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University of Minnesota Athletics
Game Time with Mike Grimm: USC Preview
8/31/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 31, 2011
Gopher play-by-play man Mike Grimm gives us five things to watch (and listen) for in Saturday's game at the University of Southern California:
1. Marqueis Gray at quarterback: After a year of playing high caliber wide receiver, the junior from Indianapolis finally takes over as the Gopher signal-caller. I've had people ask me what the key to this season will be. There are a lot of folks diagnosing strengths and weaknesses. I think it is fairly simple...and I hate to place this amount of pressure on a single player. But, in college football the single biggest difference maker - the easiest way to make an average season a great one - is to have a playmaking quarterback. And, Gray has all the skills to be a playmaker. We can analyze it all we want, but I think it simply comes down to this - If Gray plays great in 2011, then the Gophers will exceed expert expectations. If he plays poorly, then the Gophers will be who the experts thought they'd be. Most experts, by the way, don't have Minnesota placing very high in the standings. If Gray makes plays with his arm and legs, then this team has a chance to surprise people.
2. Can Coaches Find Mismatches: In talking with people around college football about this new Gopher coaching staff, they tell me that the strength of the staff is game-planning to the opposition's weaknesses. Sounds simple, but not all staffs do that. I'm told this staff will find a weakness, try to create a mismatch, and attempt to exploit that situation all game long. We saw a little of that when Jerry Kill's Northern Illinois team beat Minnesota last fall. They saw a way to block a punt, they consistently beat the blitz, and they found a way to beat the Gophers. Can they find enough weaknesses in a talented USC roster to exploit a few things and make a few big plays? If so, maybe the Gophers have a chance.
3. Special Teams: Jerry Kill has told everyone who will listen that he plans to have strong special teams at Minnesota. He says the punt is a great weapon. And, in talking to people within the program, some of whom have been around for two or three previous coaching staffs, they say this program has never emphasized special teams in practice as much as is happening right now. If Minnesota is to pull off the upset in SoCal, I think they will need to block a punt, return a kick, or do something else special on special teams. The long Troy Stoudermire kick return at Illinois and the onside kick against Iowa were key in late season wins a year ago. Kill's staff will try to build on that.
4. Youth movement: How will this relatively young team react in a large, historic environment like the Los Angeles Coliseum. Frankly, it probably isn't as intimidating as Ohio Stadium or Kinnick Stadium or Camp Randall, but there is a mystic around the Trojan program itself. If the young guys handle it, that is good news. If they blink, it will be trouble.
5. Radio Waves: Finally, if you can't make the game, we invite you to listen to the game on our new Twin Cities flagship station - 100.3 FM - The Fan. It will be a great thrill to work the game with all-time leading Gopher rusher Darrel Thompson, who is one of the great people ever involved in the program. His insight is outstanding. A talented crew that will include sideline reporter Justin Gaard, pre-game host Kevin Falness, and in-game scoreboard man and post-game show co-hosts Corbu Stathes and Justin Conzemius will give Gopher fans the hometown call. Outstate listeners can listen to any one of our stations on the statewide radio network. On-line listening is free this year at www.gophersports.com. And, the I-Heart Radio App can get you the game on your smart phone. Click here to find out how to listen!
Hope you'll join on Saturday. College football season is here and that's a great thing!
