Winning was elating but the Gophers were a disappointment in last night’s 30-27 three overtimes victory against UNLV in Henderson, Nevada.
Playing against a Rebels team that only won four games in the last two years and is predicted to be among the worst in the mediocre Mountain West Conference, the Gophers made problems for themselves all night with way too many mistakes including 11 penalties. False starts, illegal motion, delay of game and personal fouls are unwanted any time but the Gophers often found the most inopportune moments for infractions.
Major issues also included a faltering passing game from MarQueis Gray. It was the senior quarterback, expected to be the team’s 2012 MVP, who four times missed open receivers potentially ready to run in the end zone for touchdowns.
Had Gray been on target, Minnesota’s opening game never would have gone three overtimes and the Gophers could have fulfilled predictions of a double digit win. But credit Gray with having the poise to come back from a rough four quarters to throw touchdown passes in the first and second overtimes that enabled his team to make it to the third overtime.
Gray’s interception led to UNLV’s only first half points, an opening quarter field goal. Expected to be an improved passer in 2012, Gray was sometimes better in 2011 when he threw only eight touchdown passes.
The Gophers out gained the Rebels 478 yards to 275. But Minnesota’s third down conversions—three of 15—were a problem, just like Gray’s inaccurate throws.
Gray’s receivers, though, were often able to get open and his offensive line was superior at pass protection than run blocking. The wide receivers, a group in search of a resume coming into the game, were impressive catching the ball, including A.J. Barker who caught three passes for 101 yards.
The defense was more consistent than the offense last night. The Gophers recovered from a porous first quarter effort to control UNLV for much of the game but couldn’t hold a late fourth quarter 13-10 lead when the Rebels drove down the field to tie the game at 13-13 and force overtime.
The defense particularly faltered in containing UNLV runners on the perimeter. But overall this was a unit that looked improved over last season when Minnesota ranked No. 77 nationally in scoring defense. The defensive line had moments of physical play and pass rushing effectiveness. The secondary coverage was more consistent, playing in better position, showing more speed and surer tackling than in the past.
Senior Jordan Wettstein kicked three field goals in the game, including the winning 32-yard kick in the third overtime. He had the poise to recover from a missed 32-yard attempt in the first half.
Wettstein’s performance was a special teams highlight on a night when there were also lowlights. That list is headed by Troy Stoudermire’s third quarter muffed punt that led to UNLV’s only second half touchdown. (Another special teams issue: Minnesota averaged an inadequate 35.1 yards per punt.)
But Stoudermire made a big play in the final overtime when his cornerback blitz hurried UNLV quarterback Nick Sherry’s throw in the third overtime. Minnesota safety Derrick Wells intercepted that ball in the end zone on what would be UNLV’s last possession of the night.
Like Gray, Stoudermire gained some redemption when it counted most. Those two and the other weary Gophers were able to pump life back into the dream of a successful 2012 season last night.
A game that ended almost two hours after midnight in Minneapolis wasn’t a nightmare for the Gophers. For that they can rest easier today but if this team is to realize its bowl ambitions and the optimistic predictions of winning six games there’s a whole lot of heavy lifting ahead.
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