Minnesota 10, Kent State 7

The Gophers improved to 2-1 on the season today with a tough 10-7 win over Kent State in Minneapolis.  This game was much too close for comfort, Kent State is not a good football team.  The Gopher offense has to be a real worry for Jerry Kill, the play calling is much too predictable, the offensive line is injury depleted and the QB play once again very mediocre.  The margin for error once the B1G season starts is going to be much slimmer, they'd better clean things up soon.  

Observations:

• The Gophers continue to play lights out on defense. 
• It was nice to see the Gophers finally start a game strong.
• So much for the "at least he doesn't throw interceptions" argument. 
• The Gophers offensive line needs to play much much better. 
• Cody Poock is doing a nice job replacing Damien Wilson at MLB.
• Minnesota needs to get better on 3rd downs situations. 
• Do the Gophers really need to run the ball up the middle on every first down? 
• Turnovers:  Minnesota 3, Kent State 0 
• It may be time to replace Craig James as punt returner. 
• K.J. Maye is having a nice senior season. 
• I really like the way that Antonio Johnson hits people. 
• Pete Mortell is looking like an All American punter. 
• Get used to teams loading the box against this Minnesota offense. 
• The Gophers safety depth is being put to the test. 
• Perhaps it's time to take Eric Murray off the punt return team. 
• I know that Ryan Santoso can kick the ball out of the end zone. 
• Helluva a game from Kent State CB Demetrius Monday. 
• Give Kent State some credit, they came to play. 
• I didn't realize that Kent State had a female kicker. 
• Up next?  Ohio, next Saturday @ TCF Bank Stadium.