Boat Inspection: Minnesota Gophers football after Week 8
RELATED ARTICLES: W8 RECAP, G5 TOP 4, CFP TEAMS, W9 PREVIEW
STATUS: Some holes need patching
LAST WEEK: W, 24-17 vs Illinois
Minnesota's first conference win was anything but easy, and their performance makes the next few games worrisome. The game was tied at 10 going into the fourth quarter before the Gophers did enough to secure the win. We didn't expect a breakout season in PJ Fleck's first year as head coach, but I don't think that many believed he would struggle with Illinois.
It's a good thing that Rodney Smith and Kobe McCrary found lanes to run through on Saturday, because the quarterback play was tough to watch. Demry Croft finished 5-for-15 for 47 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. He also added 32 yards rushing on 11 carries. Smith (103 yards) and McCrary (153) gashed the Illini defense, and their own defense added a late pick-six yo help seal the game. Croft may not have performed well, but it's time to let him struggle as a starter and get experience playing an entire game.
UP NEXT: at Iowa
If you haven't watched a Hawkeye game, I highly recommend you do. Iowa started one of the greatest traditions in college football. After the first quarter of every home game, fans turn to the hospital by the stadium and waive to the children watching. If that doesn't make you feel something good, I don't know what will.
On the football field, the Hawkeyes have the Gophers number as of late. While Minnesota leads the all time series, Iowa has won 12 of the last 16 games, and their formula hasn't changed much. Running the ball and playing extremely tough defense are the two keys that they rely on, and they will make things tough for their guests on Saturday. Leading that defense is senior Josey Jewell, one of the best linebackers in the country. Jewell sat out last week's loss to Northwestern because of an injury. His return against Minnesota could be the difference in this game, as he will be the best player on the field. Backup running back James Butler's status is unknown, but at least starter Akrum Wadley is healthy. Iowa's hoping for a better rushing performance than last week in which Wadley rushed for 90 yards, but the next highest rusher had just four. If the run game can get established, and Jewell's return sparks a new fire in the defense, Iowa's going to run (literally) away with this one.
Minnesota hasn't won in Iowa City since 1999, and it's difficult to see that streak ending on Saturday. If Croft's struggles continue, the game will be over quickly. Iowa is going to stack the box to stop Smith and McCrary, and Croft's passing abilities will play a huge role. Minnesota's defense has shown flashes of greatness, but injuries hampering depth have resulted in inconsistencies. Luckily for Minnesota, this should be a low scoring game, so they will have time to work out the early issues they may experience.
Both defenses should excel in this game and, if you like watching linebackers, this is one game you need to watch. Jewell, Bo Bower, and Ben Niemann lead the Hawkeyes in tackles while Jonathan Celestin has seen the youth around him step up. Players like Thomas Barber and Kamal Martin have used their 2016 experience to excel in 2017. Don't expect a ton of points in this one, but rather, enjoy the defenses.
