Gophers Offense Explosive in Week 2
GOPHERS SUMMARY
Final Score: Minnesota 58 Indiana State 28 Box Score
Final Thoughts: It's been a long time since a Gophers offense produced this much scoring with ease. Minnesota got 292 yards rushing from their backs (176 from Kobe McCreary), while Mitch Leidner threw for 295 yards and 4 touchdowns. Granted it was against an FCS team, but there was never a point in the game where I doubted the Gophers would win. Leidner looked comfortable in the pocket, and the offensive line gave the backs holes to run through. Minnesota's defense will need some work as they struggled to stop the Sycamores at times and looked sluggish. A stiff test awaits the Gophers as Colorado State comes to TCF Bank Stadium, but the Gophers will have two weeks to prepare for the Rams. Minnesota will figure things out defensively, as that has been their backbone for years under Jerry Kill and now Tracy Claeys. If they can keep up the offensive production, there will be balance that hasn't been seen in a long time.
TRENDING UP
Lamar Jackson----Jackson is probably the only players making Heisman level noise. The sophomore has thrown for 697 yards and 7 touchdowns and rushed for 318 yards and 6 more scores while leading Louisville to a 2-0 start. The Cardinals will need every ounce of greatness Jackson has next week as they host Florida State Saturday. If Louisville can upset the Seminoles, Jackson will play a huge role and will launch himself to the top of the Heisman Trophy list.
Central Michigan----The Chippewas were the beneficiary of a play that shouldn't have happened, but more on that later. QB Cooper Rush didn't have the arm to get the ball to the endzone from midfield, so his receivers improvised. In a play that will be tough to top for play of the year, Central Michigan scored a touchdown to upset Oklahoma State. The final play was set up by an intentional grounding penalty on fourth down by Oklahoma State, giving Central Michigan the ball. After the game, it was discovered the play shouldn't have occurred. It's unfortunate for all parties involved, but the play will stand and the Chippewas will keep the win. See the miraculous play below.
TRENDING DOWN
Red Raiders Defense----You can throw Cal's defense in here too for their terrible performance stopping San Diego State's RB Donnel Pumphrey (281 yards rushing). Texas Tech is never going to compete for a championship thanks to their defense. Arizona State scored 68 points against Texas Tech Saturday. They also gave up an FBS-tying record of 8 touchdowns to one player (Kalen Ballage). Just like LSU seems to always waste talent like Leonard Fournette, Texas Tech will continue to waste Patrick Mahomes' talent as long as the defense continues to be porous.
Lane Kiffin----While Alabama won 38-10 over Western Kentucky, that didn't prevent every member on the Tide from getting in trouble. Head coach Nick Saban was unhappy about something on the offensive side of the ball, and he let Kiffin have it. Still no word on why Saban was unhappy, but he isn't backing away from his actions.
PERFORMERS OF THE WEEK
Lamar Jackson, Louisville (411 yards passing, 1 TD; 199 yards rushing, 4 TD)---- If you haven't heard by now, Jackson is pretty good. Arguably the front-runner in the Heisman Trophy conversation, Jackson is electric with the football in his hands.
Kalen Ballage, Arizona State (137 yards rushing, 7 TD; 48 yards receiving, 1 TD)----Ballage tied an FBS record with 8 touchdowns in a single game. He cam into the game with 8 career touchdowns, so it's safe to say this performance was unexpected.
Donnel Pumphrey, San Diego State (281 yards rushing, 3 TD)----Pumphrey passed Marshall Faulk as the Aztecs all time leading rusher, and his performance helped the Aztecs beat Cal in their toughest game for the season.
Game ball: Ballage, tying a record such as this one is quite impressive. While his yardage could have been more impressive, getting into the endzone is difficult when the opposition knows you're getting the ball.
GAMES OF THE WEEK
My pick: Iowa 30 Iowa State 20 ACTUAL: Iowa 42 Iowa State 3 Box Score
Well, I guess thank you to the Cyclones for giving the Hawkeyes someone to play against this week. For a rivalry game, this one sure was dominated by Iowa. CJ Beathard looked great in limited action, the run game dominated, and the defense didn't give up much. Iowa can now focus on its next opponent, North Dakota State. The Bison come into the game after beating Eastern Washington in overtime. Iowa should know by now that they cannot overlook the Bison as NDSU has beaten multiple FBS teams in the last five years. Plus, Bison fans travel well, so if Hawkeye fans don't want their tickets, it could turn into a home game for NDSU.
My pick: TCU 38 Arkansas 35 ACTUAL: Arkansas 41 TCU 38 Box Score
TCU played better defense than in week 1, but still has a lot to work on. Arkansas made the Horned Frogs defense look lost as they jumped out to an early lead, only to give it away. TCU had an opportunity to win the game with a chip shot field goal, but it was blocked by 6'10" Razorbacks lineman Dan Skipper. Many thought TCU could win the Big 12 this year, but their first two performances have raised more questions than answers for their season. QB Kenny Hill is been the lone consistent bright spot so far as the offense puts up points while the defense can't make a stop.
My pick: Tennessee 30 Virginia Tech 21 ACTUAL: Tennessee 45 Virginia Tech 24 Box Score
What a great atmosphere to watch a game. A Guinness book record crowd of 156,990 watched the Volunteers beat the Hokies. Virginia Tech showed it will be a tough team to beat, as they jumped out to a 14-0 lead, but couldn't extend that lead as Tennessee continued to chip away and eventually pull away. Tennessee needed this win to erase the memory of week 1's near debacle against Appalachian State, and they made a statement with this performance. QB Joshua Dobbs will need to work on his decision making as he made some questionable throws. Tennessee has a long ways to go to show it is a national contender, but they have time to figure things out. Ohio awaits them next week before the Volunteers look to break a 12 game losing streak to Florida.
My pick: San Diego State 28 Cal 24 ACTUAL: San Diego State 45 Cal 40 Box Score
If you don't know his name by now, get to know Donnel Pumphrey. He may be small (5-9" 175 pounds), but he is tough to stop. Pumphrey led his team with 281 yards rushing and three scores, and the Aztecs limited the Golden Bears passing attack, while forcing multiple turnovers. If you're looking for a team besides Houston to be your Group of 5 representative in a New Years bowl game, the Aztecs are your choice. They are well balanced on both sides of the ball, and their schedule should allow for an undefeated season. Cal showed it has a long ways to go defensively, as they could not stop Pumphrey or the Aztecs offense all night.
