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.