5 Questions with Minnesota Expert

BeaversEdge.com caught up with Matt Jessen-Howard of TheGopherReport.com on the Rivals.com network to get an in-depth look at the Oregon State Beavers' opponent this weekend.

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Matt Jessen-Howard: "That's a great question. Heading into the game, energy for Gopher football was very strong because of the culture that PJ Fleck has brought in and his enthusiasm. Buffalo was one of the very worst teams in all of FBS last year and were projected to be again this year too, so a ten-point victory at home didn't exactly thrill the masses. Still, I think Fleck has a lot of leeway from fans because of his popularity, and I'd say the vibe is still one of excitement. However, expectations have likely lessened a little bit for this year within the fanbase."

MJH: "Conor Rhoda and Demry Croft split drives against Buffalo, and they'll likely do so again versus Oregon State. Croft is more mobile, which makes him a running threat in Kirk Ciarrocca's run-pass option offense. Rhoda is not as mobile and did not keep on an option a single time against Buffalo, which made the option less effective.

In fall practice, Croft had a better arm as well. Rhoda, at least at one point, understood the playbook and defenses better, but against Buffalo, he threw a red zone interception because he misread a coverage. While Croft probably played better against Buffalo, he didn't necessarily assert himself as the clear starter so both are expected to get playing time against the Beavers."

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MJH: "Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks are both All Big Ten-quality backs. Smith has good speed and is very elusive. He's deceptively agile and his ability to cut makes it hard for defenders to get a body on him while tackling. Brooks also has good speed and cutting ability, but is a more aggressive runner and more powerful. The two backs struggled against Buffalo because the offensive line gave them very little to work with. To me, the play of Minnesota's offensive line is an x-factor in this game.

"Sophomore wide receiver Tyler Johnson has emerged as Minnesota's best receiving threat. He's lacks great straight-line speed but is quick, good hands, and an excellent vertical.

MJH: "Minnesota is anchored on the defensive line by All-Big Ten defensive tackle Steven Richardson. He graded out on Pro Football Focus as the Gophers' top returning player and for good reason. Richardson is just 5'11" but excellent against both the run and in pass rush situations. He actually didn't record a single stat against Buffalo, but after watching film, he stuck out as a player who was very disruptive and caused havoc.

"Linebacker Jon Celestin is another returning All-Big Ten nominee. He's nicknamed 'thumper' for his hard-hitting ability. Overall, the linebackers are talented and perhaps the deepest position group on the team. The "R" position (stand-up end) is less experienced and skilled against the run.

"Safety Antoine Winfield Jr., the son of former NFL cornerback Antoine Winfield, is a talented, high IQ safety that was excellent against Buffalo. Winfield may also see time in the nickel."

MJH: "Minnesota had a poor showing against Buffalo, and I think that's largely why Vegas had a close line. Vegas had Minnesota winning 7.5 games before the season started and most computer models projected the Gophers would be about the 50th best team in the country. However, their performance against Buffalo certainly did not match that of a seven or eight win team.

"I have Minnesota winning 31-21. Minnesota's a young team and I expect them to improve after a poor week one performance under a new coaching regime."