Former Sun Devils in the NFL

Since I looked at former Gophers in the NFL yesterday, I thought it would be interesting to look at how many former Sun Devils now play in the NFL.  By my count, there are now 18.  Here they are:

1. Terrell Suggs - LB - Baltimore Ravens 
2. Vontaze Burfict - LB - Cincinnati Bengals 
3. Brock Osweiler - QB - Denver Broncos
4. Will Sutton - DT - Chicago Bears 
5. Omar Bolden - DB - Denver Broncos 
6. Jaelen Strong - WR - Houston Texans
7. Damarious Randall - CB - Green Bay Packers 
8. Jamil Douglas - OG - Miami Dolphins 
9. Carl Bradford - LB - Green Bay Packers 
10. Kyle Williams - WR - Denver Broncos
11. Lawrence Guy - DE - Baltimore Ravens
12. Marcus Hardison - DT - Cincinnati Bengals
13. Shawn Lauvao - OG - Washington Redskins 
14. Rashad Ross - WR - Washington Redskins 
15. Garth Gerhart - OL - Cleveland Browns
16. Paul Fanaika - OL - Kansas City Chiefs
17. Alden Darby - DB - New Orleans Saints
18. Robert Nelson - CB - Arizona Cardinals 

Notes:  Suggs, Burfict, Williams & Fanaika are all on the injured reserve lists of their respective teams. Bradford, Gerhart, Darby & Nelson are all on the practice squads of their respective teams.  Davon Coleman was recently released by the Cowboys, I suspect he will wind up on another roster in short order.  

Former Gophers in the NFL

By my count, there are now 12 former University of Minnesota Golden Gophers on NFL rosters.  I can't recall a time that they've had this many.  This has to be a good sign to Jerry Kill and his Gopher football program moving forward.  Here they are:

1. Eric Decker - WR - New York Jets 
2. Matt Spaeth - TE - Pittsburgh Steelers 
3. Ra'Shede Hageman - DT - Atlanta Falcons 
4. Brock Vereen - DB - Chicago Bears
5. Marcus Sherels - CB - Minnesota Vikings 
6. Marqueis Gray - TE - Buffalo Bills 
7. Maxx Williams - TE - Baltimore Ravens 
8. David Cobb - RB - Tennessee Titans 
9. Damien Williams - LB - Dallas Cowboys 
10. Cedric Thompson - DB - Miami Dolphins 
11. Isaac Fruechte - WR - Minnesota Vikings 
12. Tramaine Brock - CB - San Francisco 49ers

Notes:  Cobb is on Titans injured reserve list.  Thompson & Fruechte are on the practice squads of their respective teams.  Brock didn't end his collegiate career at Minnesota, but he is a former Gopher. 

Satisfaction

Now this is an unlikely combination, it kinda works though doesn't it?

Cardinals 47, 49ers 7

The Cardinals destroyed the 49ers 47-7 today in Glendale.  The Cardinals improve to 3-0 on the season.  This was an impressive victory for the Cardinals, they were clicking on all cylinders.  They are on quite a roll to start this season.  At this point, injuries look like the only thing that could potentially derail them (ala last season).  They are certainly a fun team to watch, keep it rolling Cardinals!

Observations:

• Those 2 pick-6's to start the game were very helpful to the Cardinals. 
• Larry Fitzgerald has had a great start to the season. 
• Chris Johnson topped 100 yards rushing for the first time as a Cardinal. 
• James Bettcher continues to impress as Cardinals Defensive Coordinator. 
• Carson Palmer continues to roll, please keep him healthy! 
• The Cardinals continue to be a very opportunistic team.  
• Tyrann Mathieu is playing at a Pro Bowl level at this point. 
• Total Yards:  Cardinals 446, 49ers 156
• Time of Possession:  Cardinals 36:32, 49ers 23:28
• First Downs:  Cardinals 28, 49ers 10
• Turnovers:  49ers 4, Cardinals 1
• The Cardinals just may have the best secondary in all of football. 
• Bruce Arians doesn't have a conservative bone in his body.
• Have the 49ers over simplified their offense?  
• Frostee Rucker just keeps making big plays. 
• Kevin Minter is finally developing into a quality MLB.  
• The Cardinals are leading the NFL in touchdowns this season. 
• The 49ers only got into Cardinal territory 1 time today. 
• That didn't look anything like the 49ers I saw in week 1.  
• Up next?   St. Louis Rams @ University of Phoenix Stadium next Sunday. 

