”   And I agreed.  They ran the ball better, they blocked better, they took fewer penalties, they executed on third down, and they put the game away in the fourth quarter.  The one thing they didn’t do better?  Pass the ball.  I had to go back to the box score. 

Kill's ground-control game worked wonders with
Mitch Leidner (7) and David Cobb (27) Saturday.

Adam Weber was 31 for 46 that day for 373 yards , 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception for our beloved Gophers.  That’s a solid day, and certainly an impressive yardage total.  NIU’s Chandler Harnish? He was a Mitch Leidner-like 11 of 17 for 81 yards.  NIU rushed for 297 yards that day. 

That they didn’t throw the ball around didn’t matter against a squad from the Big Ten.  They executed their system, ugly as it may look, and pushed around a Big Ten team on the ground.  They did it with a diverse running game with varied formations.  They had too many ways to beat us on the ground for us to be able to stop them. 

Do I wish we’d seen more from the Gopher passing game to this point?  Yeah, a little.  On the other hand, we saw the jet sweep to KJ Maye added to the fold this week and we’re seeing serious production from David Cobb, Roderick Williams, and hopefully soon Donnell Kirkwood again, not to mention what both Leidner and Nelson bring to the rushing game.  The maroon and gold had rushing yards with one back, two backs, three backs, and no backs lined up in the backfield with numerous formations and multiple types of motion. 

This is what we should have known we were getting when Jerry Kill was hired.  And when there are so many ways to beat teams on the ground, I guess style points really don’t matter all that much. 

Big Party's B1G Word of the Day

Word: Touché
Definition: (interjection) tou·ché  - Acknowledgment of a telling remark or scoring hit

I try not to be intentionally crappy at anything (usually).

Other than my brief post earlier this week, this will be the first time in a long time that I’ve written something for others to read.  Well, other than a school papers and work e-mails.  Those uninspiring creative outlets aside, the last time I put pen to paper about a topic I actually felt passionate about was probably my comprehensive Warcraft 2 Geocities page, which was an epic monument to how much an unbelievable nerd I was before puberty.

I committed to writing these snap reactions without the benefit of re-watching the game or reading any professional recaps because that would lend to some modicum of novelty to my post.  I didn’t want my viewpoint to be skewed by someone else’s opinions, and I wanted to write more from an angle of what it felt like in the stadium instead of having 100 percent accuracy about happened on the field. I thought I could aide my recollection of the game by taking notes and figured it would be easiest to just use my phone to accomplish this. Now that I am reviewing those notes I have no idea what half of them mean.



Tailgating for 11 a.m. games ain't all bad.

Actual notes from my phone:
     ·  Cochoran dor a loss1)!! Keller
     ·  Maxx big block Leif
     ·  Lesiee good push 2 tinez td
     ·  Spartan Pottstown in the bathroom
     ·  Nugget good power, covv great shimmy. Stick it I. The home and make it all wiggly.

So, I guess I’m doing this review from fully from memory. Here goes…

In my last post, I wrote quite a few words defending Phil Nelson as the starting quarterback. I was admittedly more than a little weary of this game since San Jose State was by the far the strongest opponent on the non-conference schedule.  I thought to win they would have to have a great game on defense, another Marcus Jones punt/kick return, and a strong game from the running backs.  I didn’t have a ton of faith in Leidner playing well for a full game.

(Cue The Monkees)

Then I saw this game, and I’m a Be-Leidner!

Sorry that’s terrible. I should delete it and not actually post that.

Why haven’t I deleted it yet. We’re keeping it?

Yep, we’re keeping it.

Sorry again.

We see you, Lamplighter. Touche' friend.

Anyways, Touche’, Lamplighter, you definitely proved me wrong.  I will be mighty pleased if you keep it going.

I still don’t think a healthy Nelson should hit the bench just yet, but Mitch “The Lamplighter” Leidner put together the best game by a Gopher QB since Purdue last season. The passing numbers weren’t great, but Mitch was putting most of the balls where they needed to be, including the his first pass to Engel on the sideline (which I still think was a catch – again, I haven’t watched any highlights) and the pretty touch throw over the top to KJ Maye. However, the big game changer was the way he used his legs. The boy ran like he was possessed to the tune of 150+ yards and 4 tds. Leidner seems to have a little bit more speed and power when he tucks it and runs than Phil Nelson, but the Gophs are going to need someone behind center who can sling it in order to stand a chance in the Bee One Gee.

