Minnesota 20, Northwestern 17

Impressive 20-17 road victory for the Gophers today in Evanston, IL over Northwestern.  With this victory, the Gophers improve to 5-2 on the season (and 1-3 in the B1G).  The Gophers went into this game as a 12 point underdog and were playing without head coach Jerry Kill once again.  Reports are that Jerry Kill gave the team a half time speech, I don't know what he said but the Gophers played a heckuva second half.  Hopefully, they can get some positive momentum building down the stretch.

Observations:

• There was a second half Jerry Kill press box sighting.  Good to see.
• Both QB's played today, Philip Nelson seemed to move the offense better today. 
• Time management on behalf of the Gophers to close first half was just abysmal.
• Horrible penalty call in the 3rd quarter costs the Gophers a TD.  
• True freshman WR Drew Wolitarsky made his first start, he's a huge target.  
• Ra'Shede Hageman was in beast mode once again.  NFL bound!
• LB James Manuel had a nice game.   Nice pick 6!
• Lots of mental mistakes by the Gophers today, they didn't seem ready to play at the start.
• Was that starting DB Brock Vereen playing at CB today? 
• No Venric Mark and Kain Colter today for Northwestern. 
• Minnesota punter Peter Mortell is quietly having a stellar season.  
• Minnesota committed an uncharacteristic 9 penalties today.  
• Northwestern is reeling, that's 3 straight losses for them. 
• It was nice to see Ed Olson finally getting some playing time at OT.
• David Cobb had a nice game. 103 yards rushing. Nice RB depth for the Gophers.
• Have I mentioned that I'm not a fan of the Beth Mowins & Joey Galloway combo? 
• Up next?  Next Saturday @ home against Nebraska.