Northwestern 27, Gophers 0

The Gophers fell to 3-2 on the season today with a 27-0 loss at Northwestern.  It was a loss that really highlighted Minnesota's struggles all year, it all starts with an inept offense that is putting pressure on the whole team.  Their lack of ability to throw the ball downfield means they have to consistently put together long drives against defenses that know what's coming, that means lots of third down situations, that means depending upon a non-existent passing attack, that means lots of punts and a defense that is on the field way too long and one that then wears down as the game progresses.  It's a vicious cycle, and it won't stop until they can address the lack of a passing game.  It was a very discouraging start to B1G play by the Gophers.

Observations:

• The Gophers offense is just putrid.  
• Mitch Leidner may be a good guy, but he's not a B1G QB. 
• Demry Croft needs to be starting moving forward.   
• It's hard to win with a one dimensional offense. 
• I like way Shannon Brooks keeps his legs moving. 
• I'm a big fan of continuity, but Matt Limegrover has to go. 
• The Gopher offense needs to stretch the field some. 
• Special teams was not the Gophers friend today. 
• Total Yards:  Northwestern 312, Minnesota 173
• Turnovers:  Minnesota 2, Northwestern 0
• The third quarter was a disaster for Minnesota. 
• Minnesota needs to do a better job of rushing the passer. 
• The Gopher defense is going to have to start making some plays. 
• Peter Mortell was getting no hang time on his punts today.  
• Minnesota lost the battle of the trenches today, on both sides. 
• Jack Lynn had perhaps his best game of the season today. 
• I'm willing to concede, Northwestern does have a great defense.
• I thought that was a touchdown by Solomon Vault. 
• The Chicago wind was wreaking havoc on both sides. 
• Up next?  @ Purdue next Saturday.