Minnesota 17, Syracuse 10

The Gophers move to 4-0 tonight with a 17-10 win over Syracuse.  Pay no attention to the final score, the Gophers were in control of this game pretty much from the beginning (plus Syracuse scored a TD with less than a minute to play).  They've now surpassed last seasons win total!   It was as impressive a defensive performance that I can recall seeing the Gophers play.  They were really swarming to the ball, they just look so much faster and more athletic than last year, they were really wreaking havoc.  5 turnovers, 3 sacks, 5 TFL's, constant pressure, tight coverage from the secondary, you had to be impressed.  Syracuse had been averaging 33 points a game too up until this point, so they're no slouches.  I can feel the momentum building.

Observations:

• QB Max Shortell had a decent game, especially considering the fact that Syracuse seemed to be blitzing every play, he was a bit erratic at times though.  He definitely didn't grab ahold of the starting job from the injured MarQueis Gray. 
• RB Donnell Kirkwood continues to impress, he runs so hard every time he touches the ball. 
• True freshman DT Scott Ekpe had a nice game, I noticed him on several occasions.
• I think it may be time to give Chris Hawthorne another shot at the kicking job.  Jordan Wettstein has really struggled this year. 
• The Gophers kick coverage units tonight were very impressive, they were flying down the field.
• The Gophers left some points on the field (2 missed FG's, 1 TD called back by penalty).
• It was so nice to see TCF Bank Stadium filled to the rafters with a loud boisterous crowd.  What a wonderful atmosphere!  
• I loved seeing all of the walk-ons/former walk-ons getting action (AJ Barker, Derek Engle, Aaron Hill, Caleb Bak, Jon Christensen et al), that's a great way to attract top preferred walk-on talent.
• Aaron Hill wore Gary Tinsley's rotating number 51 tonight.
• It was nice seeing Tyrone Carter roaming the sidelines.
• Up next?  @ Iowa to kick off the Big Ten season.