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University of Minnesota Athletics
NDSU Preview with Mike Grimm
9/21/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 21, 2011
Gopher Radio Network play-by-play man Mike Grimm gives us five things to watch (and listen) for in Saturday's game against North Dakota State:
1. THE GRAYMAKER: Minnesota quarterback MarQueis Gray set the all-time single game rushing record for a quarterback in last week's win over Miami. He has back-to-back 100-yard rushing games. He looks to be gaining some confidence in the passing game. The "Graymaker" will have to continue to be a playmaker for the Gophers to have success.
2. Donnell Kirkwood: We saw redshirt freshman RB Donnell Kirkwood for the first time this season in Saturday's win. He has fresh legs and it showed. Running like a bowling ball with a low center of gravity, he was hard to tackle and earned lots of extra yards after first contact. Continued success from him should help the entire offense, including the passing attack.
3. RED ZONE: The Gophers have visited the red zone (inside the opposition 20-yard line) 13 times in three games. That's middle of the pack in the Big Ten. But, only seven of those 13 trips resulted in touchdowns, only 54 %. Only Michigan State has been worse in the Big Ten so far in converting red zone trips into touchdowns. To play winning football, teams have to consistently net TDs and not FGs in the red zone. The Gophers must improve.
4. SUPER BOWL IMPACT: The Gophers are the "Super Bowl" opponent for North Dakota State. The Bison have 35 players from Minnesota on the roster, including many contributing members. Some of those players have developed into guys who can play on an every down basis in the Big Ten. They will be pumped up to play the Gophers in a game they think is winnable. Minnesota will have to match the intensity and motivation of NDSU and their legions of fans, or it could be a troublesome day for those wearing Maroon and Gold.
5. LONG DISTANCE RADIO: One of the new things this year for out-of-state or out-of-the-house Gopher fans….a chance to listen for free at www.gophersports.com, or by downloading the iHeart Radio app for your smart phone and click on 100.3-FM The Fan, the Twin Cities flagship for Gopher football. You can also listen on XM/Sirius Channel 117, but subscription fees apply. Hope you'll join us for the broadcast on Saturday on the Gopher Radio Network presented by AlarmForce!