Vikings 34, Chargers 14

The Vikings knocked off the Chargers 31-14 in Minneapolis today to improve to 2-1 on the season. It was a nice all around win for the Vikings, they have recovered nicely from that week 1 fiasco. I really like the way they are playing.  Keep it up Vikes!

Observations:

• The Vikings were clearly the more physical team today. 
• Having Adrian Peterson sure does help this Vikings offense. 
• That drop by Kyle Rudolph in the end zone proved very costly. 
• Anthony Barr seemed to be living in the Charger backfield. 
• I hope Xavier Rhodes is okay, he was down for awhile. 
• Eric Kendricks doesn't look out of place in the NFL. 
• Yes, that was Trae Waynes on the field. 
• I love how aggressive this Vikings defense is. 
• TCF Bank Stadium has been a nice interim home for the Vikings. 
• It was nice to see Chad Greenway still contributing. 
• Zach Line is becoming a touchdown machine! 
• This was Blair Walsh's best game of the season.  
• I think it's still okay to question Teddy Bridgewater's arm strength. 
• The injury bug seemed to be hitting the Vikings today. 
• Philip Rivers took a beating today. 
• I wan't too impressed with Melvin Gordon.  
• Keenan Allen is a heckuva wide receiver.  
• It's always good to see the all time great Vikings at the game. 
• No Ragnar?   Rightfully so though, greedy SOB. 
• Up next?  @ Denver to take on the Broncos next Sunday. 

Bill Maher on Republican Heroes

Bill Maher is spot on once again!

USC 42, Arizona State 14

The Sun Devils were destroyed by USC 42-14 tonight in Tempe.  ASU falls to 2-2 on the season.  This game was just a dumpster fire.  There were certainly some red flags in their first three games, but I don't think anybody could have predicted this mess.  The lack of elite talent on ASU is becoming especially glaring, I doubt that any Sun Devil cracks the All PAC-12 first or second teams.  Perhaps I'm being too harsh, they do have some talent, but it's very young, still this was an embarrassing performance by ASU.

Observations:

• The Sun Devils played like a beaten team for most of this game. 
• On the bright side, Kalen Ballage did return to action. 
• Demario Richard cracked the 100 yard barrier again. 
• That 94 yard USC fumble recovery for a touchdown was the dagger. 
• Arizona State defense just could not stop USC on third down. 
• I'm still waiting for a Sun Devil WR to step up this season. 
• Is some of the Mike Norvell luster wearing off?  
• Half time score:  USC 35, Arizona State 0
• Total Yards:  USC 455, Arizona State 454
• Turnovers:  Arizona State 4, USC 2
• Arizona State's tackling was atrocious tonight.  
• The Sun Devil passing game was a mess tonight, far from high octane. 
• Even Zane Gonzales had a bad night.  
• Arizona State's goal line offense needs lots of work. 
• Remember that Mike Bercovici for Heisman talk? 
• The Sun Devils need to work on their fumbling problem. 
• This would have probably been a good game to get Manny Wilkens some snaps. 
• The Sun Devil Stadium crowd had no interest in sticking around for this one.
• Cody Kessler is a very good college quarterback. 
• Up next?  @ UCLA next Saturday.  

Minnesota 17, Ohio 14

The Gophers improved to 3-1 on the season today with a 27-24 win over Ohio.  It was another squeaker, that's 3 wins in a row, all by 3 points.  They just don't seem set up to dominate anyone with their run oriented offense and bend-but-don't-break defense (both of which are very time consuming).  It was nice to see the Gophers offense finally show signs of life, there's talent there, they just need to put it together.  Things get real next week.

