[NU Sports] The road to Detroit

[Joe Thiegs]

Actually, Pinnix (#29) has turf toe, which has been plaguing him the last
few weeks, and he hasn't been able to plant his foot effectively (which
obviously is bad for a running back).  He's also been fumbling lately, which
he hadn't done much at all the last couple of years.  True freshman Duane
(pronounced "Doo-JUAN") Bennett (#22) has been impressive but is banged up
now too.  Jay Thomas (#25), who also returns kicks, has tremendous
explosiveness and may be the most dangerous of the three but has been in
Brewster's doghouse for some reason, maybe because of a couple of fumbles.
Expect to see more of Thomas this week. Point being, Minnesota is a solid
three-deep at running back, so relatively lower-than-usual numbers for
Pinnix isn't necessarily that favorable for NU.

I think the key for NU on defense will be pass defense.  rFR Adam Weber has
tied the Minnesota record for TDs by a freshman already this year, but I
think he also leads the nation in INTs.  He gets good protection and can run
well (takes very few sacks), but has been picked off a lot, kind of like
Curtis Painter last year.  I believe I heard Dunbar comparing Weber to a
young Brett Basanez.

Minnesota will score some points, maybe lots.  The question is how can
Minnesota contain C.J. Bacher?  The Gophers are last in the nation in
passing defense and second-to-last in total defense.  Not good, facing the
Wildcat O.

I have watched both teams extensively this year, and I would be surprised if
Minnesota wins the game.  I think the Gophers will get better as they
progress, but this game is just a bad matchup for Minnesota's defense.

-Joe


-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces at tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces at tssi.com] On
Behalf Of WildElk2 at aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2007 8:11 PM
To: michael.vance at att.net; nwu-sports at tssi.com
Subject: Re: [NU Sports] The road to Detroit

The key to this season lies in the next two weeks. Can we take care  of 
business? Minnesota and E. Michigan.  Food for thought: Minnesota is  coming
off a 
wicked 3 games of Purdue, Ohio At. and at Indiana This won't be an  easy
game. 
 The odds-makers have installed NU as a 7 point favorite.   I concur with 
this line as Minnesota will "like the change."
   But a look at Minnesota's stats.  Their big gun Pinnix at  RB has 500 
yards; an avg. of 80 yards pergame, which I caution all is high  considering
the 
"Goephs" are always playing from behind.  Consider: Per U  of M's web site: 
They've been outscored 2-1 in the 1st half ( a good reason why  Pinnix only
has 
500 yards). 
  If you believe this scenario, get on them early.
 
           GO  CATS!!!              Eric



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