2008 Woodie Awards
A rematch one year in the making
By: Chris Voloschuk
Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: Sports
It's been a shade over one year since BG stunned Minnesota at the Metrodome in the season opener, and the roads both teams have traveled have been markedly different.
For the Falcons, the 32-31 victory in overtime over the Golden Gophers propelled them to an 8-5 record - their best in three years. Along with the eight wins came the team's first bowl bid in three years - the GMAC Bowl.
With a successful 2007 to build on, the Falcons traveled to Heinz Field last week to open the new season against the much-favored Pitt Panthers. Again, BG was able to stun a non-conference opponent on their home field, this time with a resounding 27-17 final score.
Minnesota, on the other hand, never quite recovered from the 2007 opener. Under new head coach Tim Brewster, the Gophers struggled to a 1-11 record - worst in the Big 10. In their first game last week against Northern Illinois, they struggled a bit more, but managed to come out on top late, 31-27.
Tomorrow, two very different roads will intersect one another, as BG will host Minnesota at Doyt Perry Stadium. It will mark the first time a Big 10 team has ever visited BG, and there's a lot on the line, mainly momentum. Both teams could benefit greatly with a win.
So far, both teams look to be better than they were a year ago.
"[Minnesota's] a vastly improved team," said BG coach Gregg Brandon. "They've had a year in their system. Their quarterback's a good player. They've got a good receiver in [Eric] Decker. Their offensive line is built for the Big 10 … Their defense is much, much faster."
The Gophers' speed will be improved on both sides of the ball due to Brewster's heavy recruitment of the junior college ranks to bring in ready talent for quicker improvement. On offense, the team will be paced by sophomore quarterback Adam Weber and Decker, a top receiver. Both were instrumental in the win over NIU.
On defense, Minnesota will feature a unit that recorded eight tackles for a loss, two sacks and three forced fumbles a week ago.
The Falcons, who have been primarily an offensive team for years, could very well field their best defense in a long while. After holding Pitt scoreless in the second half last week, confidence will be high.
Offensively, BG will use its spread scheme to throw multiple formations, and even multiple quarterbacks, at the Gophers. With Sheehan, Barnes and Anthony Turner able to line up under center, the Falcons could be tough to figure out.
"We'll use a million more [formations]," Brandon said. "We had some fun with that. It was nice to see the kids go out and execute."
The team that executes best tomorrow will not only take a 2-0 record down its respective road, but will also gain unique bragging rights in the first ever Big 10 at BG meeting.
The Matchup: By the Numbers
0: BIG 10 VISITS TO THE DOYT-- Minnesota will be the first Big Ten team to ever come to Doyt Perry Stadium.
64: BG'S TOTAL RUSHING YARDS-- The Falcons rushed for 64 yards against Pitt in week one; led by Chris Bullock.
127: UM'S TOTAL RUSHING YARDS-- Minnesota rushed for 127 yards against Northern Illinois in week one.
190: BG'S TOTAL PASSING YARDS-- The Falcons passed for 190 yards against Pitt with three different quarterbacks.
298: UM'S TOTAL PASSING YARDS-- Minnesota passed for 298 yards
against Northern Illinois
Heavyweights: Guys to watch on Saturday
For the Falcons, the 32-31 victory in overtime over the Golden Gophers propelled them to an 8-5 record - their best in three years. Along with the eight wins came the team's first bowl bid in three years - the GMAC Bowl.
With a successful 2007 to build on, the Falcons traveled to Heinz Field last week to open the new season against the much-favored Pitt Panthers. Again, BG was able to stun a non-conference opponent on their home field, this time with a resounding 27-17 final score.
Minnesota, on the other hand, never quite recovered from the 2007 opener. Under new head coach Tim Brewster, the Gophers struggled to a 1-11 record - worst in the Big 10. In their first game last week against Northern Illinois, they struggled a bit more, but managed to come out on top late, 31-27.
Tomorrow, two very different roads will intersect one another, as BG will host Minnesota at Doyt Perry Stadium. It will mark the first time a Big 10 team has ever visited BG, and there's a lot on the line, mainly momentum. Both teams could benefit greatly with a win.
So far, both teams look to be better than they were a year ago.
"[Minnesota's] a vastly improved team," said BG coach Gregg Brandon. "They've had a year in their system. Their quarterback's a good player. They've got a good receiver in [Eric] Decker. Their offensive line is built for the Big 10 … Their defense is much, much faster."
The Gophers' speed will be improved on both sides of the ball due to Brewster's heavy recruitment of the junior college ranks to bring in ready talent for quicker improvement. On offense, the team will be paced by sophomore quarterback Adam Weber and Decker, a top receiver. Both were instrumental in the win over NIU.
On defense, Minnesota will feature a unit that recorded eight tackles for a loss, two sacks and three forced fumbles a week ago.
The Falcons, who have been primarily an offensive team for years, could very well field their best defense in a long while. After holding Pitt scoreless in the second half last week, confidence will be high.
Offensively, BG will use its spread scheme to throw multiple formations, and even multiple quarterbacks, at the Gophers. With Sheehan, Barnes and Anthony Turner able to line up under center, the Falcons could be tough to figure out.
"We'll use a million more [formations]," Brandon said. "We had some fun with that. It was nice to see the kids go out and execute."
The team that executes best tomorrow will not only take a 2-0 record down its respective road, but will also gain unique bragging rights in the first ever Big 10 at BG meeting.
The Matchup: By the Numbers
0: BIG 10 VISITS TO THE DOYT-- Minnesota will be the first Big Ten team to ever come to Doyt Perry Stadium.
64: BG'S TOTAL RUSHING YARDS-- The Falcons rushed for 64 yards against Pitt in week one; led by Chris Bullock.
127: UM'S TOTAL RUSHING YARDS-- Minnesota rushed for 127 yards against Northern Illinois in week one.
190: BG'S TOTAL PASSING YARDS-- The Falcons passed for 190 yards against Pitt with three different quarterbacks.
298: UM'S TOTAL PASSING YARDS-- Minnesota passed for 298 yards
against Northern Illinois
Heavyweights: Guys to watch on Saturday
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