WSU’s offense played as poorly as it has since Luke Falk became the quarterback, an era ago, and when faced with the opportunity for redemption instead made a decisive mistake.
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Is Minnesota worth a play as the underdog tonight against Washington State in the National Funding Holiday Bowl at 7:00PM ET? That win gave Claeys nine total wins this season after an 8-4 regular season record qualified the Gophers for the bowl game.
Ten Minnesota players had been suspended following a university investigation into sexual assault accusations.
In losing its third straight game to finish the season, Washington State was like the proverbial “4-A” baseball player – someone who dominates in the minors but struggles in the show. “He didn’t have the look that he wanted”. Minnesota senior quarterback Mitch Leidner, who was 11 of 20 for 129 yards, flung a pass toward the end zone to no one in particular.
What validation for Tracy Claeys and this program, which acquitted itself well playing so shorthanded-especially in a secondary that got a big effort from freshman corner Coney Durr-vs. a Washington State offense that was No. 1 in the Pac-12 in passing (370.8 ypg). “It’s our fault. Our defense played good”.
The adversity for the Gophers continued right before the game. The championship game marks the second postseason appearance White has seen. But that is no excuse for six false start penalties.
Minnesota’s star defensive lineman Steven Richardson left the game with an injury nearly immediately after. Gophers running back Rodney Smith’s 9-yard touchdown run two minutes later provided a 17-6 lead.
“Everybody steps up a little bit”, Claeys said. The victor is generally the one that wants to be there most, which doesn’t necessarily reflect poorly on the loser. But his offensive production was enough.
Falk completed 30 of 51 passes for 264 yards, a touchdown and an interception. It was his first interception of his career.
The Cougars didn’t muster a TD until Falk’s 8-yard toss to Kyle Sweet with 19 seconds left. The Gophers held the Cougars to 12 points and 4.1 yards per play, well below its seasonal averages. “That credit goes to the kids”. “The benefit of it (is) we’ve had more time to prepare, and we’ll have to get as many athletes on the field as we can”. Drew Wolitarsky is by far the Gophers best receiving threat. They just have to remember not to let up when they have a lead late in the game.
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Kunle Ayinde. More than a few Gopher fans, myself included, have been critical of Kunle this season, particularly when he struggled against Penn State.