As Higgy mentioned earlier this week, Shortell had a pretty decent game against Syracuse last year (and was flawless the week before against WMU playing in relief of an injured MarQueis Gray), so I don’t know what to expect from either of the QBs next week against the hated intruders from the land that smells like Floyd’s pig pen.

Other things I liked:
     ·  The Nugget and Cobb, Thunder and Lightning Ground Show. (Nugget: MINE FELL THE HARDREST!  Cobb:YEAH, WELL MINE WERE THE DEADEST!) Cobb could prove to be a great change of pace from the bruising Williams Jr. and Kirkwood when/if he returns to the rotation. It definitely helps soften the blow of the Berkley Edwards injury and potential redshirt if Cobb can keep showing the speed and vision he’s shown the last few games.
     ·  Cockran and Optimus Prime getting pressure on the QB.  Kellen predicted it!
     ·  Other than the quick TD drive in the 2nd quarter (which admittedly happened when I was in the bathroom) it seemed like the D actually kept the much-hyped David Fales pretty in check.  A lot of completions and yards, but a minimum of big plays. I was still really impressed by his accuracy and quick reads.


Rap & Big Party rep for Jerrysota.

     ·  Speaking of big plays, great pick by Aaron Hill and a huge forced fumble by DeVondre Cambell when SJSU was driving. It seemed like they were both all over the field on Saturday.
     ·  I can safely say that’s the first time I’ve ever seen a kicker get booted from the game for fighting. That’s the strangest ejection I’ve seen at a sporting event since Bruiser and I saw Jerry Sloan get kicked out of a game against the T-wolves about four minutes into the 1st quarter nearly a decade ago.
     ·  Sitting with adorable kids will get you on the Jumbotron.  Excellent work on your handsome progeny, Constable and Mrs. Butler.
     ·  Amazing response by the Epilepsy Foundation in rallying behind Coach Kill.  I plan to wear my Jerrysota shirt with pride to every remaining game this year.

Well, that’s it for now.  Make sure to come back for some even more incoherent rambling after next week’s game!

Gophers vs. San Jose State: Four Downs

Posted by Higgy

Each week, I'll take a look at the upcoming game and focus on four keys to the game, hence the clever "Four Downs" title. It's a football thing. Well, I won't do it each week. We have two byes. I won't look at the non-existent opponent that week, ya dingus.

Tomorrow the Golden Gophers receive a visit from the San Jose State Spartans and their ugly uniforms. At stake? A 4-0 start and perfect trip through the nonconference schedule, not to mention 2/3 of the way to bowl eligible. So ... for an 11 a.m. out-of-league game, actually quite a bit against a team that should be a lot better than anyone else we've faced to this point. Let's line up for four downs.

FIRST DOWN - DEJA VU?
If you're feeling Deja Vu because we're 3-0 and welcoming our toughest nonconference opponent into TCF Bank Stadium with a talented, NFL-prospect quarterback and a good passing game, it's because this is EXACTLY LIKE LAST SEASON. Just replace Syracuse with San Jose State and move a night game to 11 a.m. and it didn't take Doc Brown and a DeLorean to get you here.

Other similarities? Our starting quarterback is out. It looks like Phillip Nelson won't play, which gives Gopher fans a full game to fall in love with Mitch "The Lamplighter" Leidner. For my feelings on who our starting quarterback should be (and Gopher fans' quick trigger to call for the backup) can just be summed up by reading Big Party's BIG Word of the Day from earlier this week. I think Nelson is our starter and Leidner would have to be REALLY good tomorrow to insert himself into the discussion for more playing time.

Who gave those gentlemen field passes?

How can he do that? Continue his passing efficiency from last week, with a few more intermediate and deep routes mixed in. (More Maxx Williams? Yes please!) Don't keep it quite as much. We should have Kirkwood back tomorrow. Rodrick Williams has been good the last two weeks, and David Cobb is one of our most pleasant surprises so far. Hand the ball to them. Don't keep it as often. Save your impressive combination of speed and size as more of a surprise/big play element. Plus, as Coach Bud Kilmer taught James Van Der Beek and all of us, "By running the ball, we control the clock," and that will be huge against SJSU.

Most of all, don't be Max Shortell. But get us a win, like he did against the Orange last season.

One big difference? I don't think the Classy Gentlemen will come into a pair of field passes for this game. Our sideline antics against Syracuse were over the top.