Observations:

• That may have been Mitch Leidner's best game as a Gopher. 
• I like when there is at least the threat of a run by Mitch Leidner. 
• I really like this Shannon Brooks kid! 
• Minnesota's bend but don't break defense can be frustrating to watch. 
• Lots of potential in this Rodney Smith/Shannon Brooks RB tandem. 
• The Gopher pass rush was once again lacking.  More Julian Huff please. 
• Matt Limegrover did a much better job of mixing things up today.
• Total Yards:  Minnesota 468, Ohio 345
• Turnovers:  Minnesota 1, Ohio 0
• The Gophers have some talented young WR's.  
• Injuries are really mounting up for the Gophers. 
• Jonathan Celestin really impressed me at LB for the Gophers. 
• Ryan Santoso is having a nice season.  
• The Gophers pass defense was giving up too many big plays. 
• Minnesota could learn a thing or two from Ohio on how to use big WR's. 
• I'm a little surprised that Craig James is still returning punts. 
• It was nice to see Minnesota honoring Laurence Maroney. 
• Ohio is a quality MAC team, the MAC is highly underrated. 
• Up next?  @ Northwestern next Saturday to kick of B1G play. 

Pope Francis Addresses Congress

Hopefully, the far right learned a thing or two about the meaning of Christianity.

2016 Presidential Field Update

Scott Walker has dropped out of the 2016 Presidential race, that leaves us with 21 candidates still in the running.  Joe Biden is still straddling the fence too.  Scott Walker echoed my previous comments on his way out, that being that more Republicans should also drop out so that the party can coalesce around a few legitimate (at least in Republican eyes) candidates (he's speaking to you Jim Gilmore, George Pataki, Bobby Jindal &Rick Santorum), I have to agree with him on that count.

Here's how the remaining rank in my opinion (as far as their chances):

Democrats:

1. Hillary Clinton
2. Bernie Sanders
3. Martin O'Malley
4. Lawrence Lessig
5. Jim Webb
6. Lincoln Chafee

Republicans

1. Donald Trump
2. Carly Fiorina
3. Jeb Bush
4. Ben Carson
5. Marco Rubio
6. John Kasich
7. Ted Cruz
8. Rand Paul
9. Mike Huckabee
10. Chris Christie
11. Lindsey Graham
12. Rick Santorum
13. Bobby Jindal
14. George Pataki 
15. Jim Gilmore

I'm very happy that Scott Walker has dropped out, in my opinion he was among the candidates that I would have least wanted to see as President.  He has been putting his own political ambitions over the good of his state for years now and Wisconsin will be paying for that for years to come.  That is not the type of person I want anywhere near the White House.  Good riddance.  

Shut Up and Dance!

Great video!

POTpourri

• Justice department clears Hilary Clinton on emails. 
• Count me as a fan of "Narcos" on Netflix.  
• At what point does opposition become treason? 
• Forget Inflategate, let's talk HeadSetGate!! 
• 2015 Emmy Awards winners list can be found here. 
• The fact checkers were very busy after the GOP Presidential debate. 
• Donald Trump is proving that ignorance doesn't matter much. 
• Wouldn't it be nice if all dark money interests were disclosed? 
• Don't be fooled, Carly Fiorini belongs on the clown car. 
• RIP Moses Malone & Roy Marble. 
• Take that Martin Shkreli.  Scumbag. 
• Novak Djokovic & Flavia Pennetta win U.S. Open Tennis titles. 
• The right is getting exactly what it deserves with Donald Trump. 
• Fossil fuel company executives are putting the world at risk. 
• Warren Buffet speaks the truth on income inequality. 
• Austerity is killing the world economy.  
• Are you familiar with Republican economic theory?  
• Scott Walker apparently ruined Wisconsin for nothing. 
• I should probably know more about Charissa Littlejohn. 
• Mike Huckabee doesn't understand the 14th Amendment. 
• Ronald Reagan was okay with background checks for guns. 

Bill Maher on Donald Trump

Great stuff from Bill Maher.

Cardinals 48, Bears 23

The Cardinals went into Chicago today and destroyed the Bears 48-23.   The Cardinals improve to 2-0 on the season.  This is such a fun team to watch when Carson Palmer is at the helm, hopefully they can keep him healthy this season.  Nice win Cards!

