Minnesota 51, UNLV 23

College football is back!  The Gophers open with a big 51-23 win over UNLV tonight.  It wasn't a pretty game, the Gophers still have a lot of work to do on both sides of the ball, but why quibble, it's a nice win for a young team, I'll take it.  I admit though, I was a bit worried early on, but the Gopher coaches seem to make the right adjustments and got outstanding play from their special teams as well as a few big plays to pull away at the end.  Let the Jerry Kill year 3 magic continue! 

Observations:

• 51 points is the most points the Gophers have scored at TCF Bank Stadium.
• Only 1 penalty for 5 yards for the Gophers.  That's remarkable. 
• UNLV returns 18 starters from last year, I have to believe they take a step up this year.
• Ra'Shede Hageman is still a beast.  
• Total Yards:  UNLV 419, Minnesota 320
• Total Plays:  UNLV 85, Minnesota 61
• The Gopher WR's need to do a better job of getting separation. 
• I sure hope that Donnell Kirkwood's ankle injury isn't serious. 
• 51 points is the most points in a game for the Gophers under Jerry Kill.
• Up next?  @ New Mexico St next Saturday.