[NU Sports] Trouble in Gopher Land

[Joe Thiegs]

Lipscomb has never played a down for the Gophers so it's not really the loss
of a known quantity, but people were excited about him as potentially the
next great Minnesota running back.  He may eventually play for Minnesota but
is headed to JUCO for now.  A year ago, the Gophers had two four-star RB
commits (Eric Stephens, who changed his commitment in favor of Texas Tech,
and Hasan Lipscomb) but now none from that class.  I don't think the running
game will be hurt that much, though, since there is decent (though perhaps
not spectacular) talent and depth returning or waiting in the wings.  The OL
should be much improved from last year, which was the greatest problem with
the 2008 running game, along with starting RB Duane Bennett's ACL injury.
See http://www.gopherhole.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1007
for a pretty good perspective on this year without Lipscomb.

The loss of Brock, on the other hand, is a significant blow to the defense,
IMO.  Kim Royster, who transferred from Wisconsin, will play after his year
of sitting out last season, so that should take a little of the sting out
and I would look for Royster to start at safety now along with Kyle Theret,
who I see as pretty solid too.  Depth at safety could be an issue, though.

-Joe

P.S.  I am watching from my window right now some of the near-final
landscaping and finishing flourishes being put in at TCF Bank Stadium and,
folks, it is going to be an absolutely phenomenal place to see a
game--hopefully one of the best game-day experiences in the country.  The
first word out of the mouths of most people who I've observed seeing it in
person for the first time is: "Wow."  I cannot adequately express to you how
excited I am for September 12th.  I get goosebumps just thinking about it.
Be sure to get your tickets for October 2, 2010, and make the road trip--you
won't regret it!  I will try to make sure that the NU Club of the Twin
Cities helps plan some things for visiting 'Cat fans (and there are quite a
few NU alums like my wife and me living here already).  :)

-----Original Message-----
From: nwu-sports-bounces at tssi.com [mailto:nwu-sports-bounces at tssi.com] On
Behalf Of NEONRye at aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 7:38 PM
To: nwu-sports at romaine.tssi.com
Subject: [NU Sports] Trouble in Gopher Land

Check this out--should be helpful when the 'Cats play Minny--who have lost  
2 key players:  _http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/11954283_ 
(http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/11954283) 
 
Paul Levinson
**************Snoop, Lil Wayne, Lady GaGa -- land the tix you need for this 
summer's biggest tours. Tourtracker.com 
(http://www.tourtracker.com/?ncid=emlcntusmusi00000007)
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