Observations:

• It was great seeing 3 touchdowns from Larry Fitzgerald. 
• Carson Palmer has now won 8 straight starts.  
• I predict that David Johnson's role increases as the season progresses. 
• Carson Palmer has yet to be sacked this season. 
• The Cardinals were 4 for 4 in the red zone. 
• 48 points is the most the Cardinals have scored on the road since 1965. 
• The Cardinals defensed the screen pass much better this week. 
• It seems like Frostee Rucker is always making plays. 
• The Cardinals are really good when playing outside the NFC West. 
• Those interceptions from Tony Jefferson & Patrick Peterson broke this game open.
• I like the flea flicker from the Cardinals offense.   
• 48 points is the most the Bears have ever allowed at Soldier Field. 
• Chris Johnson still has some life in him. 
• Larry Fitzgerald continues to climb into some very elite company. 
• Josh Mauro has really stepped up his game this season. 
• I laugh every time I see that attempted tackle from Jay Cutler. 
• Jimmy Clausen is still in the NFL?  Who knew? 
• The Bears had 14 penalties today, you can't win like that. 
• I'm guessing the Bears are regretting that time they didn't hire Bruce Arians.
• Up next?  San Francisco 49ers in Glendale next Sunday. 

Vikings 26, Lions 16

The Vikings knocked off the Lions 26-16 today in Minneapolis to improve to 1-1 on the season.  I'm not sure what happened to the Vikings last week, but this looked more like the Vikings team I was expecting.  It's certainly a good win to build some momentum on, hopefully they can keep things rolling.

Observations:

• Adrian Peterson is back!  Just hold onto the ball please! 
• Teddy Bridgewater looked much more confident today. 
• The Vikings rush defense really cleaned things up this week. 
• Nice play calling on the goal line by the Vikings. 
• The officiating late in the game was a bit questionable. 
• Harrison Smith is playing at a real high level. 
• I liked the trickery with Jarius Wright. 
• The Vikings have to be concerned with Blair Walsh at this point.
• Captain Munnerlyn had a nice game at CB for the Vikings today.
• Adrian Peterson really redeemed himself on that missed block.
• Turnovers:  Lions 3, Vikings 1
• Matt Kalil has been much improved thus far this season. 
• Only 1 sack by the Vikings today, they need to up the pressure.  
• Marcus Sherels continues to shine on special teams. 
• Keep your head in the game Anthony Barr.  
• I like Justin Trattou, he deserves more play time. 
• 10 penalties on the Vikings, that needs to be cleaned up.  
• Cordarrelle Patterson apparently was not part of the Vikings game plan. 
• Calvin Johnson is still a beast, there's no stopping that guy. 
• Up next?  San Diego Chargers @ TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. 

Bernie Sanders @ Liberty University

This really is a pretty remarkable speech by Bernie Sanders at conservative Liberty University.



I'm becoming more and more convinced that Bernie Sanders is the person who can best lead us in a very critical junction in American history.

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. 

Arizona State 34, New Mexico 10

Arizona State knocked off New Mexico 34-10 tonight in a rare Friday night game.  The Sun Devils improve to 2-1 on the season.  ASU got off to a real slow start in this one, they were only up 3-0 with less than 2 minutes to go in the first half before finally kicking into gear.  Still, I wasn't overly impressed, this was not a good New Mexico team they were playing.  The PAC-12 season starts next Saturday, they will need to play a lot better if they want to contend for the PAC-12 South title.

Observations:

• Demario Richard finished with 257 total yards & 2 TD's. 
• Mike Bercovici had his best game of the season.  
• ASU will need to tighten up their rush defense soon. 
• D.J. Foster has caught a pass in every ASU game he has played in. 
• Matt Haack appears to have redeemed himself.  
• ASU really needs a deep threat WR to emerge. 
• Total Yards:  Arizona State 449, New Mexico 295
• Time of Possession:  New Mexico 36:21, Arizona State 23:39
• That 93 yard touchdown pass was the 3rd longest in ASU history. 
• I'm surprised that ASU didn't get Manny Wilkens a few snaps. 
• Still no Kalen Ballage tonight.  They need him on the field. 
• It sounds like Beau Grahams departure has hurt the Sun Devils offense. 
• Apparently there are better things to do in Tempe on a Friday night.  
• I had forgotten all about the Victory Bell? 
• I really hate you PAC-12 Network!
• Up next?  USC next Saturday in Tempe. 

Victoria's Secret So Obsessed!

I think I'm becoming obsessed.

