Minnesota Gophers: So Close!

Perhaps the University of Minnesota’s best attribute is their relentlessness. That refusal to quit was on display again on Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium against the number 8 team in the country, California and Heisman hopeful running back Jahvid Best. The Gophers clawed back from a 14 point deficit in the 2 nd quarter and again in the 3 rd, before finally running out of gas in the fourth quarter and losing 35-21.

Similar to the previous two games, Best was just too much for his opponent. He ran for 131 yards and 5 touchdowns and got some help from his quarterback, Kevin Riley. Riley threw for 252 yards on 16 for 25, with no touchdowns, and more importantly, no interceptions. That was a far contrast from Minnesota’s quarterback Adam Weber. Weber threw for 226 yards, on 21 for 32, with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Weber threw a fatal interception late in the fourth quarter with momentum clearly in Minnesota’s favor that led to another Best touchdown.

For California, the win moved them up the media poll to number six in the country and looking forward to solidifying their status as the 2009 Pac Ten powerhouse in two weeks against USC. For Minnesota, the loss wasn’t necessarily that bad. Head Coach Tim Brewster can now use the close loss as evidence that the team is heading in the right direction and can run with the best teams in the country. Minus a missed assignment here and a turnover there, Minnesota could have stolen this game from California.

Up next for Minnesota is a trip to Northwestern. The 2-1 Wildcats are coming off a difficult loss to Syracuse. Minnesota must win this game to gain some momentum heading into their usual battle with the Badgers on October 3 rd. The Gophers need to find their running game before they hit the heart of their Big Ten schedule….they are quickly running out of time.

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