The Gophers have lost two straight and the offense has produced just one touchdown in those games but coach Tim Brewster told Sports Headliners not to expect trick plays or other gimmicks when Minnesota plays Wisconsin in Madison on Saturday. “It’s not about creativity, it’s about blocking and tackling,” Brewster said.
Quarterback Adam Weber has been sacked six times in the last two games. He’s been under pressure many other times. The “wrinkle” for Saturday needs to be protecting the quarterback, Brewster said.
The Gophers’ offense needs improved play from the offensive line and that includes better pass and run blocking, plus eliminating penalties. A group of 10 interior offensive linemen who have played this year consists of four redshirt freshmen, two sophomores and four juniors.
The Gophers also have inexperienced offensive players at other positions including wide receiver and running back. Brewster is emphasizing fundamentals with them and is looking forward to working with all his players at the extra practices that a post-season bowl game will provide.
He said the Gophers may recruit a junior college offensive tackle to help next year’s line. Notre Dame transfer Matt Carfuel, who will either play tackle or guard as a redshirt junior, is also expected to help.
While the results of the last two weeks have been losses, the Gophers are 7-3 on the season and recently received verbal commitments from highly rated prospects including Washburn tight end Ra’Shede Hageman and junior college wide receiver Hayo Carpenter. Hageman drew interest from some of the nation’s best programs including Ohio State, and Carpenter is reportedly among the top junior college players in the country. And for the first time in a long while, it looks like the Gophers may get everyone of the top in-state prep players.
The Gophers have lost six straight at Wisconsin and the Badgers (5-5 overall, 2-5 in the Big Ten Conference) have won two of their last three games, but look for the Gophers to play an inspired game on Saturday. Brewster said yesterday that wide receiver Eric Decker, who has 892 yards in receptions in 10 games, will not play on Saturday and will rest his high ankle sprain (right ankle).