Four Downs: Beat the smart kids

Posted by Higgy

 

Oh, hey Northwestern. On the surface, we're not too different, you and I. We're both B1G universities and soon-to-be members of the B1G West. We're unique in our league, because we're both situated in a major metropolitan area. Both of us are definitely not mentioned in the first breath of annual B1G contenders save for a few exceptions over the past couple decades.

 

However - the last two weeks notwithstanding - you've gotten yourself to where we're trying to get, so we'll look to you for the blueprint. Pat Fitzgerald has done a great job making you relevant - both regionally and nationally - over the last couple years. We can learn a lot from the talent he's brought in, and the consistent way he's cultivated that talent and put it in a position to succeed.

 

Our apologies to the Alumni Association for not being
able to attend the Northwestern tailgate this time around.
Although maybe that's better for all involved.

And, to be honest, it should be easier to replicate your success here. Your stadium is an absolute dump and it's rarely even half-full unless the visiting fans flood the Chicago area. Ours is brand new, and though it's not packed to the gills game-in, game-out, our average attendance is much healthier than yours. Plus, our gripes about being in a major metro area and competing in the athletic landscape pales in comparison to what you deal with in Chicago. And you wear purple. Gross.

 

So while we're both reeling after two-straight losses, we'll be looking across the field at the Wildcat sideline looking for clues to exactly how you've gotten yourself in position for New Year's Day bowls and B1G contention.

 

We certainly respect what you've been able to do. But we're still coming to town to try and steal your lunch money. How, exactly, can we pull that off and pick on the smart kids? Let's get into it, with four downs.

 

FIRST DOWN - IDENTITY CRISIS

Since B1G play began, the Gophers certainly haven't had the success on the ground that we enjoyed in the nonconference season. It's time to re-establish that identity against a team that has looked awful on the ground thus far. What's the best thing for an ailing offense? A struggling defense. And that's what the Wildcats are.

 

In its last two games - losses to Ohio State and some other team that wears red - Northwestern has allowed 40 and 35 points, 248 and 286 rushing yards, and three 100-yard rushers (with two of those going for more than 160). Now, the Wildcats were playing offenses that are certainly more talented than the Gophers, but the numbers should still be encouraging for our struggling squad.

 

Minnesota needs to pound the rock, control the line of scrimmage and control the clock. Hopefully Donnell Kirkwood is as healthy as he's been since week one and is good for 20 carries. Let's see a hefty dose of Rodrick Williams, some David Cobb on the side, and plenty of Mitch "The Lamplighter" Leidner's running skills. Once the ground is established, then the play-action pass is there.

 

Optimus Prime hates purple.

It sounds easy. As we've proven in the past two weeks, it isn't that easy. But that same game plan that got us to 4-0 has to be the attack Saturday. Plus, we're coming off a bye and should be collectively healthier than we've been in recent weeks. The Wildcats should be a little beat up after the last two weeks. Get physical, and make them go punch-for-punch.

 

SECOND DOWN - THE OTHER FRONT

While the offensive line and its ability to get the run game going may be the most important aspect of the game, the Minnesota defensive line and linebackers will be nearly as crucial. We need to see Rashede Hageman dominate, and 4-5 sacks from our defensive line as well as requisite pressure throughout the game would be fantastic.

 

It helps a ton that Venric Mark is apparently out yet again. He's the most dynamic player on the Northwestern roster, and potentially in the entire conference. When he's on the field, you always have to have his big-play ability in the back of your head. His presence alone limits the defenses aggressiveness.

 

With him out? Get after it. The d-line can pin their ears back and focus on stuffing the run, eating up blocks and going all-out for the less-mobile of the two Northwestern quarterbacks, Trevor Siemian, who's been getting the majority of the snaps. The Wildcats didn't crack 100 yards on the ground as a team in either of its losses. Keeping them one-dimensional will be another big key.

 

THIRD DOWN - PROGRESS

We all can agree the Iowa game was a disaster. The Michigan was much-needed progress, other than the final eight minutes or so, when we saw a chance to look competitive against a nationally-ranked team on the road slip into another blowout loss. But progress was there.

 

Saturday that progress needs to continue. If we play the way we did against Michigan for the first three quarters, we should find ourselves in the game down the stretch. This time, progress would include avoiding the same kind of implosion we saw in Ann Arbor. Whether we make enough plays in the final quarter to win the game, it would be an important step forward if we can play ourselves into contention at the end, rather than out of it.

 

There's a reason I used this topic on third down. One way we can measure progress on both sides of the ball? Three and outs. Our defense has been awful on third down - even third and long. When they get the chance, they need to make a stop and get off the field. Along those lines, the offense doesn't necessarily need to score a ton of points to show progress. Sustain some drives. Help out in the field position battle. In both the losses to Iowa and Michigan, if the offense avoided a handful of three-and-outs and the defense forced a couple more punts, those games could've looked a lot different. Learn from it, and show it on Saturday.

 

Ryan Field isn't one of the more imposing venues
we've ever visited. Although we clearly get a ton
of respect wherever we go.

FOURTH DOWN - WIN ONE FOR THE KILLER

What exactly is a "gipper" again?

 

Who cares, our guys should have plenty of motivation. This will be the first planned absence of Head Coach Jerry Kill. The players sound carry an extra desire to play well for a number of reasons related to that storyline. They'll want to play well for Kill in his absence in a sign of support for their leader. They'll want to play well for acting Head Coach Tracy Claeys and the rest of the staff as they step up their responsibilities.

 

In all honesty, this stuff shouldn't matter that much. Players should go out and play with the same level of focus and passion each game because this is Division I college football, it's the B1G and each guy gets 12 days a year for four years to prove themselves on the field. But we all know sports don't exactly work like that. Look at how the Colts performed in the absence of Head Coach Chuck Pagano a year ago. For whatever reason, it's human nature to find that extra gear when there's added motivation. Here's to hoping the Gophs find that extra gear Saturday in the Windy City.

 

With Northwestern's performances the last two weeks, it wouldn't be a stunner if Minnesota pulled of the road upset, especially against a team without much of a home field advantage. It wouldn't really qualify as that signature win the program craves. But 5-2 looks a heck of a lot better than 4-3, and we all could use a win.

 

Especially a certain coach who won't be watching from the sidelines. In Kill's absence, the Gophers are handed a rare dose of adversity and opportunity. Hopefully they rise to the occasion Saturday and give us all the feel-good story - especially Jerrysota - that we need.