Boat Inspection: Minnesota Gophers Football Week 4
RELATED ARTICLES: WEEK 3 RECAP, G5 TOP 4, CFP TEAMS, W4 PREVIEW
STATUS: Turn in
A bye week for the Gophers gives them time to heal up any minor injuries that players have sustained over the first three weeks. So far things have looked good for this football team, and this bye week gives them a chance to turn their focus to conference play.
LAST WEEK: W, 34-3 vs. Middle Tennessee
Running backs Shannon Brooks and Rodney Smith will need this time off. Brooks didn't play last week due to injury, and Smith was injured during the game and did not return. Third stringer Kobe McCrary did well in their absences, rushing for 107 yards and three touchdowns.
The defense was dominant for nearly the whole game, and that is a great sign going forward. Holding an explosive offense to just 230 yards was impressive, even if the Blue Raiders were without two of their star players at times. Quarterback Brent Stockstill did not play and receiver Richie James was hurt for a stretch in the game but did eventually return. Minnesota never let James get going even when he was in, and they will need that type of performance from their defense in Big Ten play.
UP NEXT: Week 5: Maryland
If you need to watch something Gopher-related this week, check out the Terrapins, who host UCF. The Knights are an up-and-coming team playing just their second game due to Hurricane Irma. Maryland should have their hands full, and this game could be a nice indicator of what Minnesota should expect next week.
The Terps shocked the nation in Week 1 with their upset over Texas, and they dominated their second game. Even with a new starter at quarterback, the offense appears to be lightyears ahead of their 2016 team. Head coach DJ Durkin also has the defense playing well, and just brought in the #21 recruiting class in the nation this past offseason. Maryland's stock is currently skyrocketing, but we will see what happens after this week.
OUTLOOK: At ease. Minnesota will get two weeks of practice to prepare for Maryland, and they get them at home to start conference play. Tune in to Maryland's game this week to see what to expect.
