Gophers Learn From Win Over Oregon State, Prepare For Indiana State
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Gopher football team survived week one, a 30-23 victory over Oregon State.
Now, they get a winnable game against Indiana State. But they're learning as they go on a couple different fronts.
The Gophers and college football are trying to learn on the fly. That is, the enforcement of the targeting rule. It is designed to protect vulnerable offensive players from unnecessary hits.
"There is some gray area in there and unfortunately I don't get to make the decision on it. I've just got to live with the decision," Gophers coach Tracy Claeys said. "I think the rule is good for the game and the intent is good."
As for the game, they are not a finished product but struggled to find rhythm. They are pleased with their commitment to get physical in the running game.
"I think we have started to accomplish some of the things that we set out to do, being the most physical offensive line in the Big Ten," Jonah Pirsig said. "We had guys on the ground, which was fun to see."
First games in college football always create more questions than answers. But what this team hopes it solved is figuring out who it is as they head toward the more difficult part of their schedule.
Translation: Upon further review, there were enough good things to stay positive.
"Even on Sunday to see the amount of confidence that just a win kind of boosted us into and given those young guys who have only played in one game, see how they reacted after that at practice Sunday, was pretty cool to see," quarterback Mitch Leider said. "So I'm excited to keep incorporating the things we need to work on this week and really showcase those things on Saturday."
The Gophers and Indiana State kickoff at 11 a.m. Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium.
