Minnesota 30, UNLV 27

Year 2 of the Jerry Kill era at Minnesota started off on Thursday night in Las Vegas with a 30-27 win over UN-LV (in 3 OT's).  It wasn't pretty and I was expecting (and hoping for) a much more impressive win, but in the end I guess a win is a win, I'll cut them some slack considering it was an early season game, considering they were on the road, and considering the fact that they are a really young team. Still, that being said, MarQueis Gray really needs to improve on his accuracy, the special teams needs to play much better and they need to cut back on the mistakes.  Hopefully, this game can be something they can learn from and build upon. Still, 1-0 baby!  5 more wins til bowl eligibility. 

Observations:

• TPSG Game Ball goes to Derrick Wells, he had a great game (2 INT's, 8 tackles, 2 PD's).  I was worried about how they'd replace Kim Royston but Wells play alleviated that fear.  
• The Gophers out gained UN-LV 478 yards to 275 yards.  IMO, the final score really shouldn't have been as close as it was, inopportune errors and mistakes can be blamed for that.
• This was Jerry Kills first road victory at Minnesota. Keep'm coming Jerry!
• I love the idea of rotating Gary Tinsley's number 51 jersey among the players this season.
• I didn't see the improved passing from MarQueis Gray that I had heard so much about.  He did play much better later in the game though so that's something to build on.
• I also didn't see much improvement from the special teams, they really need to improve there. 
• 11 penalties!  That's way too many, they need to tighten things up. 
• Best players in maroon & gold in Vegas on the opener?  Derrick Wells, RaShede Hageman, DL Wilhite, AJ Barker & John Rabe. 
• Bobby Hauck is a good coach, it's only a matter of time before he gets UN-LV turned around. 
• RaShede Hageman is a monster.  
• Let's hope that true freshman WR Jamel Harbison's knee injury is not as serious as it appears to be, they had high hopes for him for this season. 
• The Gophers really need to start opening at home. 
• I was not very impressed with the CBS Sports Network coverage of the game, their camera work left a lot to be desired, they also kept identifying the players incorrectly.  It is no BTN.   
• Up next?  New Hampshire @ TCF Stadium.