AZ Tidbits

• All of these freeway shootings are starting to freak me out. 
• Arizona is losing college educated workers to other states. 
• Arizona Coyotes deal Brandon Gormley for Stefan Elliott.
• I could support a passenger rail link between Phoenix and Tucson.  
• The fight over the Salt River wild horses is only partly about the horses.
• Spring Training is quite the boon to the Phoenix metro area.  
• Donald Trump still leading in Arizona GOP Presidential polling. 
• Arizona State tops US News Most Innovative Schools list. 
• Yet another new uniform for the Phoenix Suns. 
• Arizona's uninsured rate drops significantly under Obamacare. 
• The recent flooding on the Arizona/Utah border was crazy.  
• Should we really have lobbyists on the Arizona Corporate Commission?  
• Are we sure that Governor Ducey's plan to fund education is sound? 
• I really need to hike the Havasu Falls one of these days. 
• Look for the Arizona Diamondbacks to add a front line starter this offseason.
• I am beginning to sour on Kyrsten Sinema. 
• Should Arizona be worried about the Colorado River water shortage? 
• Union membership in Arizona is on the rise. 
• Have you seen former Arizona Governor Jan Brewer in those anti-aging ads? 
• Arizona State still in good position with Thon Maker.

Larry Wilmore on Donald Trump

Good stuff from Larry Wilmore!!

Get More: Comedy Central,Funny Videos,Funny TV Shows

2016 Presidential Field Update

Rick Perry is out and Lawrence Lessig is in.  That leaves us with 6 Democrats now in the running along with 16 Republicans.  Republicans should probably be pushing for a few more to drop out too so that they can begin coalescing around a few legitimate contenders.  We are also still awaiting a final decision from Joe Biden.

Here's how they rank in my opinion (as far as their chances):

Democrats:

1. Hillary Clinton
2. Bernie Sanders
3. Martin O'Malley
4. Lawrence Lessig
5. Jim Webb
6. Lincoln Chafee

Republicans

1. Donald Trump
2. John Kasich
3. Jeb Bush
4. Ben Carson
5. Marco Rubio
6. Ted Cruz
7. Carly Fiorina
8. Rand Paul
9. Mike Huckabee
10. Scott Walker
11. Chris Christie
12. Lindsey Graham
13. Rick Santorum
14. Bobby Jindal
15. George Pataki 
16. Jim Gilmore

Lawrence Lessig is a long shot, I like the idea he is proposing but I doubt that it takes off.  

49ers 20, Vikings 3

The Vikings opened their season tonight with a 20-3 loss in San Francisco to the 49ers.  It was an all around sloppy and disjointed effort from the Vikings, they were beat in every facet of the game.  I'll even go so far as to say that this was the worst Vikings performance of the short Mike Zimmer tenure.  What a discouraging start to the season.  On the bright side, there are still 15 games to right the ship.

Observations:

• Rumors of the 49ers demise have been greatly exaggerated. 
• San Francisco dominated both sides of the line of scrimmage. 
• Teddy Bridgewater sure seemed quick to check down.  
• Perhaps the Vikings should have gotten AP some pre-season carries. 
• What the heck has happened to Blair Walsh?  
• Why no hail mary from the Vikings to end the first half? 
• The Vikings sorely miss Phil Loadholt & John Sullivan. 
• It was not a good night for the officials either. 
• Carlos Hyde looked much better than Adrian Peterson tonight.
• The Vikings were out coached tonight, I didn't see that coming. 
• Rushing Yards:  49ers 230, Vikings 71
• The Vikings were 1-9 in third down situations.  
• Harrison Smith is sure not afraid to lay the wood!  
• The Vikings pass protection is a mess. 
• Eric Mangini was really dialing up the heat tonight.
• Does Reggie Bush get injured in every game? 
• You are not in Australia anymore Jarryd Hayne. 
• Those black 49ers uniforms are terrible. 
• That Chris Berman/Trent Dilfer ESPN combination was brutal. 
• Up next?  Detroit Lions next Sunday in Minneapolis. 

John Oliver on Public Defenders

Once again, John Oliver makes some good points.

Cardinals 31, Saints 19

The Arizona Cardinals opened their season today with a 31-19 win over the New Orleans Saints at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.  Overall, it was a nice win, they are just a different team with Carson Palmer out on the field.  They certainly have a few things to clean up, but what team doesn't after week 1?  Nice job Cards!

