Boat Inspection: Minnesota Gophers Football Week 7

Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports
Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports
Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports

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STATUS: Retreat and regroup

LAST WEEK: L, 31-17 at Purdue

Well, we've seen an 0-2 start to conference play before, and it was last year. Minnesota is now 1-5 in their first two conference games over the last three years, but that shouldn't be a reason to panic. Purdue is much improved in Jeff Brohm's first year, and the Gophers had the lead in the fourth quarter.

I guess my one concern for Minnesota going forward is the offensive production in the clutch, mainly Conor Rhoda. The last two games haven't done anything to convince fans that a comeback is inevitable. Rhoda has now thrown two interceptions in the last minute with the game on the line, and both sealed the games. Personally, I believe that it's getting close to putting in youth at quarterback, whoever that may be, and let them figure things out. It's not that I dislike Rhoda, it's just he hasn't done much to prove he's going to improve the offense. At least with any of the other options, their struggles can be attributed to youth. Maybe it's not time to make a change, but it will be if the lack of production continues.

The defense didn't have the best game, but limited Purdue's offense to 24 points. Minnesota has a Top 25 defense currently, and there are plenty of reasons to be excited for the future. Seven of the top 10 tacklers should return next year, and a handful of sophomores are showing a lot of promise. Injuries have forced other youthful players in, but it seems that they're handling that experience well.

UP NEXT: Michigan State

Michigan State is coming off an upset win against Michigan, and the Spartans are going to be Minnesota's toughest test yet. The Spartans defense is playing at a high level again, and boasts the 12th best run defense in the country. That could be problematic for the Gophers offense which is predicated on running the ball a lot. Something has to give, and Rhoda's production will most likely determine the game.

Offensively, the Spartans have their own dynamic backfield, and their three backs are all difficult to bring down. LJ Scott, Madre London, and Gerald Holmes have combined for 501 yards and have a threat next to them at quarterback. Brian Lewerke has passed for 1,057 yards with nine touchdowns, but also has 309 yards on the grounds and three more scores. Minnesota's defense will be in for a test trying to stop him.

Stop me if you've heard this: the defense should be find, but it's going to come down to the offense, more specifically the quarterback. Seems to be the same story every year and, unfortunately, it appears that we will have to wait until next year for a new storyline to emerge.

The really good news for Saturday? The gray jerseys are back and they found a helmet that looks better than the last one they used. We'll ignore that the grays are different for now simply because the helmets are better.