.png&width=42&height=42&type=webp)
University of Minnesota Athletics
Blog: Opposing Viewpoint
10/21/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Each week during the football season, GopherSports.com will bring you the opposing viewpoint by talking to a member of the media who covers Minnesota's opponent for that week. This week, we're joined by Ken Gordon of the Columbus Dispatch.
Gordon has worked for the Columbus Dispatch since 1998, and covered Ohio State football since 2004. Prior to that, he covered the Cincinnati Bengals for five seasons. A central Ohio native, Gordon graduated with a journalism degree from Ohio University (NOT the school he currently covers!) in 1990.
GopherSports: The big question this week is how will the Buckeyes respond to a stunning loss at Purdue?
Ken Gordon: Good question. Ohio State has not had back-to-back losses since losing three in a row in 2004, so it’s uncharted territory for the current players and impossible to predict. Some players said they may have overlooked Purdue, so I will assume they will not be taking Minnesota lightly. When you get beat by a 1-5 team, you can’t assume anything anymore.
GopherSports: In your opinion, why has the Ohio State offense struggled at times this season?
Ken Gordon: The offensive line struggled mightily at the beginning of the season, playing in a pro-style, power-run offense. After three games, OSU switched to a shotgun, zone-read look and the line played much better. Then it regressed last week. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor has not handled pressure well at all, fumbling and throwing the ball up for grabs. He has accounted for 12 turnovers.
GopherSports: Who, or what has the Buckeyes’ attention this week?
Ken Gordon: Themselves. Seriously, they have to shake themselves to the core, figure out who they are, what they do well and what they are made of. They could win out and still go to the Rose Bowl, or they could free-fall and end up 7-5. No offense to the Gophers, but this week is not about the opponent. It’s about whether OSU is going to fight or flee.
GopherSports: What are your thoughts on the Minnesota program?
Ken Gordon: I was glad to see the new stadium approved and built, as it gives the program something positive to sell. I think the Gophers, like Wisconsin, Iowa or Indiana, will always have a challenge recruiting when your home state is not as populous and talent-rich as some other Big Ten bases. But if a coach can establish continuity and credibility, there’s no reason why he can’t have a consistent winner, with finishes in the top half of the Big Ten and bowl appearances the norm.
GopherSports: Who should Minnesota fans keep their eye on for the Buckeyes? Someone who plays well, but doesn’t get much attention?
Ken Gordon: Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward. He’s very strong and relentless, playing tackle or end, depending on the situation. The Ohio State defensive line is the strength of the team, and Heyward is one of the more unsung reasons why. Fun fact: In the past five games, the longest gain an opposing running back has managed against OSU is 9 yards.
GopherSports: What are your keys to the game for both teams?
Ken Gordon: For Minnesota, attack the short and mid-range holes in Ohio State’s predominantly zone pass defense. Put serious pressure on the struggling OSU line and focus on containing Pryor’s lateral running. For the Buckeyes, establish a running game to take the heat off Pryor, and double-team Eric Decker, since he appears to be about the only consistently dangerous offensive player.
-UM-
