Minnesota 28, Western Michigan 23

The Gophers knocked off Western Michigan 28-23 in Minneapolis today to start the season 3-0 for the first time since 2008!   They are now half way to bowl eligibility.  I think we may have QB controversy on our hands too.  Max Shortell relieved an injured MarQueis Gray and really seemed to ignite the Gophers  struggling offense.  They had just become too one dimensional with Gray at QB, Shortell's passing ability really opened things up for them.   It'll be interesting to see what Jerry Kill does when Gray is healthy.

Observations:

• TPSG Game Ball goes to A.J. Barker, he was channeling Eric Decker today, 5 catches for 101 yards and 3 TD's.  Not bad for a walk-on.  He's really come out of nowhere, I didn't realize that he had the Minnesota state high school record for receiving yards. 
• Donnell Kirkwood really ran the ball well today (23 carries, 110 yards).  
• Props to Michael Carter, he had a nice game at CB today.  
• Spencer Reeves wore Gary Tinsley's rotating number 51 today. 
• It was good to see Bobby Bell roaming the sidelines.    
• I've got to believe that Western Michigan QB Alex Carder will get a shot at the next level. 
• Gophers need to tighten things up, there were way too many penalties today (9 for 56 yards).
• The kicking game really needs to get better.
• No BTN on the Dish Network?  WTF?  BTN needs to work out their technical kinks too.
• Up next?  Syracuse @ TCF Bank Stadium next Saturday in Minneapolis.