SECOND DOWN - MAKE FALES FAIL (no easy task)
I know, terrible pun. Hopefully, like Syracuse a year ago, this ends up being strength vs. strength with our pass defense. A similarity we can't lean on? Experienced cornerbacks Michael Carter and Troy Stoudemire, because they graduated. This needs to be the game Derrick Wells proves that he's healthy, and the move to corner was a good one. We need Eric Murray and Martezz Shabazz at their best. Brock Vereen needs to patrol the middle of the field. I'm real excited to see the speed of Devondre Campbell in coverage. We should see him for a lot of snaps. And let's see James Manuel and Damien Wilson on some blitz

Be very afraid.

And, as Kellen deftly pointed out in his video blog, we need Ra'Shede Hageman and Theiran Cockran to continue being dominant forces. They should have an edge against the SJSU line and we need pressure on Fales, who I've heard is accurate and efficient. If Hageman can get a sack without a helmet, hopefully he can really do some good things with his chin strap buckled up. And let's see James Manuel, Aaron Hill and Damien Wilson on some blitzes for added pressure. What do you think, Coach Kilmer?

"The only pain that matters is the pain you inflict!"

THIRD DOWN - MORE WEAPONS PLEASE
I've already covered our QB and RB situation, and mentioned our good friend Maxx "Double X" Williams, but this offense needs to be a little more explosive and a few young weapons emerging would be real nice. Jamel Harbison finally played last week, but didn't do much of anything. Drew Wolitarsky is starting to get some action and Donovahn Jones continues to settle in at WR. If these three young talents - or even two of the three - can start making plays down the field and on the edge, it could be a huge boost to The Lamplighter in his first start.

Also, what happened to KJ Maye? Let's get him involved. Put him in motion and either fake it to him or hand it off to give our offense another dimension. Run a few WR screens for him. Look for him on third downs (along with Double X). I really like his skills now that he's a full-time WR and he's been basically non-existent since the UNLV game.

Having said all that, I still want to see us control the line of scrimmage, the clock, and pound the ball on the ground. But I think Wu-Tang Financial would want us to diversify our bonds.

Should be another gorgeous day in Lot 37 and Sec. 117.

FOURTH DOWN - GET UP EARLY TO GET A WIN
I'm usually not a big fan of analysts putting a lot of emphasis on how time zones can affect a team's performance. However, when you're a Mountain West team that plays a ton of night games, and now you're getting up for an 11 a.m. central time kickoff, which is normally your 9 a.m., I can be convinced it will be a little more of a factor. I was tempted to call the former Miami players that called Brian Bosworth all night before a bowl game against Oklahoma, as revealed in "The U," to see if I could hire them to do the same to Fales.

That means another early morning for us fans as well. Thanks a lot for the weeknight 6 p.m. kickoff and  a pair of 11s for our three home out-of-league games, B1G. The Classy Gentlemen plan to be in Lot 37 by 7:30 a.m. We've got Von Hanson's double-smoked bacon and maple sausage links ready to fuel us (among other things) and we'll be ready to shout the Spartans into a handful of false starts. Get up early, get excited, and hopefully we'll be 4-0 by midday.

That should just about cover it. This was meant to be shorter, but hot damn is this new blog exciting! Time for bed ... we've got a big day tomorrow.

The Constable and the Kellen - Ep. 1

Posted by Constable Butler

Kellen Butler is a lot of things. Charter member of the Section 117 Classy Gentlemen. Outstanding goalie. Great tailgater. Dynamite flag football player. Gopher football and hockey expert. Tremendous at executing instant replay reviews in Lot 37 pickup football games. The best fan photo op at TCF Bank Stadium when he sports his tiny maroon and gold formal wear.

He's also 8.

Now, he's the world's leading Minnesota Gopher Video Blogger under the age of 10. Take a look back at last week's win over Western Illinois and preview Saturday's big game against San Jose State, along with an update on the Andover Flag Football Gophers' 2-0 start, in the first-ever episode of "The Constable and the Kellen."

Keep coaching, Coach

Posted by Higgy

Me and Coach Kill at an August scrimmage.

Dear Coach Kill,

Thank you for all you've taught myself - and the general public - about epilepsy during your three years as the head football coach at my alma mater, the University of Minnesota. I hope you've already made a full recovery from your seizure Saturday at halftime of the Gophers' win over Western Illinois, and that you're ready to lead our team to another win this weekend against a good San Jose State team.

