
Minnesota football: After pair of losses, where do Gophers turn now?
October has been a rough month for PJ Fleck and his Minnesota team.
The Gophers entered the month riding high as the favorite to capture the B1G West. But after a pair of recent losses, reaching Indianapolis looks like a pipe dream. Just getting back in the win column is the current priority.
For Minnesota fans, the past 3 weeks couldn’t have unfolded any worse. First, a Mohamed Ibrahim-less Gophers’ offense is shut down in a 20-10 loss on Homecoming to Purdue. Then, after a bye week, Illinois’ Chase Brown gouges Minnesota for 180 rushing yards on 41 carries in a 26-14 win.
Suddenly, Minnesota finds itself at 4-2 heading into a hornets nest to face an angry Penn State team. How the tables have turned.
What direction are the Gophers headed? Toward a downward spiral? Or can Fleck’s team turn things around? There are several factors to consider, including the health of key players (namely Tanner Morgan).
Morgan’s uncertain status
Morgan’s availability this coming Saturday likely won’t be known until kickoff. He sustained an upper body injury Saturday on a 4th quarter run. An Illini defender appeared to try and punch the ball out, instead hitting Morgan in the helmet area. He left the game and was able to fly home with the team after being tested by the medical staff.
Coach Fleck announced that QB Tanner Morgan is feeling better and remains in the care of the University of Minnesota medical staff.
Tanner thanks everyone for their support and prayers. pic.twitter.com/RERWVjzD6x
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) October 17, 2022
If Morgan is unable to go against the Nittany Lions, that leaves it up to junior Cole Kramer or redshirt freshman Athan Kaliakmanis. Fleck, who is often tight-lipped on injuries, hinted that Kramer may or may not be available, as he’s recovering from an injury.
Breaking in a new QB on the road, in a hostile environment, isn’t ideal. Morgan has started 45 straight games, providing a ton of stability over the years. Even though he’s struggled the past 2 games, his absence shouldn’t be overlooked.
More consistency needed from WR and OL
Ever since top receiver Chris Autman-Bell was lost for the season with a lower body injury in Week 3, the Gophers have been searching for consistent answers at receiver. Daniel Jackson, who had 10 catches for over 100 yards against Purdue, was held to 1 grab for 4 yards against the Illini. Minnesota’s passing game was literally non-existent. Six completions for 38 yards was the final tally. Not near enough to get the job done.
Last week we mentioned that Jackson and tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford must step up as go-to targets. Spann-Ford had 4 of the team’s 6 catches last week. He’ll need help in Happy Valley.
Which leads us to the lackluster showing from the offensive line. The Gophers were whipped up front by a surprisingly good Illini defense. Fleck on Monday defended his O-line, telling reporters “they played well enough to win.” He also likes what he’s seeing from right tackle Quinn Carroll, saying he’s “solidified himself at that position.”
But the play up front was clearly not good enough. Minnesota ran for 160 yards. Ibrahim finishing with 129 and a TD. But with the passing game currently stuck in the mud, the Gophers have to make more hay on the ground.
Special teams spark needed
Freshman Quentin Redding provided the Gophers a boost on special teams. He busted loose on a 92-yard return to open the 2nd half in Champaign. It looked like a play that would swing momentum Goldy’s way. But after Ibrahim scored, that would be the final points Minnesota could muster.
With a struggling offense, Redding may be asked to again provide a spark. The Gophers will take anything they can get to silence a sold out Beaver Stadium crowd.
Expectations down the stretch
Disappointment has once again entered Dinkytown. Expectations were high weeks ago. Enthusiasm is now tempered and replaced by starch reality.
But the season’s far from over. There’s lots to play for. A West Division title is a reach, but finishing strong and snagging a solid bowl bid is important. Fans can’t throw in the towel. After Saturday’s visit to Penn State, games against Rutgers, Nebraska and Northwestern follow. Wins are still out there.
Fleck is in Year 6 in Minneapolis. He was close in 2019 to getting the team over the hump and to Indy. It didn’t quite happen. After a strong September, this looked like the year. Something just isn’t quite clicking. Whether it’s Morgan’s inconsistency, the mental state of the team, or just bad luck with injuries, you can’t put a finger on it. Maybe it’s a combination of it all.
It’s not beyond belief the Gophers can finish with 5 wins in their final 6 games. Heck, even win them all. They’re just 4.5-point underdogs in Happy Valley. Crazier things have happened.
But for Minnesota to right the ship and get it headed in the proper direction, it must flip the current October script. There’s no time like the present.