Ohio State 31, Minnesota 24

The Gophers fall to Ohio State 31-24 today in frigid Minneapolis.  The Gophers fall to 7-3 on the season.  Minnesota had their chances but they seemed to shoot themselves in the foot quite a bit. They are so close, yet so far from taking that next step.  Still, that being said, Ohio State may be the best team the Gophers have faced this year (although TCU may argue that point) and they were within striking distance right down to the end.  Shake it off Gophers!  2 games to go.

Observations:

• Big plays killed the Gophers in this one. 
• David Cobb really put the Gophers on his back in this game.  3 TD's. 
• Briean Boddy-Calhoun is making a strong case for Gophers defensive MVP.
• Those misdirection plays continue to haunt the Gophers defense.
• Mitch Leidner has got to play better at QB.   
• That was a very questionable DPI call on Eric Murray late in the first half.
• Logan Hutton is a much under appreciated part of this Gophers team.
• If there is a better punter in the B1G than Peter Mortell, I have yet to see him. 
• Total Yards:  Ohio State 489, Minnesota 303
• Ohio State was a pretty impressive 9 of 13 on third down chances.  
• Nice play by Jalen Myrick to save a touchdown to close the first half. 
• As good as Maxx Williams is, the Gophers really need to use their other receivers too. 
• As expected, Ohio State had a very noticeable speed advantage. 
• Ohio State clearly won the battle of the trenches on both sides of the line. 
• J.T. Barrett > Braxton Miller.  He's got 3 more years too.  
• Perhaps Braxton Miller would be open to a senior year transfer to Minnesota?
• Joey Bosa had to be the most impressive defensive player the Gophers faced this year.
• Props to Ohio State Special Teams coach Kerry Coombs.  
• That was some crazy wind blowing at TCF Bank Stadium. 
• You cannot beat college football in November in the snow! 
• The Gophers pulled out their Gold helmets for this one!
• Up next?  @ Nebraska next Saturday.