Minnesota 13, Northwestern 21

The Gophers drop to 4-2 on the season today with a 21-13 loss to Northwestern @ TCF Stadium in Minneapolis.  I think it's safe to say that the Gophers are who we thought they were, a 5-6 win team, improved from last year but still very inexperienced, still lacking in depth, still lacking in play-makers.  Minnesota was just too undisciplined out there today too, their margin for error is very small, they need to play near mistake free football if they hope to compete with the big boys of the Big Ten.   

Observations:

• Points off turnovers:  Northwestern 14, Minnesota 0
• The Gopher offense does seem to run better with a dual threat QB than a pro-style QB.  
• Run defense is a real trouble spot for the Gophers defense.
• Jordan Wettstein appears to have re-found his groove.  
• Minnesota was 0-3 on fourth downs. 
• I liked seeing MarQueis Gray lined up at WR, he needs to be on the field in some manner.  Plus, if he's going to be playing on Sundays, it's not going to be at QB, I can envision him as a hybrid TE in the NFL.  That being said, he is still the Gophers best option at QB. 
• Why does ESPN insist on force feeding us Beth Mowins in the broadcast booth?  
• Venric Mark is a nice weapon for Northwestern.  
• Ryan Grant wore Gary Tinsley's rotating number 51 today.  
• Up next?  @ Wisconsin next Saturday.