Observations:

• The Cardinals opening drive of the season was a thing of beauty. 
• I really like the way Bruce Arians coaches football. 
• The lack of a pass rush continues to haunt the Cardinals. 
• It was good to see the Cardinals establish a running game. 
• Darren Fells is not exactly a speed burner, but he's developing nicely. 
• The Cardinals are a very good team with Carson Palmer as their QB. 
• The Saints were killing the Cardinals with the screen pass. 
• Larry Fitzgerald continues to shine for the Cardinals. 
• The Cardinals RB depth is much improved from last season. 
• That Cardinals 4th down penalty on the Saints punt really hurt. 
• David Johnson is going to be okay on kick returns.  
• It was good to see Michael Floyd, Jermaine Gresham & Troy Niklas on the field.
• The Cardinals offensive line did not give up any sacks today!!
• I didn't like the way Andre Ellington went down in the 4th quarter. 
• University of Phoenix Stadium is becoming a hard place for opponents to play. 
• James Bettcher did okay in his first game as Cardinals defensive coordinator.
• Drew Brees is still a really, really good QB.    
• Training camp really appears to have tore up the stadium turf. 
• Up next?  @ Chicago to take on the Bears next Sunday. 

Joe Biden on Late Night

He'd make a strong candidate.



More here.

Arizona State 35, Cal Poly 21

The Sun Devils knocked off Cal Poly 35-21 tonight at Sun Devil Stadium to improve to 1-1 on the season. This game was much closer than the score indicates, it was 21-21 well into the 4th quarter.  That Cal Poly wishbone really befuddled the Sun Devils, they are lucky to come out of this game with a win.  The Sun Devil's overall youth and inexperience really showed, it may take them some time to get things clicking on all cylinders.  A win is a win though, they'll take it.

Observations:

• Arizona State continue to look highly overrated at this point. 
• The Sun Devils really need a confidence booster. 
• You don't see the triple option much in college football nowadays.
• Cal Poly only had 8 pass attempts all game.  
• Please keep feeding DJ Foster the football!!
• Mike Bercovici's inability to run the ball may be limiting the Sun Devils offense. 
• ASU really needs to find a deep threat at WR.  
• Koby Kohl is developing into a nice TE.  
• Demario Richard had a nice game running the fooball.  
• The Sun Devil defense went into the tank when Ami Latu was injured. 
• Holy Taylor Kelly, Mike Bercovici knows how to pooch punt too. 
• The Sun Devils are really good when they shut down their opponents early. 
• Total Yards:  Arizona State 531, Cal Poly 330
• Passing Yards:  Arizona State 283, Cal Poly 46
• Props to Tim White for stepping up late for the Devils. 
• DJ Foster has now caught a pass in 42 consecutive games. 
• ASU OC Mike Norvell called plays from the booth for the first time. 
• Kallen Ballage is still out, he could have helped. 
• Still no deal between the PAC-12 Network & Directv. 
• Up next?  New Mexico @ Sun Devil Stadium next Friday. 

Minnesota 23, Colorado State 20

The Gophers pulled out a 23-20 OT win over Colorado State today to improve to 1-1 on the season.  It was not a pretty win, but I guess you take a road win over a quality opponent any way you can get them.  The offense still has looks of work to do, they are getting no push along the OL, the QB play has been very mediocre and they are dropping too many passes.  Defensively, the Gophers played well but they missed way too many tackles for my tastes.  Lots of work to do.

Observations:

• Even Jerry Kill was embarrassed by his teams offensive performance. 
• Colorado State was stacking the box to stop the run, no fear of Leidner. 
• This was easily Drew Wolitarsky's best game as a Gopher. 
• Rodney Smith continues to impress at RB for Minnesota. 
• Steven Richardson is clearly the Gophers best defensive lineman. 
• There was no quit in the Gophers today. 
• Road game + altitude + good opponent = trouble.  
• The Gophers pass rush really needs to improve.  
• Once again, some poor officiating today, it's becoming a troubling trend.  
• Minnesota need to start making some big plays.  
• Craig James needs to use better judgment on punt returns. 
• The Gophers do seem more willing to pass the ball this season. 
• Minnesota dropped too many passes, that has to stop. 
• Ryan Santoso's leg continues to impress.  Needs consistency though. 
• Turnovers:  Colorado State 4, Minnesota 2
• Total Yards:  Minnesota 413, Colorado State 314
• Is it my imagination or are college games getting longer? 
• Rashard Higgins would have probably helped Colorado State. 
• When did Minnesota fans start traveling so well?  
• Up next?  Kent State @ TCF Bank Stadium next Saturday.