I'm writing you today to let you know, from one fan's perspective, you're making a huge impact on the field and beyond. Your latest medical complications have drawn - if it's possible - even more media attention than the others during your tenure at Minnesota. Some of the reports include empathy and compassion ... some don't. But most of them have centered on one prevailing question: should you continue to coach? Some have even been presumptuous to answer the question for you and your boss, Athletic Director Norwood Teague.

I'm writing so you know there are fans out there that support all your decisions, and don't believe your resignation due to the effects of epilepsy is what's best for any of us, despite the suggestions by numerous columnists. In fact, I hope you continue to coach my beloved alma mater for many reasons related to football, and for many that are even more important.

I was there, in my usual seat in Section 117, on that hot September afternoon when you suffered a seizure during the closing moments of a tough loss to New Mexico State. I witnessed most of it from across the field. I knew you were a cancer survivor, but I was not aware of your epilepsy at the time. I was one of the thousands of fans who sat stunned, silenced. I was naive and fearful, helpless and terrified, all at once.

Some of my group waited out the traffic after the loss with a postgame tailgate. Not me. I needed to go, traffic jam or not. I got in my car, sat bumper-to-bumper between our tailgate lot and the I-94 on-ramp, and got home as soon as I could. Witnessing your seizure put me in a funk for the remainder of the weekend and much of the coming week. I was concerned for your health, for your family, for your staff and players, and for the scores of Gopher fans like myself who were enthusiastic about the start of you tenure as our head coach, and suddenly faced the worst kind of unknown.

However, like a lot of people, I've been learning since then thanks to your coaching. My education continued when our group attended a spring practice session in April. We were fortunate enough to be there the day you welcomed the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota as your special guests, and your postgame talk to simultaneously lifted up your team, the fans and, most importantly, those kids suffering from the same affliction as you. You told those kids over and over that they could achieve their dreams. You convinced me they could, and I'm willing to bet those kids walked away from that practice more confident than ever. Now, in the wake  of the events of the past week, I hope you remember the important message you delivered that day and can heed your own passionate advice.

As the 2013 season drew near, there were several tremendous articles about your ongoing battle with epilepsy and your work to raise awareness of the affliction. ESPN's Rick Reilly wrote a great column that even referenced the spring practice I just mentioned. The Star Tribune's Joe Christensen also wrote an in-depth piece that shed a lot of light on the details of your condition, which must have required you and your family to open up about your epilepsy in a way you hadn't to that point. I'm glad you did, because it helped those of us paying attention to continue our education.

Saturday, you unfortunately succumbed to another seizure at the start of halftime. I didn't witness this one, as I had already gone up to the concourse. I learned of it from my more Twitter-savvy friends when I returned to my seat. This time, the feeling was different, thanks to your coaching between 2011 and now. The fear was replaced with familiarity and preparation.

That day, it became apparent your work is paying off. Your coaches and team came out for the second half and supremely executed the game plan - without their head coach - to pull away for a comfortable win. Before the second half kicked off, I took one quick moment to myself and said two short prayers - one for your health and one for your family - and then I did what I think you would have wanted me to do. I returned my focus to cheering the Gophers on to victory. So did the rest of my crew, and the rest of the fans in The Bank.

You've talked about how your coaching staff and your players are prepared to proceed with the game plan in the event of a seizure. Saturday proved that to be true. Saturday also proved the fans have finally caught up. Some of the members of the media still don't know the game plan, so your coaching isn't completely done. But keep going and they'll get there, because they've got the right man to coach them up.

Keep coaching us, Coach. We're making progress. The program is headed in the right direction. The fans have bought in and are behind you, in good health and bad. We believe in what's going on, and our conviction in the team and in you is NOT conditional.

Over the years, I've had countless people tell me that, as a Gopher fan, I should temper my expectations. That pisses me off. We should aspire for greatness. A winning record. A New Year's Day bowl. Great recruiting classes. Continual facility improvements. A B1G Championship. A trip to Pasadena. Impeccable health for our head coach.

The belief that we can eventually get there ... we owe that to you, Coach. We see you fighting, and we're ready to fight with you. We know that if we stumble, you'll be there to pick us up and keep pushing us forward. Now it's our turn to do the same for you. Let's continue to work, continue to learn and let's continue that forward progress. Continue to lead, Coach, and we'll continue to follow.

Ski-U-Mah.

Sincerely,

Matt Higgins

Minneapolis, Minn.